xxgoblin-dumplingxx

[xxgoblin-dumplingxx]

Unconventional Truth: Nine

"What in the hell is that?" Dana asked watching you come through the door with that looked like a box that weighed as much as you did.

"A new betting pool," Robby said grinning.

"Oh shit!" Dana hissed, "Is that-"

"Oh yeah. One history professor that can make Jack Abbot blush," he muttered. Louder, so you can hear him, he called, "Y/N what brings you all the way down here?"

"Well," you huff, readjusting your box. "It's the end of the session for summer classes. So. Stress baking. And that means I have goodies to bring to my favorite Emergency department."

"What kind of goodies?" Dana asked, standing on her toes to peek in the box.

"Cookies, Zucchini bread, and blueberry muffins," you tell her, grinning. "The cookies are chocolate chip."

Robby whistled and took the box with an exaggerated grunt, "Did you make enough? I don't think you did, Professor."

"I shot for feeding an army," you muse. If you run out hit me up in like six weeks when I start my next round of edits and I'm ready to put my head through a wall."

He snorted, "C'mon. I'll show you where to put it."

"Thanks!"

He lead you down the hall. Aware that you were caffeinated enough to be practically vibrating as you skipped along next to him. And the contrast between you doing that and walking next to Abbot tickled him. He'd never SEEN the two of you walk next to each other but he'd seen the way the two of you texted.

No one smiled at their crotch out of nowhere. And even if he didn't laugh out loud he smirked. Or snorted. A lot. And he blushed. Things you said made him blush. Jack fucking Abbot. He might as well be kicking his feet and twirling his hair.

And he NEEDED some other people in the pit to see this. Especially Dana. Dana would clock if this was going to pan out in 0.4 seconds. Because Robby really wanted it to.

Jokes aside, this was good for Jack. He was brooding less. His shoulders didn't sag when he walked out of work and into the sunlight. It was like he didn't ry to hide from his own life anymore. And for the few minutes as he helped you unload the box (thoughtfully packed with plastic knives for the bread, plates, and napkins) he debated on saying something.

"Any plans this weekend?" he asked, settling finally on keeping in neutral.

"Well. I have a show to play here in town. And Walker got a job so... not really," you laugh. "Enjoying some quiet."

"Where's the show?" he asked, cocking his head. "Might do a staff bonding-"

"If you want to get a bunch of interns drunk at a folk rock show-"

"Sounds like a great way to torment Jack," he said grinning.

"I. Know. NOTHING." You tell him, pointing viciously, eyes narrowing.

"What's he got on you?" he asked, eyes crinkling.

"I'm not drunk or being waterboarded, so-"

"I won't tell a soul," he swore, grinning, holding up his hands.

"I trust you as far as I can throw you and I can't fucking throw you."

Robby sighed in mock defeat, "Hot and smart. I give. Just, please... For the sake of tormening a mutual friend. Where's your show?"

"You wanna use my art to torture someone and you want me to help you do it?" you ask, looking up at him wounded.

Fuck, Robby thought. "I uh- I didn't mean-"

But before Robby could formulate a good response the breakroom door swung open and Jack looked at the scene, "Robinavich, what'd you do?"

"Nothing, he just wanted to know about the show Friday," you tell him quickly, smiling up at him.

"It's at Mac's and starts at 7:30, right?" Jack said, moving out of the way so Dana could inspect your baked offering and shooting Robby a warning look.

You nod, "That's the one, why?"

"That bar actually has decent beer," he said. "Figured I'd go-"

"You hate going to my shows," you point out. "Too many nerds, remember?"

Jack shrugged, "I like good beer. And the music's not bad."

"At least I know you can turn your hearing aid down if you get annoyed," you snort, rolling your eyes.

Behind you, Dana inhales a cookie crumb and bursts into a coughing fit that masks a laugh and rushes for water and Robby's lips become suspiciously thin. "Whatever, Brat," Jack said, neck flushing. "I'll drive so you can have your post-show drinks in peace."

"Jack, I told you Dominic doesn't-"

Robby's cough to cover a laugh made you pause and before you could say more Jack steered you out of the room handily, looping his arm through yours.

"Verdict?" Robby asked helping himself to a piece of bread.

"Oh. He's a fucking goner," Dana said laughing as she shook her head. "Dunno what life did to that girl but it made her just his type."

_______

Jack waited on the roof for hand off and leaned on the railing patiently. Replaying the look on your face when he came into the breakroom. What had Robby said to you?

You looked stung. Not devastated. And Robby was fumbling, like he hurt you on accident. Maybe it was nothing. But it still put his hackles up.

When the door opened, he waited until the other man's heavier steps stopped next to his. "So what really happened in the lounge?" he asked. Straightforward. No equivocation. No chess match.

Robby leaned on the railing and huffed a laugh, "I was trying to get her to tell me where her show was to trick you into going-"

"I was already going to go."

"I didn't know that," Robby reminded. "And I didn't think you were into that kind of-"

"The shows are chill," Jack said. "Not too crowded. People are polite mostly. Y/N and her band know a lot of people so there's a revolving door of people that just wander over and chat and wander off." He shrugged, "My therapist said it's good for me."

Robby coughed, "Well. I was teasing her and said that getting you to go would be a good way to torment you- I think I hurt her feelings."

Jack glanced at him sideways, "Ya think?"

"It was a joke after I asked about plans and-"

Jack exhaled slowly, "You should go Friday."

"Jack."

"See what it's really like. You know, since you think it's torture. Maybe if you go support a local artist-"

"Okay okay!" Robby said holding up his hands, "Just don't hit me. I'll go Friday and behave. I'll even get other people to go-"

"Don't let them kill the mood," Jack sighed. "I just want to go enjoy a couple beers and listen to nerds argue about weird shit."

[xxgoblin-dumplingxx]

Unconventional Truth: Eight

Jack looked down at his phone as he crashed onto his couch after a long night and blinked.

"Another show another wardrobe malfunction looking for a place to happen" the caption on the photo read. One hand held your phone and the other was on your hip. You pouted a little looking annoyed. Red lips and big dramaic eye make up he'd never seen you wear... He didn't think you even wore much make up day to day.

But what caught his attention was corseted cleavage and a white peasant blouse with a flowing green skirt. A mirror selfie had never made his mouth go dry but it DID look like you were about to fall out of it if you breathed in too deep.

"Strip show?" he questioned. "Thought you were a folk band not a burlesque show."

"That was College. If I tried that now people would be sad."

"Je-sus," Jack hissed, trying not to think about pearls and feathers. And ignore the ache that thought inspired.

"I'm telling Walker," He texted back.

"If you wanna go for the hat trick you can tell him I was a phone sex operator and I thought about being a dominatrix instead of getting my degree at one point."

Jack barked a laugh and it echoed in the quiet. You had to be fucking with him. At least a little. But it felt... good.

"How did the show go, brat?" he asked opting to steer away from asking for details.

"The girls stayed seated, thankfully."

"I'm sure the audience was disappointed."

"Pft. No one wants to see that. I don't even want to see that."

Jack weighed his options a little. He could flirt a little. Or he could just reassure you that you were pretty. Either one could be the wrong move. He LIKED having you around. The last few weeks calling and texting. Being around your family- it felt good. Right somehow. And he didn't want to risk that.

His therapist had been telling him he was stagnating. That it was okay to move outside his comfort zone but- this was already outside of everything.

He sucked in his cheeks and exhaled slowly, looking up at the celing. Like he was going to find an answer written there. But before he could answer his phone dinged again.

"Ignore me, Jackie. I'm doing shots at an airport at 8am. Clearly crashing out."

He read the message and his lip twitched just a little. You solved the problem for him- but only part of it.

"Don't get put on a list."

"Nah. I'll be asleep in business class before takeoff. It's strategic."

"Text me when you land?"

"You and Walker both :)"

"Jackie," he huffed. The last person to call him that unscathed was his mother. And she hadn't called him that since he left for basic. Said it didn't fit right when he got back. "Such a brat."

He tossed his phone on the coffee table and his foot beside it, opening his beer as he flipped the tv on lazily and shoved a hand in his hoodie pocket. Scrolling idly through the things you added to the "Guest" account you'd set up on his netflix.

It wasn't a lot but- the five things that were there made his brows furrow. He snapped a picture and sent it to you.

"Are you 32...?" he teased.

"Wednesday sparks joy. And I watch the other shit for background noise while I grade."

"So you're really 45."

"Leave me and my crime proceedurals alone or I'll cry. In public."

"If you start watching Murder She Wrote I'm staging an intervention!"

"I say Jessica was really the murderer. She was fucking the Sheriff and he helped her cover it up... She needed book fodder."

He shook his head and chuckled in spite of himself. "We'll meet you at your apartment with the intervention specialist."

"Just make sure that there's buffalo chicken dip or I'm not coming, handsome. Gotta go. Boarding."

"Be safe, Brat."

Almost against his will he scrolled over and pushed play on fucking Wednesday shrugging to himself. If nothing else maybe it would bore him enough to make him want to go to bed.

[xxgoblin-dumplingxx]

“DON’T write this character like-“

“Stop drawing them with-!”

“I’m so sick of fandom sleeping on-“

My friend, do it yourself then.

[xxgoblin-dumplingxx]

Unconventional Truth: Seven

Abbot walked into the ED with a packed lunch and a thermos of fresh ground french roast from a grinder that he'd forgotten he even had. The back of his neck still burning hot.

"How's your house guest?" Dana taunted affectionately.

"A great damn cook- even if she plays folk punk," Abbot said, mock toasting with the thermos before heading towards the roof.

Truth be told, he was a little sad you were going back home now that Alexis and the kids were heading home. You hadn't been there much- he hadn't either. Tagging along while you gleefully kidnapped your niece and nephew to sugar them up and spoil them up.

"Alexis!" you called, "I return your spawn!"

"I take it they have shit they don't need?" she asked archly, hugging them as she took in new sunglasses or random little toys.

"Duh," you answer, helping yourself to a drink and handing one to Jack.

"And you fed them nothing but sugar."

"Do I ever do anything else?" You answer grinning, flinging your arms around her neck and giving her your best puppy dog eyes.

"You're the worst. I love you," she said, accepting a kiss on the cheek and turning to order the kids to wash up. "My oldest fucking child and she does this to me," she said to Jack rolling her eyes. "Believe this shit?"

"And you let her," Walker huffed.

"Hey. I didn't want to kill the mood-"

"It's the vibe Jack," Gabby corrected, tugging his sleeve. "Y/N told you not to kill the vibe."

It was... fun. In a way he didn't expect it to be. He thought that tagging along the first day would kill the urges he had. Seeing you like that. Being with kids. Romping around the city just doing touristy shit and shopping and drinking smoothies and shit.

But it didn't.

He kept coming back, pointing out that it might be good for you to have extra hands. Just so he could... be there. You kissed chubby little cheeks and hugged them and spoiled them with reckless abandon. They soaked it all in like little sponges. Every little joke. Every time you talked to them like they mattered. Every selfie... And he realized something important. It was soothing something painful for you too.

Jack shouldered the door to the rool open and took a sip of his coffee, " 'Sup?"

"Same shit different day, brother," Robby sighed. "Get married yet?"

"Fuck off."

"Is she in your bed or-"

"My guest bedroom, thanks," Jack said. "and she's been very considerate."

"So you're not fucking yet but you want to really bad," Robby said, suppressing a smirk with difficulty.

Jack felt himself turning red and coughed. "She's a nice kid. Her nephew- oldest nephew died and his birthday was this weekend. She wanted to give them all time to be together. I thought it was stupid for her to spend money on a hotel after she got her brother's car back."

Robby nodded after a moment, "How did it go?"

"Her nephew would have been 16- that car was supposed to be his birthday present," Jack smiled a little. "Even I choked up a little. But I'll deny it if-"

"Not saying a word," Robby said, eyes crinkling.

"Kraken still here?" Abbot asked, bracing for the answer.

"Oh yeah."

"Fuck."

Knock on wood that it was quiet. That the city kept it's shit together. Because he didn't look forward to going home to a cold, quiet apartment. It had only been a few days but, having you there- te clacking of keyboard keys or knowing you were asleep across the hall was oddly comforting.

_____________________

"What'cha doing?"

The text notification came through and Jack glanced at it but didn't answer. You knew he was working. Did you mean literally or- He didn't have much time to think about i. There was a car crash coming in and a kid ejected from the vehicle.

He definitely didn't want to tell you about that. Not right now.

"Slammed tonight." he texted quickly. "Not ignoring you. Talk soon."

Three back to back texts. It made him cringe a little as he shoved his phone in his pocket. And he hated how short he sounded but- he didn't have much time. At least now you knew. He was just busy, not mad at you.

He felt his phone buzz, just barely over the chaos in the room but it didn't really register. It's not like he could pounce on it with blood soaked gloves just to text his buddy's kid sister.

It wasn't until later when he was making his coffee, after the dust settled that he could glance at it.

"Be safe, Jack. I'll see you when I get back from Ohio?"

"Sure. Still not letting you pick up the check though."

And he felt himself smirk when you sent him a heart and a middle finger emoji. Brat. You are a brat. But the endearing kind. And it's dangerous waters he's headed towards he knows but- all he can hear is the tantalyzing little bits Alexis dropped in his lap. Always in the kitchen and always when you weren't around. In hushed tones. Like she needed to tell someone. To confess a sin.

"...She just. She had to do it all. Eugene got sick right before Covid hit and it took him out and then well. Covid took Jen out too. We were on the other side of the country and Liz is-" She broke off and shook her head huffing an exasperated breath, "Liz is fucking Liz."

"Christ," Abbot muttered.

Alexis shook her head and flipped a pancake. "Walker and I were falling apart. Mid-divorce spiral. He was doing everything he could to ruin his own life- I- hell. We still regret it, the way it all happened."

He squeezed her forearm and she glanced at him looking out to the little patio where you're sitting with the kids with you're guitar. "She wasn't a baby anymore. She doesn't say it. Doesn't say a lot of things but. It almost broke her. Especially after Gavin. Then her fiancee left her. Twice."

Jack shook his head and whistled softly.

Alexis looked up at him then and raised an eyebrow, "Be nice to my baby, Jack Abbot," she warned holding the spatula threateningly. "You make her cry-"

"Hey! I just took her for wings and didn't let her pay the check," he protested.

She narrowed her eyes at him, "Don't make me shovel talk you."

Those things swam in his head. Every time he looked at you. That big bright smile making the air warm around you and the light seem brighter. Watching your eyes light up when you teased someone. The way you helped the people you loved with no expectation of help in return.

Under it all, you were hurt. Even if you'd made some peace with the past and with the pain, it was still there and still pressing on you. The losses like phantom pain he still felt.

[xxgoblin-dumplingxx]

non-writers will never understand the mental illness of writing an entire conversation in your head while doing dishes and then forgetting every word the second you open a blank doc

[xxgoblin-dumplingxx]

Unconventional Truth: Six

"So, Dr. Abbot," you say, leaning on hands folded under your chin, "why do you keep looking at me like that?"

"Like what?" Jack asked, trying to keep the challenge out of his voice, beer pausing halfway to his mouth.

Your lips twitch, "Every time I answer a question you look at me like a bug you want to study. Or dissect."

"That so?" he hummed, setting his glass down.

The order was in for a couple plates of wings and fries to share and he'd been peppering you with questions. He wanted it all- to know the woman you were now.

And he was learning he'd never really known the kid you were then- No matter how much of your life imitated your art.

"Every time," you tell him. "Am I talking too much?"

"Do you feel like you are?" he asked, leaning in and leaning on his forearms.

"Little bit, yeah."

"I like you talking. You're interesting," he said.

"You're an ER Doctor with a service record," you tell him. "And," you pause mischievously, "more life experience than me-"

"You did not just call me old," he mock growled, scowling at you.

"I didn't say that, I said you had more experience," you say innocently. "Generally, I find that attractive."

"Nice save kid."

You smirk at him over your glass of cider and take a sip, leaning back as a bored-looking waitress set down plates. "If the boot fits, lace it up and wear it, Doctor."

"You're a brat, you know that?"

"Someone might have mentioned it before," you shrug, passing him a set of flatware and a plate.

Jack watches you set about fussing with the table. A busy little mother hen. Getting him another beer ordered and making sure everything was in reach. Laying out napkins. And he swallows hard. You were killing him. Slowly.

You had to know that, didn't you?

"Eat," you tell him laughing. "When I told you I was starving I wasn't kidding. If you're waiting on an invitation-"

He shook his head and followed your lead helping himself. Swallowing hard when you took a bite and groaned, "Best idea I had all day, swear."

"Forgot to eat today, huh?" he asked.

"Too much to do. Had to get Lex and the kids, get them settled, get my stuff to the hotel-"

"Hotel?" he paused mid wing and frowned. Alexis wouldn't have kicked you out of your own house. So why?

"Space," you shrug. "It'll give them time together and well. It's easier for me to step out than it is for them to afford to do it- they have kids to pay for."

He softened, "You're a really good sister, Y/N."

"I try."

For several minutes, there's only eating in companionable silence. Abbot was glad you weren't shy about it if you were that hungry, and he wondered if the weirdo that only wanted you eating salad in public was the douche that left you at the altar.

"You know," Abbot said around a bite of fry, "you could stay with me if you wanted."

"Jack I couldn't ask you to-"

"I'm offering," he shrugged. "I have a guest room. And you just dropped a shitload of money on a classic car."

He watches you carefully wipe your fingers and bite your lip, "I- um-"

"No pressure," he added.

"I do kinda hate hotels," you admit. "I never sleep right."

Abbot nodded. "I get it. I don't either." He smiled a little and wiped his own hands signaling for another beer. "We can go get your bags after this?"

"Sounds great. I just gotta go wash my hands," you tell him sliding out of the booth, wincing slightly as you unstuck the backs of your thighs. "Fuck summer." Jack snorted as he watched you flounce off and tried not to watch you walk away as he pulled out his wallet.

"Don't touch that fucking check!" you called over your shoulder.

"What was that?" he called back handing his card to the waitress with a wink. "My old man hearing just couldn't make it out."

"Goddamn it, Abbot."

________

Opening his door to let you in felt strange. But not unwelcome. "The guest room is down the hall on the right," he said. "I'm right across from you if you need anything just yell."

"Oh, you'll hear me, now?" you pout.

Jack smirked at you, "It's less noisy here, obviously I'd hear you."

"Can't believe you paid for your own bribe dinner," you tutted.

He took your shoulder bag from you and chanced brushing a lock of hair out of your face, "I get tired of eating dinner by myself at 7am. It was nice to have someone to talk to."

You nod, "I get it," you murmur. "Sucks sometimes. Even if I do have a whole circus up here," you tell him, pointing to your temple. "They can't pass me the salt. Or tell me things I don't tell them to say."

"Crowded rooms and you're still all alone," he nodded.

"All the time."

He felt himself melt and brushed his lips against your forehead, "What happens when they all stop talking to you?"

"I get a full night's sleep," you tell him, smiling a little.

[xxgoblin-dumplingxx]

New Secret Knots comic: "Cryptid".

[xxgoblin-dumplingxx]

Unconventional Truth: Five

Jack stood with you as you watched your family drive off and chanced putting an arm around your shoulder, "You did good, kid." he said, squeezing lightly.

"Think so?" you ask, biting your lip.

"Yeah," he said. "Yeah, I do." You didn't just give him a car back. It was the connection. To his kids and their mother. A positive from something negative. Getting one over on an Ex who hurt him. A baby sister who loved him so much she moved heaven and earth to make it happen... It might not make the pain go away but. It would keep him going.

You nod after a long moment and exhale slowly, "I'm starving. Did you have somewhere in mind?"

"I uh-" He'd not gotten that far. It wasn't a date but- "shit I- not really."

"A cold cider and some wings sounds really good right now," you pause and look up at him, "please tell me you're not a weirdo who expects women to only order salads in public."

Jack snorted, "After what you pulled off today, doll, if you want to eat a plate of wings be my guest. But I fully expect the details about the weirdo."

"Oh. my. god. As if roping you into my family drama wasn't enough now you wanna know about my tragic dating life too?" You wiggle out of his grip, pouting and Jack follows you to the car.

"Just the fun parts," he said teasing. "You don't have to tell me anything too embarrassing."

"Well most of the fun parts I probably shouldn't tell you because you could snitch me out to my brother," you tell him, glancing at the back up camera display to back out.

"I wouldn't-"

"Like that time I was giving a guy a blow job and he called me mommy when he came. I laughed and come came out my nose."

You said it straight-faced, never taking your eyes off the road. And Jack can't tell if you're fucking with him or not. "He kept calling but like- he cried after that and like. What? I don't think he meant mommy in a sexy way he kinda whimpered it-"

"Jesus Christ." Jack laughed in spite of himself even as he felt his face turn red. "So you pick winners, huh?"

"Evidently. That might be why I got left at the altar twice by the same guy."

"Ouch."

That, he noted was less straight faced. and your hands tightened on the wheel. It stung. It still hurt. Even as you shrugged and glanced at him to shoot him a smile.

"It's okay. The second time was kinda my fault. I mean. I did take him back. And I did KNOW he was a tool after the first time."

"So why did you," Jack asked, "Take him back, I mean."

"All the usual reasons I suppose. Fear, nieviety, stupidity, wanting to get married before I was 30? You know because the movies say your like is basically over at 25."

You shrug again and stop at the light. And he watches you, chest aching a little. He still remembered so much hope in everything you used to write. You believed in people so much. And it was still there or you wouldn't have asked for help- asked him for help.

"Y/N I'm sorry I didn't mean to-"

"It's okay," you tell him. "You live and you learn, right? At least now I know to leave the projects on HGTV... And next time fuck it marry for money."

Jack rolled his eyes but snorted. You didn't believe that. At least not the part about marrying for money. If you did you wouldn't have dropped the money you did on your brother's car without flinching. But he wasn't gonna push it. Not now.

When you backed into your parking space near the bar, Jack unbuckled his seatbelt and hopped out, coming around to open your door. "Chivalry isn't dead," you observe.

"Just missing a foot."

"Careful, Dr. Abbot," you warn, "if you keep it up this will start feeling like a date."

"I promise it's not," he said drawing an 'x' over his heart with his free hand as he helped you out of the car.

"Good," you tell him, "because I have an excellent track record of NOT getting crushes on my brother's friends."

"And I don't sleep with my friend's siblings."

"Good."

Jack doesn't let go of your arm, though and leads you inside. Going to a table and getting you settled before going to the bar. One cider and one beer and two menus. Just to give himself time to breathe. Chivalry might not be dead but he might be by the end of the night.

When he turned around with glasses in his hands and you smiled at him, Dr. Jack Abbot realized that he might really be in trouble.

[xxgoblin-dumplingxx]

If this isn’t your Clark and his neighbor series, idk what is tbh

🤣

Accurate

[xxgoblin-dumplingxx]

Unconventional Truth: Four

Jack waited outside your apartment door and rubbed the back of his neck. He wanted to take you to dinner. But it felt like he should say something to Walker first.

Even if it wasn't romantic.

You were his little sister. And they were old friends. There were rules about this kind of thing.

"Hey!" Walker said grinning, motioning him inside. "They finally let you out, huh?"

"Finally got a run of some time off," he said, taking the beer Walker handed him. Looking around the apartment. It was nice- but it definitely belonged to a single woman. Plants and knick knacks. A band poster for a folk band- your folk band it looked like. And furniture that was mismatched and cheap but comfortable- thrift store specials.

"She still writes," Walker said, watching Abbot look around. "And she has a History PhD, something that should come as a shock to no one."

"So where-"

"In a lecture hall with a bunch of bored undergrads," Walker said, "So I get to be a good loser older brother and clean up the house. Maybe start a crock pot."

Abbot sank into a chair and looked at Walker levelly, "Getting to you, huh?"

Walker made a sound somewhere between a laugh and a growl. Bitter and sad. "Three kids and two divorces. Fought a whole war and I'm crashing with my kid sister while she pays my bills to get me on my feet." He took a seat across from Abbot and shook his head, rubbing the back of his neck. "And the worst fucking part is she doesn't even mind it."

"It's a bitch having people love you, huh?" Abbot drawled.

"She just- Her mom died and it's like the woman fucking possessed her, I swear. She mother hens us all and I feel like-" He trailed off, trying to find words. "It just feels so fucking weird. Like it shouldn't be like this."

"She grew up, man."

"It's not just that," Walker said shaking his head. "I- well." He broke off and exhaled sharply. "There's a lot. A lot of times I wasn't there and I should've been. And now- now she's just here."

There was silence that stretched. And the things unsaid settled unpleasantly in Jack's chest. A million after school specials played in his head. A lot could go wrong in a girl's life. A hell of a lot. But the guilt that was eating at Walker narrowed the field considerably. The things he would KNOW about narrowed it even more.

If it was too big to hide, what did you have hidden?

The thought made his stomach turn.

"You wanna get out of here for a while?" Jack floated. "Some space?"

"Yeah," Walker said, smiling a little. "That. That sounds good. She won't say it but- I know she misses having some quiet at the end of the day."

______

Abbot was thankful that he didn't drive. It made it a lot less conspicuous at the end of the day to be giving Walker turn by turn directions.

Left up here. Straight. Right. Whatever. And for a while, the two men drove in companionable silence. The radio filled the void where conversation would have failed.

"I was a fucking dick this morning," Walker sighed.

"And this is new?" Abbot asked archly. Neither of them were ever morning people.

"Picking fights with her and shit," he huffed. "Like a stupid kid. She walked out almost in tears."

Jack winced, "Listen-" He broke off and exhaled slowly, "I just. Just talk to her okay?"

He'd been texting and talking with you off and on almost nonstop. You were nervous. You were excited. You were sad. Apologetic. Ecstatic. Grateful.

And Jack? He was just... mind blown.

The other man nodded. "Gavin's birthday is coming it just-" he exhaled, "god it never stops being hard."

"Take a right up here, buddy," he said, gripping the back of Walker's neck bracingly.

"A park?" Walker asked blinking.

"Just following orders like a good soldier," Abbot snorted. "Now get the fuck out of the car."

Abbot let himself out and started walking, trusting his friend to follow after. Gratified when he heard a door open and shut. He hoped you had everything in place on your end. And he was glad he hadn't brought up taking you out to dinner now.

Walker probably would have punched him. Or had a stroke. Or both.

He wondered idly if he should have grabbed a defibrillator. Or if he should have Robby bring him one. But, it was too late for that now. As he lead Walker up over the hill, his prosthetic clicking a little louder is mild protest- he could see the '56 gleaming in the sun.

And in spite of himself he grinned.

He clocked movement behind a tree. Two kids and Alexis peeping out like the fucking Scooby gang, stifling giggles. And you were... nowhere. Maybe filming.

And to his left, Walker stopped. Dead in his tracks. Lke he wasn't sure the restored, candy apple red and cream '56 was really there. Like it was a mirage. Like he finally snapped. "How- what-"

But before he can even process, his daughter and younger son dart out and leap at him Giggling and yelling. Snapping him back into now. Forcing him to catch them.

"Y/N did it all," Alexis explained, hugging Walker hello and ignoring his concerns about college funds. "Hey, Jack," she added, kissing his cheek.

"Looking good, god the kids are huge," he said. "What'd you feed 'em?"

"Lunchables mostly," she snorted, wiping away tears, "The perservatives help."

"Y/n did-" Walker cut in, brain still stuttering, glancing to where you were watching unobtrusively.

"Everything," Alexis confirmed, handing him the keys. "she wanted you to have Gavin's car back."

Sebastian, the younger boy grabbed your hand and hauled you over and Alexis pulled you into a bruising hug, murmuring something in your ear that made you start to cry before she shoved you affectionately at your brother. "Now say, 'Thank you, Y/N'," she prompted, watching him hug you. Hiding his face in your shoulder as he broke.

"Thank you isn't enough," he managed.

Words faded for Abbot and he watched the scene feeling his throat tighten. He was forgotten for a second and that was okay. He barely knew Gavin except for pictures and a few little stories from emails and phone calls over the years.

He felt like he was watching a movie. Not intruding really. Or peeping. But- being allowed in. So he watched.

"Go," he hears you say, plucking a set of keys out of his hand. "Take Alexis and the kids for a drive."

"It still runs?" Walker asked, blinking.

"How the blistered bleeding fuck did you think I got it here?" you demand.

"Can you tell they're siblings?" Alexis called to Abbot covering the youngest's ears in mock shock.

"I never would have guessed," he deadpanned.

"Daddy, please?" Gabby added, her arms around her dad's waist, looking up at him. "We miss you-"

"I just- how are they gonna get home?" Walker asked, still reeling, looking at you and Abbot.

"You drove my car here, dummy."

"Oh."

"And," Abbot put in smoothly, "Y/N promised me dinner if I was a willing co-conspirator so-"

Walker mock scowled at you, "You really suck."

"We snuck you into the country for dad's birthday once. All I had to do was move a car- Now get out of here would you?"

[xxgoblin-dumplingxx]

Hello, are you still doing X-men history? If so, could you do some more part of Kurt's history? (Sorry, English is not my first language)

I think you might have the wrong blog anon!

I write fanfic but I dont think. I've written anything with Kurt's history in it. 💜

[xxgoblin-dumplingxx]

[xxgoblin-dumplingxx]

I went to college with Patrick Bell who plays Dr. Langdon on The Pitt and let me tell you - going from him being my Campus Crush to seeing x reader fanfic on tumblr has been an adjustment to say the least lmao

Wild. I'd have whiplash lmao.

I went to college with one of the organizers of of dashcon 🙃

[xxgoblin-dumplingxx]

i just want them to do an episode on TLC in general. It would be amazing, like the ones they did on Henry Kissinger.

Im watching welcome to plathville and I hate everyone. except olivia. I think she should be allowed to hit all these people with a car.

[xxgoblin-dumplingxx]

Unconventional Truth: Three

Jack's hand hovered above the doorknob. TV played at low volume and he could hear the clacking of laptop keys, rapid and relentless. Almost like rain pattering on a windowpane. He rapped on the door with Robby behind him and shouldered it open.

No boisterous, cheerful bickering today. At least not yet.

"Hey, man," Walker said, "You look like hell."

"Fuck you very much," Abbot snorted. "You look like you got hit by a car- wait."

Walker laughed and winked, wading up a piece of paper from a notepad to throw at you, "Cupcake," he said, "you wanna join the rest of us in this universe?"

You look up, blinking rapidly, pushing your glasses up glancing around, "Oh- hi, Jack!"

"Good morning," he answered, smiling a little. You really had no idea what had been happening. Your bottom lip was bitten from where you'd been worrying it in your teeth and he had to force himself to drag his eyes back up. It looked so... tempting. "This," he said quickly, "Is Dr. Robby. He's the pain in the ass that took over your spot."

"Sucks for you," Walker said to Robby. "My condolences, dude."

"I appreciate it," Robby started, opening his mouth to say more but your phone rang and you pounced on it.

"Did you find it?" there was an edge in your voice as you laid your laptop aside and half skipped as you muttered an 'Excuse me' on reflex flitting out of the room.

"What the fuck?" Walker mouthed. "I really hope that's not-"

But the tea kettle pitched squeal from the hall made them all jump. "Christ," Abbot muttered.

"Okay. Okay. Fucking rad." "No. I'll text it to you and we'll talk tonight! I love you so much." "On sharp fucking gravel."

There's a beat and a laugh before you say goodbye and Walker smacks himself in the forehead, "She's an adult, she's an adult... if I say it enough times I'll stop wanting to die."

Robby chuckled, "What's the age gap?"

"15 years," Walker said cringing. "You know. When she was little and sweet it was a great way to pick up girls."

"Yeah, until I was smarter than the girls you kept trying to date, you cretin," you snort, flouncing back into the room cheerfully.

"Ugh. I just had to listen to you talk to your last hook up about finding whatever you left at his house-"

"Who said it was a guy," you huff rolling your eyes. "In the year of our lord 2025-"

"No. No. You can't be getting more girls than me too!"

"Damn, man that's rough," Abbot said smirking, "What the hell happened?"

But neither he nor Robby missed when you turned your head, hiding your own smirk and winking at them. And Jack. Jack couldn't miss the way you caught his eye and glanced towards the door. A quiet question. "Can we talk where he can't hear?"

He can't tell you no. Of course he can't.

"I'm gonna take Y/N to get a decent cup of coffee real quick," Jack announced.

"Good idea," Walker said nodding, accepting a hug from you and playfully pushing you away when you kissed his cheek. "Grab me a bagel?"

"I got it," you tell him, rolling your eyes fondly. "Want tea too?"

"My angel baby sister, what would I do without you?"

"Probably have less gray hair," you muse, letting Jack and Robby lead you out.

At the end of the hall, you look up at them, "This is awkward because I don't really know you but," you exhale and run your fingers through your hair.

"But," Jack prompted, waiting. You're amped up now. Crackling with nervous energy.

"I found Walker's car and it's on the way here and I need someone to distract him so I can get it situated without him knowing about it because his son's birthday is coming and that car was their baby and I can't just let Dana take it and-"

"Woah," Jack and Robby said in unison. All that had come out in a rush. Almost one word. A torrent.

"Back up a little," Jack prompted, "The '56?"

You nod, "I- Dana and the fucking- well it doesn't matter. They already put it up for sale. So I bought it."

"How- okay never mind, how's it getting here?" he asked.

"I have a friend back home. Her fiancé has to haul some shit up this way for his dad any way so- I gave them like... A lot of money to bring the car over with them."

Jack considered that and nodded slowly. You looked so hopeful and earnest. "Y/N I-"

"I know it's a lot," you tell him apologetically. "I'm sorry. He just. He's been struggling since. Since Gavin. And now the divorce and he's here and I just- I want my big brother back."

In his mind's eye, you're not 32. You're just 12. Looking up at your big brother with this hero worship on your face. He hung the moon. He can do no wrong. He's a hero. Your hero. He can see it from across the terminal as your sneakered feet fly across the floor into his outstretched arms.

He can feel Robby watching him. Assessing for wounds broken open. Sutures burst. He wants to tell Robby they should be looking at you. You're bleeding somewhere deep. Have been for a while. It's written in your voice. The way you're pleading for help.

"Consider it done," he said pulling out his phone, "Just text me the details. I'll send you my schedule and we can work it out."

And when you beam up at him, his heart stutters.

"Really?" you ask, bouncing on the balls of your feet, clasping your hands.

"One condition?" he hedges, stomach tightening as his face heated. You were so fucking sweet. Is that why he called you Cupcake? Or was it because calling you 'the baby' got weird?

"I can pay you if-"

Robby snorted and Jack rolled his eyes, shaking his head in mock disgust, "No, let me take you to dinner-"

Surprise registered in your eyes and you blinked up at him, "Oh I-" You seemed to be having trouble processing. And Abbot didn't blame you. He MEANT to ask you for your autograph. To tease you a little.

"As friends," he blurted. "I want to know about what you're writing now."

Your smile returns and your posture relaxes, "Sure. Anyfriend of Walker's, you know? He talked about you a lot-" You break off and pull out your phone to hand to him, letting him add his number. "I should probably really go get him a bagel and some tea before he sends a search party.

"Sure," he said, handing you back your phone and watching you go. Carefully not looking at Robby. "Shut it, Robinavich."

"Wasn't gonna say-"

"You were thinking it," Abbot growled. "Friends. We're gonna be friends."

"Friends who really wanna fuck," Robby scoffed.

[xxgoblin-dumplingxx]

Eagerly awaiting a behind the bastards on tlc because I wanna here Sophie call jimbob duggar rimjob. It would spark joy

Im watching welcome to plathville and I hate everyone. except olivia. I think she should be allowed to hit all these people with a car.

[xxgoblin-dumplingxx]

It's wiiiild.

What does TLC feed these ppl?

Im watching welcome to plathville and I hate everyone. except olivia. I think she should be allowed to hit all these people with a car.