#I really love callie. she's trying to hold herself together and love + trust her family when she's surrounded by nonstop lying and | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

hopelikethemoon · 4 years

Text

Haunted (Javier x Reader) {MTMF}

Title: Haunted Rating: PG-13 Length: 3700 Warnings: Potential triggers if you have toxic family members and/or family members or loved ones with addiction, emotional abuse, childhood trauma, and allusions to childhood abuse. Notes: You can find everything about Maybe Today, Maybe Forever here. Set November 1st 1998. Summary: Reader grapples with her mother.

@grapemama @seawhisperer @huliabitch @pedropascalito @rogrsnbarnes @thewallpapergoesorido @twomoonstwosuns @gooddaykate @livasaurasrex @ham4arrow @plexflexico @readsalot73 @hdlynn @lokiaddicted @randomness501 @fioccodineveautunnale @roxypeanut @snivellusim @lukesrighthand @historynerd04 @mrsparknuts @synystersilenceinblacknwhite @behindmyeyes-insidemyhead @exrebelshocktrooper @awesomefandomsunited @ah-callie @swhiskeys @lady-tano @beskar-droids @space-floozy @cable-kenobi @cool-ultra-nerd @himbopoes @findhimfives @pedrosdoll @frietiemeloen @arrowswithwifi @random066 @uncomicalhumour @heather-lynn @domino-oh-damn @cyarikaaa @ahopelessromanticwritersworld @im-still-a-pieceofgarbage @ksgeekgirl @yabby-girl @xqueenofthecraziesx @punkass-potato @coredrive @pascalesque @theduchessofkirkcaldy @queenquazar @sabinemorans @buckstaposition @holkaskrosnou @yespolkadotkitty @fleetwoodmactshirt @seeking-a-great–perhaps

You laid on your side watching as another minute ticked by on the alarm clock sitting on the nightstand beside your bed. For the past two hours, you had watched as the red numbers transformed from 3:00 to 3:30 to 4:00 and finally now 4:43.

You had willed it to stay October 31st just a little bit longer, but against your wishes, it was November 1st.

The Halloween party at Josie’s school had been fun and you had tried to live within that moment for as long as possible.

Josie had been thrilled to win the dumpster diving game, which had been a hilarious sight to witness. Javier had held her by her ankles as she dove into a trash can to find a plastic rat that was tucked into one of the empty boxes near the bottom of the can.

She had found the rat, when none of her classmates had been able to.

Josie’s triumphant grin as she declared herself the Rat Queen had been enough to chase away the anxiety that was now clawing at your stomach.

But then you came home. Monica and Nadia departed for a party downtown. Josie’s braids came out and she traded her Wednesday Addams costume for pajamas and you no longer had anything to occupy your thoughts with.

It felt like a waking nightmare.

Javier has tried to console you. He kept close to you all night, one hand constantly at your waist or your hand or your knee. Like he was trying to keep you grounded. And he did.

But there was only so much he could do to chase away the past, when the past had arrived on your doorstep — unwilling to leave.

It had been a real fear of yours. Even Mitch had reached out to you when the article was syndicated into The Washington Post and The New York Times. Even Good Morning America had rehashed the particulars of the story one Monday morning.

Monica was hiding from her parents, but you had been hiding from your own mother too. And you hadn’t seen her since you were sixteen and desperate to escape.

Before you left for Colombia, you had used your resources to check in on her. Morbid curiosity really. You had forged your own path for yourself, against the odds, and you had wanted to indulge yourself. You had to know if you truly had made the right choice.

And you had. Rebecca was married yet again, settling into her fifth marriage and he had a record a mile long that you hadn’t bothered to comb through. She wasn’t your problem. There was only so far you could carry her on your conscience.

Javier moved behind you, seeking you out beneath the covers as he snaked his arm around your waist, drawing you back against his chest. He sighed heavily, pressing his face into the crook of your neck.

“I can feel your mind racing.” He murmured, brushing his lips against the soft curve of your neck, his breath dancing hotly over your skin.

“I’m sorry.” You whispered, curling your hand around his as you sank back against him. “I have too much on my mind.”

Javier ran his hand over your stomach reassuringly, “I know, baby.”

“I should’ve known. The handwriting was on the wall.” You lamented. “She sees success — she sees happiness and she tries to blot it out.”

He lifted his hand, brushing his fingers over your cheek as he tucked your hair behind your ear. “I’ll be with you. I’m not going to let you deal with her alone.”

“When I was like nine, I spent the weekend with my father.” You recalled quietly, “He would’ve loved you.”

“Yeah?”

“I see so much of how he was with me, when you’re with Josie.” You sighed heavily, nestling back against him more. “But he bought me this really cool bike. It had a basket and a bell.” You laughed as you thought back on that weekend. It felt like a lifetime ago. “It wasn’t much, I’m sure but to a kid… it was everything. I took care of that bike like it was a pet. I always kept it upright when I wasn’t riding it, I would stow it in the garage to keep it safe.”

“And what happened?”

“Rebecca backed over it. Swore up and down that I had left it in the driveway behind her car. Which I never would have done.” You sniffed, trying to ignore the prickle of mushed tears. “My dad bought me a new one, but I kept it at his house. I was nine, but I wasn’t stupid. I knew what she had done.”

“I’m sorry, baby.” He ran his hand down your arm, taking hold of your hand and interlacing your fingers. “We’ll get through this today. Together.”

“I don’t know how she found me.”

“I do.” Javier squeezed your hand. “She apparently followed you from the P.D.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?”

He shook his head. “She’s certainly a piece of work.”

“I don’t want her anywhere near the girls.” You insisted, your voice wavering. “I fought so hard to stay clear of her path. It isn’t fair. She can’t just show up—“

“Shhh.” Javier soothed you, pressing his lips to the spot right behind your ear.

“I just hate this Javi.” You swallowed thickly, rolling onto your back, but keeping yourself close to him. “I thought this year was going to be better. Last year was hell and I felt like I had finally overcome so many of the hang ups that existed because of her.”

He kept his arm wrapped around you, his fingers curled around your waist. “Her showing up doesn’t change any of that.” Javier told you.

“I know that, but…” You shook your head slowly. “And I feel so ungrateful, shouldn't I be happy that I have a mother?”

“No.” Javier kissed your shoulder. “It’s not the same and we both know it, baby. You’ve told me enough about your mother to know she gave up the right of being your mother a long time ago.”

You turned towards him then, resting your forehead against his collarbone. “Thank you for understanding.”

Javier ran his hand up and down the length of your back, “I’m glad you’ve always let me in.”

He had always been the one you told your deepest darkest secrets to. Even back in Colombia, before Josie was even a thought. You spilled your guts to him. You told him everything. Javier was he one person you trusted with your past.

“I love you,” You whispered as you brushed your fingers over his cheek, drawing him in so you could kiss him.

Javier brushed his nose against yours, “I’m here for you no matter what, baby.” He promised, “And if you want me to send her own her way…”

“No, I’ll face her. I owe myself that much.” You sighed, sinking back against the bed, staring up at the dark ceiling above. “What all did she say to you?”

He shrugged, “A few off the cuff remarks.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah.” He clicked his tongue against his teeth, “Apparently I’m not what she pictured for her beloved daughter.”

You snorted, “Trust her to think she knows me.”

“I only took mild offense to it.” He chuckled, running his hand over the length of your side. “It was clear she was trying to get her hooks in.”

“Let me guess…” You rubbed your lips together thoughtfully, pressing closer to Javier like you couldn’t get quite close enough to him. “You’re too old for me?” You reached up and played your fingers through his hair.

“Spot on.” Javier chuckled, leaning down to press a kiss to the corner of your lips, sighing quietly. “How old were you?”

“Sixteen.” You answered quietly, tracing your thumb over the rise of his cheekbone. “My dad died—“

“— and you moved to Philadelphia.”

You nodded. “Mitch and the family lawyer helped me sort out emancipation and enrolling in high school there.”

“And you did that. All on your own.” He reminded you, brushing his lips against yours.

“My dad knew what he was doing. If he hadn’t left me the money, I don’t know what I would’ve done.”

“You would’ve persevered, baby. Have you met you?”

“Or I’d be as strung out as she is.” You turned towards him once more, pressing close to him. You ran your hand from his shoulder down his arm and back again. “Is it bad that I don’t care? I know I should be more empathetic but all I feel is… apathy. I’ve been here before.”

“You’re allowed to feel however you feel, baby. I’m not going to judge you.” He kissed the top of your head. “Especially if you’ve seen this happen before.”

“She gets clean long enough to catch someone new to facilitate her habits.” You hummed softly as Javier laid back and pulled you down with him. He wrapped both arms around you, like he was trying to keep you from getting carried away by your memories. “I don’t want the girls caught in the middle of this. And that means Monica and Nadia too.”

“I know,” He ran his hand down your back, “It’s just going to be the three of us. I’ll make sure she leaves. If she shows up again, I’m not against calling the cops on her.”

You let out a heavy sigh as you let yourself relax against his chest, “I just want this over with.”

——

“This is a lovely backyard,” Rebecca offered hesitantly as she gestured around the space. “Will I be welcomed into your humble abode? I’m just dying to see where my daughter lives.”

Your brows rose upwards in surprise.

“I did say we’d meet in the backyard.” Javier interjected, reaching out to rest his hand on your shoulder reassuringly.

“Yes, but that was your decision. My little girl can make her own choices, can’t you sweetheart?”

“If I were making my own choices, you wouldn’t be here right now.” You gritted, “Javier was kind enough to extend my grace than I was willing to.”

Your mother seemed surprised by your response, “I’m trying to make amends for the past. Can’t you see that? How can you deny me the right to see my grandbabies?”

You scoffed, “You have no rights. None. You gave up any chance to have a part in my life when I was very young.”

“Oh, don’t say that.” Rebecca turned her attention to Javier then. “She’s convinced you I’m some monster, hasn’t she? She was such a little trouble maker, what was I supposed to do? Let her run free?” She rocked back in her seat, looking away then.

“That doesn’t sound like amends,” Javier pointed out.

“Javier,” You shook your head, reaching over to rest your hand on his knee. He was more than willing to fight this battle for you, but you could handle it.

He nodded, resting his hand over yours. Your mother’s gaze flickered towards your hands.

“You don’t have a ring.”

“Why would I?” You questioned, suppressing the urge to scream that you were married to the man you loved despite everything in your past that told you to run from allusions of commitment.

“Two little girls out of wedlock?” Rebecca tsked, shaking her head as she set her sights on you. “I could’ve told he was bad news. Just look at him.”

You felt fire roar through your veins as you pitched forward in your chair, “You don’t get to say one bad word about Javier. If there’s bad news here, it’s you mother.”

She feigned injury at your words, “All I ever tried to do was protect you. But everyone else tried to lead you astray. They tried to take you away from me.”

You laughed, the sound coming out almost maniacal. “Who? Dad? God, I wish he had.” You squeezed Javier’s leg, like you were trying to ground yourself in your reality.

“He filled your head with so many lies about me.” She jeered a finger at you, “He was a rotten man. Always trying to drag me into court. Trying to paint a picture that was all wrong.”

“Oh, right. Yeah.” You shook your head. “I guess you probably thought Uldi was a better father, right? Nothing says step-dad quiet like throwing beer on a ten-year-old.”

“Well, he never tried to take you away from me!”

“He was a drug dealer, mom!” You snapped, your voice cracking as you glared at her. “And the fact that I knew that — at ten — speaks volumes. How many people were in and out of our house? All hours of the day.” You looked away then. “Dad never used. I don’t know how you ever ended up with him.”

“Chuck had money.” Rebecca answered, though she seemed like she regretted it the second she said it.

“Is that why you’re here now?”

“What?”

“Money.” You pressed, narrowing your eyes as you focused on her once more. “I bet you saw the article in the paper — figured I was doing well for myself and you thought… there’s a money tree I haven’t tapped yet.”

“No. No!” She held up her hands in defense. “I didn’t think that. I only meant to come here to see my grandbabies. I had to find you again, sweetheart. I missed you.”

“You followed her from her job,” Javier reminded her, his voice tinged with a venom you weren’t sure you had heard since Colombia. “That’s not the correct way to find someone you claim to care about.”

“What would you know?” Rebecca gritted out. “I read the articles. You’re no saint.”

“Never once said I was.” Javier clicked his tongue against his teeth. He released his hold on your hand and leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “I do know one thing, you had to read an article to know jackshit about your daughter’s life, while I was right there beside her for all of it. So maybe you should fucking listen.”

“Did you hear how he just spoke to me?” Rebecca questioned, looking to you then. “Are you going to let him sit there and disrespect me?”

You shrugged, “Are you going to sit there and pull crocodile tears? I remember they worked so well for you in court.”

“I’m clean now, sweetie!” Her voice cracked. “Quit dredging up the past.”

“I wish it were that easy,” You retorted, “I wish there were some magic switch that shut off the past. Because the past gets ‘dredged’ up all the time for me.” You dragged your fingers through your hair as you exhaled slowly. “I’ve almost let the best parts of my life slip out of my hold because of you. Because you managed to fuck up sixteen years of my life and twenty-odd years removed hasn’t fixed me.”

“That’s not my fault!” Rebecca snapped, her voice edging towards hysterics. “If you weren’t such an ungrateful little brat, things would’ve been good. But every time things didn’t go your way, you went running and crying to your daddy. Treating him like some white knight, sweeping in to save the day.”

“Fuck you.” You growled out.

“It’s the truth, sweetheart. Life’s not easy. And you made mine hell every time you made up some outlandish claim about me so you could spend more time with Chuck. What did he have that I didn’t have? You would’ve come running back to me the second you didn’t get what you wanted.”

“This might come as a shock to you, but all I wanted was to feel safe. It’s not normal for a five-year-old to sleep with a chair in front of her door! And I did that. Parents should be chasing the monsters of their child’s closets, not opening the door and letting them in.”

“You were always safe!”

“I saw a man OD when I was thirteen.” Your fingers curled into fists on against the tops of your legs. “I think my favorite part of dad’s place was that I had a bed. A proper bed. You know, something other than a box spring.”

Javier’s head snapped to look at you, his brows furrowed together as he searched your face. Apparently, you hadn’t gotten into these particulars before.

“You think you could do better?”

“I mean I know I can.” You laughed bitterly. “Against all odds I’ve managed to raise two beautiful little girls. Despite constantly worrying that I was going to turn out like you.”

Rebecca switched tactic then, right on schedule. “And I’m so proud of you sweetheart. You’ve done so well for yourself.”

“I have.”

“I’ll admit,” She started. “I was disappointed to read about what sort of man you ended up with.” She gave Javier a look askance. “He’s so much older than you.”

“Mother, it’s only nine years.”

“Who do the girls look like?”

You rolled your eyes, scratching at your forehead. “We’re not having this conversation. Actually, I think we’re done.”

“Twenty-two years apart and this is how you treat me? You’re still that same ungrateful little bitch—“

“That’s enough!” Javier was quick to his feet. “You’re leaving, now.”

“Who do you think you are?” Rebecca questioned, rising to her feet like she expected to square off with Javier.

“The person who has been there for her.” Javier gritted out. “Look, I don’t know if you came here with good intentions or not, but you’ve crossed a line. Multiple lines. If I catch you following her again or anywhere near our house — I won’t need to call the cops.”

You hadn’t seen this side of Javier in a long time.

“Are you threatening me?” Rebecca actually cowered, trying to play into your sympathy. “Is this the kind of man you let near your daughters?”

“Get off my property.” You said flatly. “I don’t want you here or in my life.”

“You’re breaking my heart! You’ve never cared about me.” She cried, “I hope you never know what it’s like to have your daughter turn her back on you! To treat you like a monster.”

“You were a monster, mother!” You snapped, coming entirely unhinged. “It is a goddamn miracle that I know how to have any semblance of a happy relationship. I have been with Javier for ten years!”

It didn’t matter that only half of that was an actual relationship — it was all the same to you. He was a constant fixture.

“How long did your marriages last? Ten months? This is what? Seven? Eight?” You let out an incredulous sound, “I bet you have two pages in the record books. You need to figure out how to be okay with being alone, mother. Because no one is going to be there for you.”

“You would just send your mother away? I raised you for sixteen years and this is how you repay me? You owe me for everything I did for you. I fed you, I clothed you, I cared for you. What did your daddy ever do for you, aside from die and facilitate you stabbing me in the back one more time?” Rebecca sneered at you. “You deserve all the shit you went through. That’s payback for hurting me. All I ever did was love you.”

You took a step back. “I’m going to count to ten and I want you off my property.”

“I’m just going to kill myself,” Rebecca threatened. “That’s what you want, isn’t it? You won’t rest until I’m six feet under! Denying me my right to see my grandbabies. My flesh and blood.”

“They are my children, Rebecca. And their grandmother is dead.” You set your teeth together hard enough that your jaw ached. “You have no power over me, my family, or my future. I don’t want anything from you. I simply don’t care.”

“I’m going to call the cops,” Javier threatened, giving you a wary look.

“I’ll leave.” Rebecca said frantically. “I’ll go. Since I’m nothing to you!” She pointed at you. “I come here to make amends and this—“

“You came to make excuses.” You fumed. “You’re fucking psycho, mother! Get help. Get real help.”

“Won’t you help me?”

“No.” You turned away then. “Javier can you escort her to her car?”

“Yeah,” He nodded stiffly, brushing his hand over your back as he walked past, “You’re leaving now.”

“I’m going!” Rebecca pronounced dramatically. “Since my daughter would sooner see me dead!”

You sank back down in your set, staring at the empty one across from you. She was still ranting as Javier escorted her out of the yard, but you stopped listening.

She hadn’t changed. You had stupidly hoped, deep down, that maybe she was clean. That maybe she had changed. But she was still the same unhinged abuser that ruined your childhood.

How you managed to share DNA with her, made you wonder. Though, you knew you had traits that came from her.

You used to use people. One night stands to make you feel wanted. Lance to fill a void you didn’t know how to fill.

But it wasn’t like that with Javier. He made you want to be a better person — to love and love and be happy. To overcome everything that should’ve held you back.

“She’s gone.” Javier’s hands rested on your shoulders as he leaned over the back of the car. “I told her if she came near our house again I would call the cops.”

“Thank you.”

“No gratitude necessary, baby.” He assured you, pressing a kiss to the crown of your head. “She’s… certainly something.”

“She’s a train wreck.” You sighed, shaking your head as you chewed on your bottom lip.

“People like that… they’ll say anything to get a reaction.”

“Yeah.” You looked down at your hands. “I’m not like her, am I?”

“Baby.”

“I know. I know. I just… that is my worst nightmare. Well, losing you or the girls… this — Rebecca — is a close second.”

“Night and day.” Javier petted his hand over your head. “You’re not your mother, baby.”

“Good.” Smiled weakly. “I think I’m going to go back to bed. Today sucked.” You peeled yourself out of your chair. “Wanna join me?”

He smiled adoringly at you before he nodded. “Whatever you want.”

#javier pena #javier pena x reader #pedro pascal x reader

126 notes · View notes

debbiechanclub · 4 years

Text

Best Two Out of Three, Part 9

Okay. So, listen. I’m obsessed with the Hangman/FTR dynamic going on right now. And I told this to @what-does-mine-say and I previously talked myself out of adding said dynamic to this fic. But, listen. I can’t talk myself out of it anymore. And that’s all I’m gonna say.

But I think you’ll like it? *runs away*

Best Two Out of Three

Part: 9/26

Pairing: Kenny Omega x OFC x Cash Wheeler and Adam Page x OFC

Warnings: Angst

Word Count: 3.4k

Catch up on previous parts here.

Alex went down early to her usual ringside spot for the AEW Dark taping the next day. She wanted to be alone and, at the moment, that was about the only place she could go to get some peace and quiet.

Kenny had known she was upset from the moment she’d walked back through the door last night. He’d tried his best to get her to talk about it, but she hadn’t wanted to. What could she have possibly said? “Your tag team partner doesn’t approve of us because he assumes you’re just going to hurt me again”? That would have gone over like a lead balloon. So instead, she’d let Kenny take her mind off of it. It had worked—until it was time to go to sleep. Worry and anxiety had haunted her brain all night, keeping her from rest. By her best guess, she’d gotten five hours, tops.

Chief amongst those worries and anxieties was Adam. Alex didn’t understand why he seemed to be so against her and Kenny. She understood that he’d experienced her unhappiness from a front row seat the last time around; she appreciated that he didn’t want her to go through that again. But Kenny was his friend, too. Didn’t he want to at least give him a second chance to prove himself? She did. Why wasn’t that good enough for Adam?

But her confusion over Adam’s attitude was far from the only thing that had kept her awake; Chuck and his alleged feelings were a close second. Like she’d told Kenny when she’d broken down to him after the match yesterday, Alex had never taken Chuck’s drunken profession of love too seriously. She just didn’t think of him in that way. He was Chuck. He was literally her best friend in the entire world; him and the other two morons. But, admittedly, the moron who’d yelled at her in the locker room yesterday had hit the nail on the head. She had flirted with Chuck because she’d known he’d give her the attention Kenny wouldn’t—and she hadn’t stopped to consider how that might have made Chuck feel. And that made Alex feel like the shittiest person on planet Earth.

She heard the shuffle of feet on the entrance ramp and looked up. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat when she saw who it was. Trent.

He came to a stop a few feet away. “Hey. I hope you don’t mind; Kris said I could find you here.”

She looked up at him, a curious expression on her face. His hands were behind his back; it was obvious he was holding something. “What do you have?” she cautiously asked.

“A peace offering,” he said, and he pulled his hands from behind his back to reveal a bag of candy. The biggest bag of Sour Patch Kids that Alex had ever seen, to be specific. “I figured it’s like the commercial,” he explained. “I was sour yesterday, and now I’m sweet. Plus I know they’re your favorite, so…”

He awkwardly trailed off. Alex had to actively bite back a grin. “Well, jury’s still out on you being sweet, but thank you. Really.” She accepted the candy as he sat down next to her. “This is the second peace offering I’ve gotten in less than twenty-four hours,” she mused.

He sent her a curious look. “Really?”

She nodded. “Yeah. Adam bought me a drink last night. He apologized about the match. Said he let his emotions get the best of him.”

Trent pursed his lips. But if he had something smart to say about Adam, he kept it to himself. Instead, he looked sheepishly down at the floor. “I’m sorry about what I said yesterday. I was upset and trying to stick up for Chuck… but I crossed a line.”

Alex frowned. She didn’t want to drag this out any longer than it needed to be. “I know,” she said. “You did cross a line… but I forgive you. I know it was said in the heat of the moment. Besides… you weren’t exactly wrong about me flirting with Chuck.”

Trent’s expression mirrored hers. “You should talk to him,” he said. “I don’t think he slept last night.”

She ran a tired hand through her hair. “I didn’t, either. God, this whole thing is such a mess. I was already under enough stress with Adam and Callie without throwing my personal life into the mix too.”

“Not to mention we’re fighting Adam and Kenny for the tag titles,” Trent added. She sent him a look.

“Trust me, I haven’t forgotten.”

He gave a wry laugh, but it faded fast as his expression grew somber again. “Can I say something without you getting upset?”

Alex blinked. “If you need to preface it like that, it means it’s probably gonna upset me, Trent.”

“I know, but just hear me out, alright?”

Something about the earnest look on his face gave her pause. “Okay,” she agreed.

Trent nodded. He looked out at the empty ring as he spoke. “I’ve known Kenny a long time. Longer than you or Adam have. And I can say without a shadow of a doubt that he’s a commitment-phobe. And it’s not that he’s a player or anything like that… he’s just married to his work. Wrestling has always been and probably always will be his number one priority, and so even when he actually tries to have a relationship, it inevitably falls apart because he always ends up neglecting it in favor of work. I mean, correct me if I’m wrong… but isn’t that why you two didn’t work out last time?”

Alex frowned again. No, he wasn’t wrong; that was exactly why she and Kenny hadn’t worked out last time. He’d made work the priority and, as a result, she’d constantly felt like an afterthought. But she’d chalked it up to the fact that he was an EVP and AEW had only just gotten off the ground at the time; they hadn’t even started the TV show yet. But if Trent was telling her that Kenny had always been that way… it would be a lie to say it didn’t worry her.

“I’m not trying to convince you that Kenny’s a bad guy. He’s not,” Trent added, as if he was worried that was what she thought he was trying to do. “I just think you deserve better than what he can probably give you.”

Trent looked back down at the floor, his piece said, and Alex did the same. But then she put the bag of candy down and pulled him into a tight hug. “It means a lot that you think that,” she said. “But you know only I can decide what’s best for me, Trent.”

“I know,” he said as he squeezed her back. “But I want the best for you, too.”

They hugged a few seconds longer before Alex pulled back. “Truce?” she asked.

He smirked. “Truce. I really don’t like fighting with you. You’re vicious.”

Her mouth dropped in mock-offense. “What?”

“Come on,” he flatly returned. “You didn’t need to throw out that comment about me trying it with you.”

“Well, you did,” she returned. “At New Year’s. Remember?”

“Yeah, I know what you were referring to,” he said with a roll of his eyes. “You looked hot that night, sue me.”

She smirked. “Aw, thanks, Trenty.”

“Shut up,” he muttered; but he was smirking, too. “Now are you gonna share those, or what?” He nodded at the Sour Patch Kids. “It’s a two-pound bag.”

Alex genially rolled her eyes as she picked up the bag and ripped it open. “You’re lucky I’m feeling generous,” she said as she offered it to him, happy to have resolved at least one of her anxieties.

* * * * * * * * * *

Meanwhile in catering, Callie sat at a table with Britt and Allie; and, unsurprisingly, it didn’t take long for conversation to turn to Alex.

“You should ask for a rematch ASAP,” Britt said. “Ask Cody—he’ll be impartial.”

“Ban everyone from ringside, too,” Allie added. “Even Adam, if I were you.”

“Trust me, I want everyone banned,” Callie assured. “I want no DQ, too.”

Britt rolled her eyes. “I can’t believe you got disqualified like that. Terrible refereeing. And then the way Kenny took Alex’s side over yours?” She scoffed. “Rude.”

Callie glanced between them. She’d been sitting on a juicy piece of gossip all day, and now seemed like the perfect time to unleash it. “You know she slept in his room last night?”

“What?” Britt let out a scandalized gasp. “No. Really?”

Callie nodded. “Adam met Alex at the hotel bar last night because he wanted to make amends,” she explained with a roll of her eyes. “When he came back up to our room, he told me she’d said she was staying with Kenny.”

Allie arched a conspiratorial brow. “That’s interesting. Because I just saw Alex looking pretty cozy with Trent down at ringside.”

If possible, Britt’s eyes went even bigger. “And she was all over Cash at my party last week?” She shook her head. “I mean, good for her, I guess. I hope she’s using protection.”

Callie rolled her eyes. Adam had also told her that Alex was only staying in Kenny’s room because she’d gotten in a huge fight with Trent after their match. Knowing that, maybe Allie hadn’t seen what she’d thought she had. But Callie kept that information to herself. She’d let Allie and Britt believe whatever they wanted to about Alex.

“Hey, baby.” Adam suddenly joined them at the table. “Can I talk you?” He glanced at Britt and Allie. “Alone?”

Britt pursed her lips. “Fine.”

Callie smirked at the dramatic expression on Britt’s face as she and Allie got up to leave. Once they were gone, she turned and smiled at Adam. “What’s up? Where’ve you been?” she asked as she placed a hand on his thigh. “I looked for you in the dressing room before I came here, but you weren’t there.”

“Yeah, I was talking to FTR,” he explained. “And while we were talking I got an idea, and I wanted to run it by you.”

She arched a curious brow. “Okay…” she started; but Adam went on before she could even ask.

“So you know I’ve known them for a while, right? Well, we started talking about how we need to get together and catch up now that they’re in AEW. And I thought, fuck it, it’s been a while since we threw a party, and they said they’d be willing to come up. So, long story short, we’re having a cookout on Saturday and Cash and Dax are coming.”

He finally stopped to take a breath. Callie couldn’t help the grin that broke out over her face. He was obviously very excited about this cookout. “Okay. I think that sounds fun; it’ll be good for you all to catch up.”

“Yeah, and I want to invite Alex, too.”

Callie’s face fell. “What?”

“Just hear me out,” he asked. When she didn’t protest, he went on. “I know you haven’t had much reason to like her. But Alex’s friendship is important to me, Cal. Not as important as us, obviously; but important, nonetheless. And I would really, really appreciate it if you two could at least try to get along.”

He stared at her with those blue puppy dog eyes of his, and Callie worried at her lip. Did she like the idea of Alex getting drunk at their house this weekend? No; absolutely not. But there was no possible way she could deny Adam when he looked at her like that. “Fine,” she relented. “I’ll try. But it’s a two-way street, Adam.”

He held up his hands. “I know, I know. I’ll say the same to her,” he said. But then Callie had a thought.

“What about Kenny? Are you inviting him too since he and Alex are… whatever they are?”

Adam hesitated. And then he said, “I don’t think Kenny can this weekend. He’s filming a commercial, or something.”

Callie nodded, quietly relieved to hear it. She didn’t think she could handle Alex and Kenny both being at their house. “Okay. Well, I hope you know I’m only going along with this because I love you.”

He grinned at her. “I know. I love you too,” he said, and he pulled her into a kiss. When they broke apart, he jumped up from the table. “Alright, I’m gonna go find Alex.”

Callie rolled her eyes as he hurried out of catering. She really hoped she wouldn’t regret agreeing to this.

* * * * * * * * * *

“What?”

Alex gaped up at Adam, the two-pound bag of Sour Patch Kids cradled in her arm. He’d intercepted her on the way to back to the locker room after she’d finished talking with Trent—and he’d asked her something ridiculous.

“That’s the exact same reaction Callie had,” Adam said. “See, you two already have more in common than you think.”

She pursed her lips at his smirk. It wasn’t funny. “So, just to reiterate,” she started. “You want me to come to a cookout at your house where Callie also lives, and where FTR will also be?”

He nodded. “That’s what I said, yeah.”

She gave him a blank look. “Adam, I love you. You’re one of my dearest friends. But on the scale of terrible ideas, that ranks somewhere between recipe for disaster and dumpster fire.”

“What?” He looked to the ceiling in frustration. “Alex, come on. You just said last night that you missed the way things used to be between us. Well, this is me trying to fix that.”

Alex fidgeted anxiously under his gaze and looked off into the distance. Truth be told, she appreciated what he was trying to do. But the prospect of hanging out with Callie wasn’t the only reason she was hesitant to accept the invitation. “I don’t know. I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to hang out with Cash like that.”

Adam gave her a look like she’d grown a second head. “What? Why?”

“Because,” she breathed. “I was all over him at the party last week, and now that Kenny and I are together it just doesn’t seem like a good idea.”

His brow furrowed with confusion when she said that. “Wait. You’re together-together? Last night you said you were taking things slow, whatever the hell that means.”

She rolled her eyes. “We are taking things slow,” she insisted. “And I didn’t mean together-together I just meant… you know what I meant.”

“Actually, no. I don’t,” he returned. “And besides, if Kenny has an issue with you hanging out with a guy you drunkenly flirted with once before you’ve even figured out what you two are… then you probably shouldn’t be with him, anyway.”

Alex glared up at him. If that was the argument he was going to make, she didn’t want to hear it. “Well, speaking of your tag team partner, I was on my way to find him before you stopped me.”

She pushed past him. He called after her as she walked away. “Would you at least think about it?”

She rolled her eyes. “Fine!” she said just to get him to shut up, and she marched down the hall without a second glance. She wanted to drop the candy off with her things and then go talk to Kenny. She hadn’t seen him since they’d gotten to the arena… and after what Trent had said, she could use some reassurance. But as she rounded the corner to the area where the locker rooms were located, she slowed to a stop. Kenny was standing in the hallway talking to Hikaru Shida in Japanese. Hikaru let out a cutesy laugh and touched his arm. Alex froze—but before she could think too much of it, Hikaru spotted her and gave an excited wave.

“Oh—hi, Alex!”

She gave her a genuine smile as Kenny turned to look at her. Their eyes met, but only briefly. “Hi, Hikaru,” she greeted.

“I like your outfit!” she complimented. “It’s very… stylish!” She smiled again, proud of herself for thinking of the right word. That time, Alex couldn’t help but return her grin.

“Oh, thanks,” she said as she looked down at her oversized crop tee and cutoff shorts. “It’s pretty comfy, too.” She paused and looked between them. “I’m not interrupting, am I?”

“Oh, no,” Kenny shook his head. “We were just talking about some things coming down the pipe, but I think we’re good, right?”

He looked back at Hikaru. She nodded. “Oh, yeah! Do you need to talk?”

Alex’s brow furrowed. “If you don’t mind.”

She shook her head. “No problem!” She looked back at Kenny and said something else in Japanese, and then she waved goodbye and walked off down the hall.

“Her English has gotten a lot better,” Alex commented.

“Yeah, she’s been working really hard at it,” Kenny said as he looked after her. Alex felt an unexpected twinge of jealousy in her gut—but then he turned to face her. “What’s up?” He smiled quizzically at the bag of Sour Patch Kids. “Where’d you get that?”

“Trent,” she answered. “It was a peace offering.”

His eyebrows arched in surprise. “So you talked him?”

She nodded. “He came to talk to me, actually. He apologized for what he said.” She looked down at her Chucks. “I guess you didn’t talk to him?”

Kenny’s face fell. “No. I’m sorry, baby. I’ve been nonstop busy since we got here.” He reached out and gently gripped her arm. She looked back up. “But it looks like I don’t need to. I’m glad you two worked it out.”

She nodded again and flashed a stiff smile. “Yeah. I guess Chuck is next.”

“I’m sure that conversation won’t be as difficult as you think,” Kenny encouraged. “He’s your best friend. He’ll understand.”

Alex frowned. She hoped he was right. But just as she was about to say so, Kenny checked his watch. “I hate to cut this short, but I have a meeting with Cody in ten minutes.”

She blinked. “Oh. Okay.”

“I know, I’m sorry. Today’s just been insane.” He took her by the arms and looked her in the eyes. “I’ll make it up to you tonight, alright?”

Her brow furrowed. “Aren’t you filming stuff for BTE tonight?”

“Yeah, but that shouldn’t take that long.” He kissed her on the forehead; Alex couldn’t help but feel like he’d done it just to keep her from arguing. “Go talk to Chuck; you’ll feel better afterward, I’m sure,” he said, and with a with a final apologetic look he turned and walked off down the hall, leaving Alex standing there with an overwhelming sense of déjà vu.

* * * * * * * * * *

Later that night, Alex packed up her things alongside Trent, Chuck, and James in the Best Friends locker room. Despite Kenny’s suggestion, she still hadn’t talked to Chuck—after their interaction, she just hadn’t been up for having that conversation. But bless his little heart, Chuck had acted like there wasn’t anything wrong at all throughout the entire Dark taping. It had cheered Alex up. Watching wrestling with him and Trent at ringside like they did every week had been just what she’d needed.

“Are you guys ready?” Trent asked as he zipped up his bag.

“Yeah,” Chuck said as James nodded. But Alex suddenly realized she was missing something.

“What’re you looking for?” Chuck asked as she rifled through her things.

“My phone,” she returned—but then she stopped in realization. “I think I left it under the seat at ringside.” She stood and moved toward the door. “I’ll meet you guys at the car,” she said, and she pushed her way out of the locker room without waiting for a response.

She hurried back through the halls, hoping she was right about where she’d left her phone—and that no one had picked it up. She was in such a rush that she cut around a corner hard and suddenly and unexpectedly collided with someone.

“Whoa!” The other person grabbed her by the arms to steady her. It was Cash, she realized. “You alright?” he asked.

Alex’s face flushed. She hadn’t seen Cash since the party last week… the party where she’d spent the entire night suggestively flirting with and practically flashing him. Needless to say, it was a bit embarrassing to literally run into him now, stone-cold sober. “Yeah,” she nodded. “Sorry… I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

“No worries,” he assured. “I’m glad I ran into you, actually.”

She smirked. “Literally?”

He grinned and awkwardly scratched the back of his head. “Yeah. So did Adam mention this weekend to you?”

Alex blinked. She hadn’t been expecting that. “About the cookout? Yeah. It’ll be nice for you guys to catch up.”

“Yeah...” he trailed off as he gave her a curious look. And then he asked, “He invited you too, didn’t he?”

She awkwardly bit her lip. “Yeah, he did. But um… I don’t know if I’m gonna go.”

“Oh,” he said. Alex froze. Was that… disappointment on his face? But if it was, it was gone as soon as it appeared. “Sure, I get it. You and Callie aren’t exactly friends.”

Her eyebrows arched. “No,” she smirked. “We’re not.”

He gave a short laugh. “Well, I’m not gonna try to convince you to go because that’s not my place. But, for what it’s worth… I hope you’ll be there.”

He gave her a crooked grin. Alex felt her stomach do a pleasant flip. It caught her completely off-guard. “Well, I’ll think about,” she suddenly found herself saying. “Adam only lives two hours from me so… it’s not a big deal.”

Cash nodded. “Cool. Well, hopefully I’ll see you Saturday, then.” And with that he backpedaled away from her, not breaking eye contact until he turned to round the corner. And after he’d gone, Alex remained standing there in the hall, flustered and confused by the butterflies in her stomach.

47 notes · View notes

staticscreenwriting · 4 years

Text

Casual moths - chapter eleven

Find the other parts on my masterlist here.

If you liked this part and wanna help me out, please consider a reblog. Thank you.

Chapter eleven - old wounds and guilt

There’s a before and an after and the two are as different as day and night.

Before Daisy was taken and after. Everything that happened before is still fresh on her mind, distinctive and clear. Everything after is a blur. A mess of people coming and going and asking questions. The police, the club, all her neighbours and friends and family.

And all Callie can do is stare and blame herself because all of this? Her baby being taken and possibly in danger and definitely scared? That is all her fucking fault.

They’d been out searching all day, until the sun had set and it got too dark to continue searching. And now she’s here, sitting on her mother’s couch with a mug of hot steaming coffee in hand. Coffee she won’t drink. She can’t drink. Can’t eat. Can’t sleep. Life is altered so drastically and nothing matters anymore. Only Daisy. Finding Daisy. Saving Daisy.

From Callie’s own faults and shortcomings.

Angel’s been an absolute Angel in all of this, a rock to lean on and a lifesaver to keep her head above water. If it wasn’t for him she surely would’ve drowned. It’s just so scary now to look at him, look into his eyes and see the adoration he holds for her and all the pain they share right now. He shouldn’t be adoring her, not like this. Daisy is gone because of her. Because Callie made bad decisions, selfish ones and dangerous ones. Angel deserved someone less foolish.

He’s gone now, back at the clubhouse. They’d all come around, member’s whose names she didn’t even remember came by to offer their help. The ladies had brought food, more than she could eat, more than she would eat. Everyone came together. A big loyal family who had each other’s backs. It was — very comforting and yet it didn’t stop Callie’s heart from breaking.

“ We’re going to find her. I know it, “ he mother’s soothing voice speaks up from beside Callie, a soft hand being placed on her shoulder. The warmth in her mother’s eyes is something Callie will never grow tired off. It’s so familiar and comforting and — it’s home.

But there’s only so much comfort a mother’s touch can give. And it’s reached its limit right here.

“ Travis is unpredictable, mom. I don’t — I don’t know what he’s gonna — “

“ No! Stop that. Don’t say that and don’t even think like that. The police are out looking for him and they will find him. I know it in my heart and have I ever been wrong? “

Callie can recall plenty of times her mother’s been wrong but this doesn’t seem like a question asking for a truthful answer. So Callie doesn’t say anything, just scoots closer to her mother and hopes that this time she is right.

Angel sits at the big table in Templo and though he knows he should be listening, though he tries to do so, he can’t. His mind is far away, all over the place. He should be out there looking for Daisy, turning over every stone, knocking on every door. Yeah, the police are on it but what good have they ever done in Santo Padre?

He feels so helpless sitting here. He should be doing so much but the rational part of his brain knows there’s nothing he can do right now. And yet he feels absolutely useless. What good has he ever done?

“ Angel? “ Bishop’s voice is strong and unwavering and yet it holds an unfamiliar gentleness right then. “ Look, I promise you, we’re gonna find her. We’re gonna do everything we can to find that little girl and bring her back home. Okay? They’re your girls, I know how much they mean to you.”

They are nice words, lovely sentiments, and Angel knows they are truthful and honest but he’s also aware that there’s no way Bush knows just how much these girls mean to Angel. They are his life and his entire heart and thought it’s insanely scary to admit those things, if not know then at what point will he ever be brave enough to face those feelings?

“ Yeah, I know. I just — can you guys manage without me for tonight I — “

“ We’re done here anyway. Go home to your woman, she needs you. “

Angel doesn’t have to be told twice. He’s up from his chair and out into the starless Santo Padre night in a matter of seconds. This wasn’t how things were supposed to be, he thinks as he swings himself onto his bike. Callie was supposed to be happy. Daisy was supposed to be safe.

Maybe, he thinks, he’s a bad luck charm after all. Nothing good ever happens to the people he loves.

When he arrives back at Callie’s mother’s house, the light is off and the house is silent and though he knows she needs to sleep, he wishes she would still be up so he could talk to her and make sure how she was holding up.

She’s on the couch, a cup of coffee forgotten on the table in front of her. Her eyes are closed though she doesn’t look as peaceful as she usually does. The exhaustion and the fear of everything that has happened today is displayed so distinctively on her face.

“ She fall asleep long ago? “ Angel asks as her mother steps back into the room. He wishes they could’ve met under different circumstances. That this wasn’t the situation they were bonding over. Alas, he gets no say in how life behaves and all he can do is try his best to prove to her and to himself that he is worth Callie’s time.

“ Wouldn’t really call it falling asleep, “ the older woman replies, “ exhaustion properly knocked her out. “

“ Glad she’s getting some rest at least.”

“ Yeah me too.”

They fall into a silence that’s neither comfortable nor awkward. It just is. A stillness to fill the void where there’s nothing left to say.

“ I should’ve kept a better eye on her. “

The words are spoken so gently and quietly he almost misses them though when he looks at Callie’s mom, the devastation on her face breaks his heart all over again.

“Ain’t your fault, the guy’s a nutcase. We’ll find her though. I will do — I will do anything. “

“ I know. I am glad she has you. Glad they both do.”

“ Yeah, I ain’t so sure about that. Feel like a bad luck charm sometimes.”

“ Oh Angel, you’re not. I promise you, you’re everything but bad luck. “

She hugs him then and it’s strange. This feels so familiar even though he hardly knows this woman. Maybe, Angel thinks, there’s a universal comfort in a mother’s hug. Maybe women are granted a bit of special magic when they become mothers.

She pulls away and they are thrown back into silence.

Angel’s mind won’t stop wandering though. He feels restless. There’s got to be something he can do, a way for him to help. Police are out looking for that silver car but what if he’s not in that car anymore. What if he switched cars, what if he’s gone too far to find him?

Then the spark of an idea lights up his thoughts. If anyone gets in or out of Santo Padre, there are people who notice, people who keep track of it. People who aren’t the most powerful nor the most influential but they come with strength in numbers and they have eyes and ears everywhere. If anyone will know, it’s them.

The thought of going back and asking for help, of seeing them, of seeing her, sends shiver’s down Angel’s spine. It’s really not something he wants to do, everything in him screams at him to stop even thinking about it. Then his eyes fall back on Callie and the way she looks pained and sad even in sleep. And he makes a decision. A sacrifice.

Because that’s what you do when you love someone, you make sacrifices. You do everything you can to help them, even if it means breaking your own heart in the process.

The unforgiving heat of the California sun weighs down on them as Angel maneuver’s Callie’s car through the dunes and the canyons. It’s insufferably hot and dry here and Callie feels like her lungs are filled not with air but with fire.

“ Police said to stay home.”

“ Yeah well police don’t know shit.”

He doesn’t want to be here but he knows that if he doesn’t at least try, he’s going to go insane. If anyone has a lead it’s them. It’s her.

His heart drops down to his feet just thinking about the last time he’s seen her. That exact moment when she broke his heart, ripped it out of his chest and then had the audacity to blame him for being upset. For a tiny moment he lets his mind wander back and conjure up images of what could have been, of what isn’t. Then he scolds himself for it. Why break your own heart all over again?

“ Who are we meeting with? “ Callie’s voice is monotonous and strained, like a robot working on autopilot.

“ They’re a — a collective. “

Callie raises her eyebrow in question.

“ Look, it’s hard to explain and It doesn’t really matter either. “

“ Are they powerful? “ an icy sheen lays over her words, something primal awakens. The need to protect her child.

“ Not in a sense that they have money or political influence but they’re well connected. They’ve got eyes and ears everywhere, all the way to Mexico. They’re good at finding people and — and hiding them. Even if they haven’t seen her, it’s good to let them know. Have them keep their eyes and ears open.”

Callie just nods then lets her eyes trail back towards the desert flying by the window, dry and orange and wide. So wide and empty. Kind of like her heart felt at the moment.

After a few more minutes of driving, they round a corner only to be greeted by a bunch of tents and a crowd of people, mostly children, bustling around them. Callie doesn’t know what to think, none of this makes sense to her but then again, Angel never gave her a reason not to trust him or not trust his choices. And her brain feels like mush anyway right now so really, what does she know. If there’s a chance they can help her get Daisy back, she’s going to take it. Whatever it takes she’ll do it. Police said to stay home but how do they expect her to sit on her ass and do nothing? She can’t. Not when all of this is her fault in the first place.

Angel gets out of the car first, then motions for her to follow. There’s an energy exuding from him that she’s not familiar with. He’s tense and on guard, like a nervous dog, a wolf prowling through the woods knowing there are other predators lurking around every corner.

Callie is acutely aware of all the eyes on them. Those kids, she wonders if they live here too. Wonders where their parents are. Living in a tent city can’t be good for them, right? Then again, it’s her kid that’s been kidnapped. The kid that had been taken from her own comfortable bed with the Minnie mouse nightlight.

“ Angel? “

A lady steps out of the crowd, and she’s gorgeous. Her long hair are tied in a ponytail and show off her intricate tattoos like beautiful artwork up and down her neck and shoulders. At first, her eyes are fixed on Angel as a sense of confusion washes over her face. Then she looks at Callie and her eyes gloss over with coldness and disdain.

“ What are you doing here, Angel? “

“ I need your help.”

“ My help? “ she asks and lets out a mix between a scoff and a laugh though Callie can tell there’s absolutely no humour in it.

“ Yes. I — We need your help. This is Callie, “ he hesitates, “ my girlfriend. Her daughter, Daisy, got taken. Dude who took her is probably driving around in a silver car. I need you all to keep your eyes open. I need to know if you see something, anything. Got pictures of the both of them too so you’ll recognize them if you see them. Please. “

Angel hopes that Adelita can tell how important this is to him. That this means — everything. As he hands her the pictures, she just looks at him, evaluates the situation. She doesn’t say anything just stares and it makes him nervous. She doesn’t owe him any more than he does her. Really she doesn’t need to help him, there’s nothing in it for her. But Angel knows that despite what he did to her, there’s a soft spot in her heart for children and he prays to got he can appeal to that spot right now.

“ Please Adelita. She’s my girl. They’re my girls.”

Adelita looks at him then Callie then the picture of Daisy and back at Angel. Her expression unreadable. Then her eyes wander towards a tent next to them. It’s a bigger tent than the other ones, there’s a bed in there and crates filled with fruits and tins and there’s toys on the floor and a girl, not older than 14, holding a toddler in her arms. Angel’s heart shatters once again as he looks at the child and then meets Adelita’s eyes.

“ Let me ask you something, Angel. Why now ?”

“ What do you mean? “ he knows exactly what she means.

“ Why can this child have your heart when it’s not yours but mine couldn’t. “

It’s astounding, really, her inability to understand what it was that broke his heart in the first place. Not the kid but the lies.

“ I could’ve loved the kid, Adelita. But you lied to me. You made me believe I was gonna be a dad when you knew it wasn’t mine. Had you told me from the start, things could’ve been different, but you lied. You played me for a fool. Just like anyone and everyone else did. “

“ So it was because I hurt your pride? “

“ Nah. Was because you lied to me and pretended to give me something I always wanted only for me to find out months later that it was all bullshit. It was the lies, Adelita, not the baby.”

Angel can hear Callie take a sudden breath beside him. He knew this was a can of worm and now that it’s open he can’t do anything but hope things will work out in the end. He just hadn’t expected his old wounds to still hurt this much.

“ So will you help us or not? “

She contemplates for a moment, looked between Angel and Callie then nods. “Not for you, for the girl.”

“ God knows she deserves it more than me.”

“ No doubt about it. “

“ No doubt about it.”

“ Why are you mad? “

“ I’m not mad. “

The sun has warmed up the car so drastically, it now resembles a sauna but the mood feels as icy as a Siberian winter.

“ You haven’t said more than 2 words to me since we got back in the car. “

Callie combs her fingers through her hair in exhaustion before letting out n exaggerated sigh.

“ I am tired, Angel. Tired and exhausted and sad and scared. I feel useless and helpless and my mind and my emotions are all over the place and then you take me to see your ex-girlfriend with whom you almost had a child. Something you never spoke of before and like, I get it, it’s a touchy subject but you could’ve at least mentioned it earlier today. “

“ Do you really wanna fight about this right now? “

“ I’m not fighting. You asked me what was wrong. I just want to find Daisy. “

“ And we will! I promise you, baby. We will. “

“ I don’t — god, Angel I don’t know what to do anymore. I don’t know anything anymore. It’s like my brain is completely empty. I don’t wanna fight and I don’t wanna bottle up the things that hurt me either. Can you — can you just drop me off at home so I can pack some of my stuff. I’ll stay with my mom, you can come around later if you want. “

He doesn’t wanna come around later. He wants to stay with her, every waking minute. One of his girls is already missing her can’t bear the idea of something happening to the other one. But this is her way of saying she needs a bit of space to breathe and denying her that will only push her further away.

“ Okay, but can you please text me every like 30 minutes? Just so I know you’re okay? Would tell EZ to come shadow you but he’s out with the guys looking for Daisy.”

“I’ll be fine but yes, I’ll text you.”

“ Promise? “

“ I promise. “

She gives him a kiss and it’s soft and sweet and for a second life feels normal again but then she pulls away and he’s faced with the overwhelming sadness in her eyes and reality comes crashing back down on them.

“ Once she’s back and things are good again, you and I need to have a talk. We’re gonna be okay though, you and I. I promise.”

He kisses her again, once twice, three times, then lets her go. Angel watches her unlock the door and drag her tired body inside her house. If only he knew what was behind those doors.

#angel reyes fanfic #angel reyes x oc #angel reyes fanfiction #angel reyes imagine #mayans mc imagine #mayans imagine #mayans mc fanfic #mayans fanfic #mayans mc fanfiction #casualmothsstory

16 notes · View notes

iamtrebleclefstories · 4 years

Text

Everyday I Love You More - Ch.2

Ch.2 - NO DETAILS

After having drunk sex, Jo and Alex are having a baby. An actual baby. Here’s how everyone finds out.

- Multi-chapter Sequel to I’m Happy Right Here with You -

Hi guys! I am on a roll today :) this is my second upload of the day. If we're lucky, maybe we can make it 3 for 3 and I'll finish Didn't Think. Who knows?

The next morning began with more throwing up and hunching over the toilet. Jo was trying her best not to wake up Alex, but about 20 minutes into her puking fest, he walked into the bathroom and sat down next to her on the floor. Jo looked up at him, “Go back to bed. I’m fine. You can sleep for another twenty minutes.”

“No I can’t,” Alex shook his head. “I can’t sleep knowing that you feel miserable because I messed up and forgot to wrap it up.”

Jo let out a burst of laughter, “You’re sweet, but honestly, you don’t have to sit there while I’m puking. It’s gross.”

“I don’t care,” Alex looked at Jo intensely. “I’m staying right here and you are going to have to deal with me hovering for the next seven months. You’re going to get sick of me, but when I said we’re doing this together and that I was gonna be here every step of the way, I meant it.”

“If I weren’t all gross and puke-y, I’d kiss you right now.”

After a few minutes without the overwhelming need to vomit, Jo decided it was time to get ready. She showered and got dressed, going downstairs to eat something. Jo walked into the kitchen and searched around for something that wouldn’t make her stomach churn. Her options were limited. For a house of doctors, they didn’t really have a lot of clean, healthy breakfast options. Everything was sugary. Deciding to settle for a piece of toast and some coffee, Jo turned on the pot and waited for her cup to be done.

She was just about to bring the mug of coffee to her lips when Alex swooped in and grabbed the coffee out her hands, “What the hell?”

“You can’t have caffeine, you’re pregnant.” Alex stated.

“I can have one cup a day,” she said, snatching the coffee back from Alex. “It’s perfectly okay for me to have one cup of coffee.”

“Hmm, well you see, I disagree,” Alex shook his head, taking the coffee out of her hands again and taking a sip. “And you’re the resident and I’m the attending, so what I say goes.”

“Oh that’s rich,” Jo glared. “You and your position as my superior have nothing to with my uterus. Because if it did, you—and all of your years of experience over me—would’ve thought to wrap it up and we wouldn’t be in this situation.”

“Yeah okay. That’s on me,” Alex cringed and handed the coffee back. “You can have one cup, and only one cup a day.”

“Thank you,” she drank the coffee and finished her toast. “You ready to go?”

“Yeah,” Alex smiled. “It’s weird... Starting today, I get to kiss you whenever, wherever I want.”

“I’m kind of nervous,” Jo confessed. “I don’t want people to think I’m just another resident trying to get surgeries for sex.”

“No one’s going to think that,” Alex assured. “Most of the attendings tease me on a daily basis about how I was too chicken to say anything to you. We’re best friends. You’re not some random chick that they’re going to gossip about. You’re Jo. They’re gonna be happy about it. Trust me... Besides you don’t need to give me sex for surgeries. You’re good. Really good. That’s why people want you on their service and that’s why you get more responsibilities than the other residents. So when we get to the hospital today, let’s just do what’s natural. We don’t have to do some huge announcement. Let’s just be us.”

Jo pinched herself, “Am I dreaming? Because I don’t think I’ve ever seen or heard you be this nice to anyone ever.”

“Shut up,” Alex scoffed.

“That’s more like it,” Jo grinned.

“Let’s go.”

They arrived to the hospital on time and exited the car. Alex grabbed a hold of Jo’s hand as they walked through the parking lot into the building. So far, they hadn’t seen anyone that would care enough about their relationship to make a big deal about it, so he saw that as a plus. They continued down the hall and entered the elevator hand-in-hand only to find Arizona Robbins already standing inside.

Arizona smiled at them as usual before doing a double take, “Oh my God! You’re holding hands! You finally told her?”

Knowing exactly what Arizona was referring to he responded, “Yeah. I did.”

“Oh my goodness! I’m so happy for you guys!” Arizona beamed brightly, embracing Alex and then pulling Jo in for a quick hug as well. “Ah! Best way to start the morning. I feel like a proud mama who’s baby just grew up.”

“Wait, what did you do?” Jo furrowed her brows.

“I told you I love you.”

“Hold on… Dr. Robbins knew?” Jo turned to Arizona. “You knew?”

“Yup! He confessed it to me the night of the night of the storm in the NICU storage closet,” Arizona nodded with a large smile on her face as the elevator dinged. “Well, this is my stop. I will see you both later for rounds. Congrats you two!”

“You were already in love with me back then?” Jo squinted at Alex. “And you didn’t say anything? We could’ve been together for months now.”

“Wait,” Alex looked at Jo confusedly. “You wouldn’t have run if I told you I loved you?”

“No, you dumbass,” Jo slapped his arm playfully. “Do you know how long I spent trying to get over you because I thought you only saw me as a friend? I been in love with you since the tree crashed through the living room.”

“You have?” Alex was shocked.

“Yeah,” Jo nodded. “Really, I’ve loved you since before then, but I didn’t realize it until I was standing in your living room that night, thinking about how I always choose bad guys and how you’re the best guy I’ve ever met.”

Alex squeezed her hand, “I really didn’t know. If I did, I would’ve said something sooner.”

The elevator dinged again, signaling it was their turn to get off the elevator. Walking out hand in hand, Jo paused, “When did you realize you were falling in love with me?”

“The day we illegally helped the kid in from the ride along in the closed down ER. Meredith kept pushing me to ask you out and said something about how you’re a badass—”

“Meredith Grey said that about me?” Jo exclaimed.

Alex nodded as they approached one of the conference rooms and pulled her inside to finish their conversation, “Yeah. She thought you’d be good for me. I kept telling her no, that there was nothing between us and that were just friends. But then you pulled me into the storage closet and had my favorite powder-sugar donuts. Then it was like something shifted. I saw you bite into one and you had powdered-sugar all over your face, and I knew that was it. That I had fallen for you.”

Jo—who’d started crying—wiped the straggling tears and let out a laugh, “I’m sorry. It’s the hormones.”

“And here I thought you were trying to snag another surgery from me,” Alex teased. “Alright, we both have to go before we’re late. I’ll see you for rounds.”

“Okay,” Jo replied and kissed Alex sweetly before watching him walk out the conference room. She took a moment to collect herself and walk over to the residents’ lounge to get ready for the day.

Unbeknownst to either of them, the kiss Jo and Alex shared had been witnessed by none other than Leah Murphy. Her jawed dropped and she bolted towards the residents’ lounge to tell everyone before Jo arrived. Leah ran into the lounge, “You guys will never believe what I just saw!”

Ben, Stephanie, Shane, and a few other residents turned around to look at her. Shane made a face, “Did something happen?”

“Oh, something happened alright,” Leah grinned. “I just saw Jo and Karev kissing in a conference room.”

“Woah,” Ben’s eyes widened. “That’s definitely something.”

“No way!” Stephanie jumped up from the bench. “They’re together? Why wouldn’t she tell me?”

“Are you sure you saw Jo and Karev?” Shane asked.

“Yes, I’m positive it was them! I ran over here as soon as I saw it to tell you guys.”

“Saw what?” Jo asked as she walked in. She noticed everyone was staring at her. “What? Do I have something on my face?’

“You had Alex Karev all over your face about two minutes ago,” Stephanie snarked.

Jo froze, “Damn. Word really gets around fast.”

“Hold on, so its true?” Ben asked. “You two are actually together? Finally?”

Jo smiled shyly, “Yes.”

“Oh my God!” Stephanie laughed. “How did this happen?”

Jo thought back to the circumstances that brought her and Alex together. Deciding to skip over most of the story she took a deep breath, “He told me he loved me, and I said it back.”

“That’s it? That’s all we’re getting?” Leah questioned.

“That’s it for now,” Jo grinned. “I’ll keep the details to myself for a little while longer. Don’t worry though, I will tell you all eventually.”

“That’s great Jo,” Shane smiled. “We’ve all been waiting for it to happen for a while.”

“Really?” Jo asked. “I thought you guys were just teasing.”

“Oh, Jo," Stephanie shook her head. “Sweetheart, everyone knew you two were going to end up together. We were just waiting for you guys to catch up to the rest of us.”

While the residents were trying to get information out of Jo, Alex had walked into the attendings’ lounge. He walked up to the coffee pot as he did every morning and began to pour himself a cup, whistling to himself. Alex heard the room go quiet and turned around to see his friends staring at him.

“What?” Alex scowled. "Stop staring. I’m just getting some coffee. I haven’t been here long enough to have annoyed anyone or be blamed for something not working. So, just tell me why hell everyone is being weird.”

“Dude. You were whistling," Jackson pointed out.

“No, I wasn’t,” Alex made a face.

“Uh, yes you were," April confirmed. “You came in here with a smile on your face and swing in your step, then you started whistling.”

“Yeah, it’s weird and unnatural coming from you,” Callie squinted. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing is going on,” Alex shook his head. “Is it so hard to believe that maybe I’m just happy or in a good mood today?”

“You? In a good mood,” Meredith laughed. “I don’t think I have ever seen you this… giddy before. What’s really happening?”

“You know, one time Mark and I caught Bailey humming in the elevator looking all happy and minutes later, Ben Warren got on the elevator after Bailey left humming the same exact song,” Derek told. “I say, Alex is in love.”

“With who? The girl he brought some from the bar last week? Or an intern? Or one of his patients’ moms? Or the sub-I’s that come and shadow for a week in the hospital?” Callie teased.

“Shut up,” Alex glared.

“Cristina! You’re being awfully quiet. Why aren’t you making fun of Karev with us today?” Jackson asked.

Cristina—who had been doing her best to keep her mouth shut—exchanged a look with Alex. From her spot on the couch, Meredith gasped, “You do know something! You have to tell us because he never will.”

Cristina looked at Alex once again before allowing a giant grin to grace her face, “Alex finally got his head out of his ass and he and Wilson are together now.”

The room erupted into cheers and Alex rolled his eyes, “Okay everybody, calm down. It’s not that big a deal. Yes, we’re together. So, what?”

“You can’t just leave it at that? How did it happen?” Meredith questioned.

Alex shrugged, “I told her I love her, and she said it back.”

“You actually confessed your love to her?” Jackson widened his eyes.

“Yes,” Alex nodded.

“Aw! That’s so cute,” April squealed. “I can’t believe it. Big bad Karev told a girl that he loves her.”

“Congratulations, Karev,” Derek smiled and gave him a pat on the shoulder. “Wilson is good for you.”

“Is this why you stole her off my service?” Callie asked. “Because we were having a great time before you came along and stole her back from me. She was into it. We work well together. But now you’ve got her slumming it in peds.”

“I didn’t put her on my service because she’s my girlfriend,” Alex defended. “I put her on my service because she’s my favorite resident. And don’t say that’s not allowed, because you all have had your favorites. Besides, she likes peds and she’s good with kids and parents.”

“More like she likes the peds instructor,” Cristina muttered.

“Shut up.”

Meredith who had been quiet for a while finally spoke, “It was that day with the kid in the ER wasn’t it? That was the day your feelings changed. You actually thought about what I said to you.”

“Yeah,” Alex nodded shyly.

“I knew it,” Meredith smiled brightly. “Tell Wilson that we’re sorry it took us so long to finally bully you into admitting it.”

Alex huffed a laugh, “Tell her yourself.”

“I think I will,” Meredith replied.

#jolex #jolex fanfic

11 notes · View notes

redslilstories · 4 years

Text

You’ve got to be kidding me

Author: lilyme (aka. redslilstories aka. me ;)) Summary: It was a quiet night. No fireworks, no party. Just them. But that didn’t make the outcome of this night any less spectacular. Characters: Callie/Arizona Rating: PG Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story, nor do I own any rights to the television show “Grey’s Anatomy”. They were created by Shonda Rhimes and belong to her and the ABC network. No copyright infringement intended! All mistakes are mine.

She had to admit it. They were getting lazy.

Preferring to spend the night at home on their comfy and inviting couch rather than go out and party.

But they deserved this quiet time after yet another eventful year. The clinic Arizona had opened with Nicole Herman seven years ago had made itself a name as the most innovative and extensive institute for women’s health in the United States. And with growing prestige and success had come the decision to move to a bigger location this year.

And Callie, for four years the Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at New York’s most renowned hospital, had this year gotten the recognition she deserved. Had been rewarded with the Burlingame Award for further developing the cartilage project she had begun way back in Seattle.

Arizona could not be any prouder of her girlfriend, who currently lay nestled into her arms as they were cuddled up under a blanket, watching a random greatest hits show with songs from many decates ago. From back when music was still good.

It was one of those shows that were typical for the last night of the year. The night tv stations hardly chose to invest in anything spectacularly exciting. But then again, when did tv stations ever show anything exciting nowadays anymore?

She chuckled as she looked down at the brunette, whose closed eyes indicated just how fascinated she seemed by the program. “Don’t you dare fall asleep on me before the year is over,” Arizona amusedly admonished her and tapped her nose with the tip of her finger.

Confronted with this accusation, Callie blinked her droopy eyes open and smiled at the blonde hovering over her and making her face her fingers’ playground. “Just resting,” she argued, even though her sleep-raspy voice easily betrayed her. “Enjoying the quietness of the house”.

“Uh-hm,” Arizona nodded slowly at the meagre excuse, and leaned in to kiss Callie’s temple lightly. But there was some truth in it. Their teenage daughter was spending this night at a party at her friend’s house. Strictly chaperoned by the friend’s parents… at least they hoped so. They knew her friend Danielle and her parents, so they were actually confident everything was fine. And Sofia was a good and well-behaved kid, who hardly gave her parents any trouble.

So, it was indeed quieter than most nights. Definitely quieter than the New Year’s eves of past years. No pondering if they should head to Times Square to watch the ball drop at midnight. No gatherings at someone’s house that you often wished you could leave before the year was over. No, tonight it was really just them. And it was perfection.

Arizona had hoped for a night like this. Happy that Callie had agreed to this less action-packed plan.

Not that Arizona hadn’t planned anything for tonight. She had big plans, actually. And she figured it was time now. Before Callie truly fell asleep and snored her way into the new year. Which itself would be endearing… but not tonight.

“We’re nearing midnight. You up for some champagne?” she wondered, and immediately more life came into Callie’s body.

“Sounds good,” the brunette nodded and watched as Arizona crawled out from behind her and slipped on her prosthetic with ease.

Before Callie could protest and offer to get the champagne herself, the blonde had already disappeared from the room.

Returning a good three minutes later with two glasses filled with the sparkly liquid… and an oddly nervous look on her face.

Callie frowned, wondering what had happened between leaving the room and pouring them each a celebratory glass.

But as soon as Arizona put of the glasses before her, it became clear.

Warily she looked at her girlfriend, who sat down next to her.

This one saw the reaction and began to panic, “I know it’s a kitschy movie thing, but I thought it’s still too cute to pass up on. Especially since the last time I didn’t even have one for you,” she chuckled.

An amusement interrupted by Callie getting up with an incredulous, “Yo’ve got to be kidding me,” when Arizona’s words seemed to confirm her suspicions regarding her plan.

Arizona watched dumbfoundedly as it was Callie’s turn to disappear from sight.

That was… really unexpected.

Really not what she had hoped for.

Was it the ring? Was it not what Callie liked?

Or… was something else the problem?

They hadn’t talked about the possibility since getting back together five years ago. Happy just living their lives together as a loving couple. Without anything official to proclaim their union to the world.

And now that she was faced with Callie’s reaction, she felt that she should have left it this way instead of now possibly losing her girlfriend and the love of her life.

She took the glass containing the white-gold engagement ring with a one carat diamond, fished the item out and gulped down the liquid to calm her nerves. The other glass following seconds later. Courage - so she could go look for Callie.

Who obviously didn’t want to marry her. Maybe too scarred by her earlier marriages. Or their earlier marriage.

Dammit, she really should have considered this, Arizona figured.

As she stood to walk towards where her not-fiancée and possibly now-not-even-girlfriend-anymore had ran off to, Callie suddenly returned.

With a smile on her face… that confused Arizona more than anything.

“Okay, before you completely freak out,” the brunette stated, her face growing more apologetic as she saw the lingering insecurity, “yes. Yes! I absolutely want to marry you!” she affirmed and walked towards Arizona, who stood with the ring held dumbly between her fingers.

Callie wanted to marry her. Callie wanted to marry her, her brain registered. But then why the great escape a mere minutes ago?

The brunette finally explained her actions as she brought forth the hand that Arizona noticed had until now been hidden behind her back. A hand that revealed a velvety black box, that upon Callie opening it to her, mesmerized Arizona with its shiny content. Platinum with a sapphire in heart shape.

“You…,” Arizona started and began to smile. Suddenly Callie’s earlier ‘You’ve got to be kidding me’, made a lot more sense.

“I had actually planned to bring this to you tomorrow morning. You know, breakfast in bed. A big tray full of all your favorite treats. A rose and… this box,” Callie smirked as she took the ring from the box and took Arizona free hand with the other. “I have long thought about this,” she assured her love. “And I had my doubts, because I’ve failed. We’ve failed, you know?” she admitted, and Arizona nodded slowly. “But we’re not the same people anymore. We’ve grown and we take our time and we try to make sure our decisions are the right ones. And this decision is right. Or,” she rolled her eyes at her own wording, “to make this a little more romantic: I love you, Arizona Robbins. And I’ve never been more sure about anyone. You’re the love of my life, and were from the first time you kissed me in Joe’s bathroom. And you make me so tremendously happy. So… will you make me even happier by marrying me?”

Arizona looked between the two rings that were so different, yet so beautiful in their own way. Just like the two of them. And then her eyes met Callie’s anticipating ones. “This has been my dream for so long. Not the thought of marriage itself, because I know marriage can go wrong. But life with you… spending my life with you, even if it’s the most normal and uneventful nights,” she laughed. “Life with you, hopefully until we’re hundred… that’s my dream. And I had that feeling from early on. From the moment I saw you try not to break down crying at the bar, I knew I wanted to make you smile and forget your sorrows. I know I’ve been a cause for some… for a lot of them in the past. But we survived this. Not intact and not together, but we survived,” she gulped, as she clasped Callie’s hand stronger in hers. “But surviving means, we didn’t die from it, even if it left scars. I’m…. I’m so happy that I still manage to make you smile. That you still trust your heart with me. And I want to keep it this way forever. I love you more than ever before, Calliope. And I want nothing more than to marry you,” she nodded as her eyes welled up.

Callie barely noticed, her own eyesight a mess of tears. “Oh, my God, I love you,” she gulped and kissed her now fiancée lovingly, and soon registered the funny ring dance their hands holding the engagement ring intended for the other were performing between them, trembling in excitement. “Give me your hand,” she ordered and slipped her ring onto Arizona’s finger, squealing lightly when it fit just perfectly.

Arizona followed suit and gave Callie the ring that five minutes ago she had thought she would have to return. Or throw into the ocean together with her crushed heart. She sighed at the two newly decorated hands clasped in loving union. “I love it,” she grinned at her ring, and then at Callie. “And I love you,” she hugged Callie with everything she had. Not ever wanting to let her go again.

Callie hummed into the embrace, holding onto her fiancée. Her third fiancée; or second, depending on how you counted. But never had she been more certain about taking this step and about the person she was taking this step with.

“So, do you actually like your ring? Because part of panicked me thought you found it bug-ugly, when you ran out,” she perceived Arizona’s muffled voice, as thus one was busy burying her face in her taller fiancée’s inviting neck.

Callie chuckled, using the opportunity to inspect her ring. More classic than the one she had bought for Arizona, but definitely just right. “This is exactly what I always wanted my ring to look like,” she promised as the sound of an incoming call on Arizona’s phone forced them apart.

They frowned, wondering who it could be. Checking, they saw it was an incoming call from Sofia.

Arizona picked up, “Sweetie, what is it?” she wondered, panicking a little, wondering if something was wrong.

“'What is it’?” the girl on the other line wondered. “It’s the new year,” the girl explained. “Happy New Year!”

The women checked the clock. Indeed it was four minutes past midnight, and Sofia was calling to send them wishes for the new year. Just as they had agreed on just before the teen had left the house earlier.

“Oh, it is,” Callie gasped, startled by the fact that they had missed it. And that she didn’t even have to be asleep to miss it. “Happy New Year, sweetie!” she greeted and Arizona soon followed.

“Wait… you didn’t know…?” Sofia wondered, suspicious of the fact. “Oh, God, do I even want to know why you didn’t know?” she inquired, a myriad of scenarios springing to mind. The worst ones not what you really want to imagine your parents doing when they are alone.

“Don’t be silly,” Callie admonished. “But… we’ve been doing something. Well, your mother just did something”.

“Wait, no, your mother just did something!” Arizona added and only intensified Sofia’s confusion.

And that was how Sofia learned of her mothers’ engagement. Something that – spending everyday life with the love birds – she had seen coming. And was more than supportive of. And more than happy that they had never given up on their love for each other.

A love that the three of them were certain would hold forever.

#Calzona #calzona fanfiction #callie torres #arizona robbins #calzonastories #calzona strong #calzona all ways #fluff #happy new year

46 notes · View notes

pug-bitch · 4 years

Text

That’s not why I’m staying (4)

Messes, and a small fire

Book: The Royal Romance, Book 2

Pairing: Drake Walker x Amara Suarez

Rating: some foul language, some extremely suggestive, and a VERY steamy scene, right at the beginning (I guess I now start every chapter with some people getting it on :D). This is absolutely NOT appropriate for people under 18.

Word count: about 3,700 (Sorry for the absence of a Keep Reading option - I’m on mobile!)

Notes: This picks up where we left off, during Liv and Rashad’s date (pre-boeuf bourguignon), starting with Olivia’s POV. This chapter is slightly shorter than my usual ones, but I needed to have a shorter one to get myself back in the spirit of writing for pleasure. I’m sorry I’ve been MIA for a couple of weeks, my job is taking over, and writing is a big part of it, so opening a Word doc has been quite the scary experience. But I’m doing my best, and I intend to keep writing this series, because it makes me happy :) Thank you for sticking with me!!!

*****

Olivia’s lips find Rashad’s and capture them seamlessly. She feels him lean into her kiss, as he closes his eyes and lets out a quiet moan. Fuck, he’s sexy, she thinks. How had she never noticed before? Now she can’t get enough of him.

‘Fuck, Nevrakis,’ he sighs. ‘You’re so hot.’

She smirks and kisses him again, all the while unbuttoning his shirt. Rashad’s hands run down her spine, giving her chills as they do. They grab her ass firmly, and press her further against him. She can very clearly feel his hard cock under his pants. The mere thought of it makes her wet.

She can’t wait anymore. They had multiple makeout sessions, endless flirting, and a lukewarm sex session. She needs the real him, now, or else…

She grinds him more and more intensely, until they both can’t take it any longer. His right hand leaves her ass to find the spot under her dress, between her thighs, and he gently pulls her already wet panties onto the side. Breathlessly, she follows suit and unzips his pants, and quickly pulls down his boxers, finally freeing his big cock. He moans harder onto her kiss.

She can’t wait anymore. He teases her entrance with the tip of his cock, but she wants more, now.

Once he’s completely inside her, they both let out a low groan.

Finally, she thinks. That’s what she’s talking about.

*****

Liam can’t stop his eyelid from twitching. The collar of his white shirt is hurting his neck, suffocating him. He wishes he could just run away and never look back.

His encounter with Drake this afternoon did him a world of good. Finally someone listened to him, not in a fake way like Madeleine used to, when she was trying to seduce him with her pretend compassion.

He has his best friend back. They can count on each other again.

Madeleine is wearing a pre-bridal outfit — white everything. She looks so angelic, Liam himself has trouble believing that she really is a schemer, just from looking at her. But when he thinks back of their awkward, forced interactions… He shudders. No more thinking.

Leo pats him on the back. The two brothers smile at each other. They had a heart-to-heart earlier, and Leo perfectly understood that Liam can’t ask him to be best man, with the history that he and Madeleine share. It felt good to be supported, even by just two people.

Madeleine holds out her hand for Liam to take. Together, they walk onto the platform, surrounded by reporters and various representatives of the Cordonian press. King Constantine is already on the platform, and Liam can’t help but think that he hasn’t really seen his father in motion for a very, very long time. Can he even walk anymore? In any case, he’s good at concealing. If that’s what being a King means, well, Liam won’t be any good. He can feel the beads of sweat dangling over his brow.

His father gives him a curt nod. It’s time.

He clears his throat. ‘People of Cordonia. It is with great pleasure that I officially announce my engagement to Countess Madeleine of Fydelia.’ He turns to Madeleine and they offer each other their fakest smile. ‘We couldn’t be happier about the news, and we look forward to the upcoming festivities. In four days, this Friday, we will depart for our engagement tour, which will stop in Rome, then Paris, then London, finally culminating in a trip to New York City. With us, we will have the pleasure to welcome our wedding parties. Please, Lady Madeleine,’ he says as he turns to her.

She smiles and says, ‘My maid of honor will be Lady Kiara of Castelsarreillan. In my wedding party, I will be delighted to count my fellow former contestants Lady Penelope of Portavira, Duchess Olivia Nevrakis of Lythikos, Lady Hana Lee, and—‘ she pauses and Liam could swear she let a slight smirk show. ‘Lady Amara Suarez.’

The crowd lets out a slight gasp. Liam hurries with his list. ‘And my best man will be my longtime friend Drake Walker. In my wedding party, I am welcoming my brother, former Prince Leo, Duke Bertrand Beaumont of Ramsford, Lord Maxwell Beaumont of Ramsford, and Lord Rashad Domvallier.’ He takes a long breath. ‘Thank you, dear people of Cordonia, for your well wishes. We both wish you all the happiness we are experiencing ourselves, and to all a good night.’

*****

‘Well, I guess it’s official,’ Drake says as he turns off the TV. ‘We gotta do this thing.’

Hana nods as she takes a sip of her wine. ‘Yep. Just the thought of pretending to be helpful to that bitch is giving me hives.’

Drake has to chuckle at Hana’s swearing - he might never get used to it. ‘And I have to be Liam’s freaking best man. Which, like… it’s fine, of course I want to be there for him, but—‘ He trails off. Amara meets his eye.

‘You’re nervous about being in the spotlight,’ she finishes his sentence. He nods. She continues, rubbing Drake’s hand in support. ‘I know, me too, babe. But think about it. It’s for the best. We’ll be on the frontline, ready to pounce if Madeleine shows her hand in the slightest.’

Maxwell nods. ‘Exactly. We’ll be there for each other, too. Oh and, after these drinks, let’s all write our acknowledgements to Liam and Madeleine. That way, tomorrow, we can go to the cabin without a care in the world.’

Drake smiles earnestly. ‘I can’t wait. We all need it. You’ll see, Mike, it’s as calm as what we’ve seen of the coast today, but even more remote.’

Michael smiles excitedly. ‘I’m excited! I’ll take loads of pictures for Callie, she’s been asking about where we are. She’ll love that.’

Drake looks to Amara, who is smiling quietly, a sneaky tear in her eye. Without saying a word, Drake takes her hand again, and squeezes it. He knows how much she’s missed her niece. How badly she wants to be a part of her life again. Drake can’t help but imagine Amara’s family visiting Cordonia, coming to the cabin, having long dinners on the patio, overlooking nature… He may not have much of a family —it’s broken, it spans over two continents and three countries, it’s riddled with lies and unspoken things— but Amara makes him want to fix things. With her folks, with his… He wants their ducks to be in a row.

‘Guys,’ Maxwell whispers dramatically, ‘has anyone heard from Liv?’

This takes Amara out of her daydream, and she replies, ‘Oh, not at all. Let’s hope she’s too busy to text.’ She performs a theatrical wiggling of her eyebrows.

Hana joins in, ‘Maybe she’s just too tied up at the moment.’

Michael nods, a cheeky smile on his face, ‘Maybe she needs to remain on top of things.’

Maxwell, a proud look on his face, chimes in: ‘Maybe she can’t talk because her mouth is full.’

Everyone looks on in horror, until a collective roaring laughter takes over the silence.

‘Holy shit Max,’ Amara says, crying with laughter, ‘too far, honey!’

Michael wipes off a tear, ‘Jeez Maxwell, we were trying to be subtle over here!’

Maxwell shrugs. ‘I just wanted to be a part of it, guys.’

*****

‘Please Michael, go to bed,’ Maxwell waves him off. ‘You don’t need to do all this.’

Michael continues to carry plates from the living room to the sink. ‘No, I want to help! Drake cooked, Amara made the after-dinner drinks, I want to do my part.’ He pauses and makes a charming face at Maxwell. ‘Please.’

Max sighs. Why must they always meet like this, in the kitchen? All Maxwell has ever done in here is messes, and a small fire once —Bertrand still won’t let him use the oven—, but these days, he finds himself drawn to this space. This is where he puts plates together for his friends. Even though he can’t cook, he loves to entertain, and while he happily leaves the roasting and chopping to Drake, Maxwell loves preparing snacks and apéritif trays.

Not to mention the late-night cleanups. Which Michael always joins in on.

He chuckles and busies himself with the dishes. He told everyone else to go to bed, that he’s got it. Truth is, he was kinda hoping this would happen. People going upstairs to pack for tomorrow’s trip, and, if we’re being realistic, Drake and Amara probably going upstairs to get it on. Bertrand went to bed a while ago, as soon as he came home, and that leaves him here, now.

Dammit, he thinks. Why did the girls have to put these ideas in his head?

Well, once again, if we’re being honest, the ideas were already in there, but Maxwell was simply burying them under piles and piles of insecurity, laced with unwavering friendliness.

Maxwell had never been the one in charge before —no one trusts him with anything usually, see the kitchen fire anecdote—, but ever since Michael turned up, it had been Max’s pleasure to show him around, make sure he’s okay, and, most importantly, help him and Amara fix their relationship.

He knows Amara trusts him, and considers him like a brother, which is of course reciprocal. From the moment he told her about Savannah, and instead of judging him for keeping that secret from Drake, she helped him come clean, he’s known that she is a true friend.

So, if she herself is telling him that she sees something between him and Michael, could there be some truth to it?

‘Hey Max,’ Michael says softly, interrupting his incessant internal questions. ‘Is your brother ok?’

Maxwell smiles. ‘Yeah, Bertrand’s fine. He’s just stressed out. He found out that he’s part of the wedding party and needs to come on the Tour, and he’s like Drake in a way. He doesn’t like the spotlight.’

Michael nods. ‘I see. It’s crazy how different you guys are.’ He pauses. ‘I don’t mean that you love the spotlight or anything, but you’re just more...comfortable. In any situation. It’s really admirable, actually.’

Maxwell chuckles and turns back to his dishwashing so Michael can’t see that he’s blushing. ‘Oh, thanks, but it’s nothing, really.’ He bites his lip, annoyed at himself for not finding the right words. It used to be so effortless between them, why did the girls have to fill his head with stupid fantasies?

But Michael doesn’t seem to mind. He sits at the kitchen island and starts putting cookies back in their tins, slowly, one by one, as if he wanted to drag this moment for longer. ‘I’m serious,’ he adds. ‘It takes a lot of guts, and a lot of adaptability, to be able to navigate any social situation without too much anxiety.’

Maxwell turns around to grab another dirty dish. He meets Michael’s eye. ‘Well thank you, but I don’t think I navigate that well. Plus, I was born into it, I guess, so I have no merit. Amara, on the other hand…’

Michael laughs. ‘Yeah, Amara has always been good with people. She’s analytic, too, you know. She figures people out really quickly.’ He pauses and absentmindedly plays with a cookie. ‘Like with Drake. You said he was basically the broody type, right?’

Max smiles. ‘Yeah. Not much of a social butterfly, our Drake.’

Michael chuckles. ‘Right. But I don’t know, around her, he seems to light up. Around us too, actually, when I went on the tour with him this afternoon, he was all friendly and talkative.’

Max puts down the last dish and put the kettle on, without even thinking about it. ‘Yeah. He and I have known each other forever. His sister is one of my closest friends. But before Amara showed up, I don’t know, he didn’t really open up. His dad died ten years ago and he really closed off afterwards.’ Maxwell stops himself. Shit, he thinks. That was a really sensitive topic to tackle, why did he have to talk about death right now?

Michael gets up and sets up two teacups on the island. Maxwell joins him while the kettle does its thing. ‘Well, Amara had closed off, too, as you know,’ Michael responds. ‘Just punished herself. Became a different person. Look, it’s really simple, I hadn’t seen my Amara for two years. But the minute I came here and saw her with you guys, with Drake, I knew. She’s back.’

Maxwell smiles brightly. ‘That’s really beautiful. I like that idea —they found each other and allowed each other to be open again.’

‘Right. But not just the two of them. Amara loves you, and Hana, and Olivia, and Bertrand, too. This isn’t just about Drake and Amara’s love, although that’s the obvious part. It’s more than that, it’s a group effort. You all support each other in ways I didn’t know were possible for people who’ve only been friends for a few months. It’s quite beautiful.’

Maxwell lets the silence wrap them both up, until the aggressive sound of the kettle draws them from their rêverie.

*****

‘Guys, let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!’ Drake yells out from the front door. He’s been ready to go for a while, but Amara is carefully reviewing her bags to make sure she didn’t forget anything. They woke up very early and had a nice breakfast all together—Hana made a frittata—, and now Drake is loading up his Jeep.

‘One second babe,’ Amara responds, ‘Maxwell and Hana are still upstairs.’

Bertrand comes out of his study, and unsnaps his reading glasses. ‘Well, Amara, I wish you a pleasant stay, and I shall see you on Thursday.’

Amara wonders how someone who is under 35 years old has reading glasses that snap in the front. And are tied by a string that goes around his neck. Even her dad wouldn’t wear that. ‘Bertrand,’ she says as she pats his shoulder, ‘are you sure you don’t want to come? We can take two cars, we’d love to have you come with us.’

He blushes. ‘No no, thank you very much for the invitation, Drake insisted too, but I shall get my affairs in order before the tour commences on Thursday. I didn’t expect to be a part of it, you see.’

Amara smiles. ‘If you’re sure. But please, if you change your mind, call us and join us, ok?’

He nods. ‘Will do. Enjoy yourself, please.’

She squeezes his shoulder and heads outside. ‘Drake, relax,’ she says as she rolls her eyes, ‘they’ll be right out.’ She smiles upon seeing Michael outside, already loading his duffle bag into Drake’s Jeep. ‘Well someone else is eager,’ she teases.

Michael smiles, his blue eyes sparkling. ‘I gotta say, this is super exciting. Living in the city doesn’t give you too many opportunities like this one.’ He hops into the backseat.

Amara throws her luggage in the back and settles into the front seat. ‘You know,’ she says to Michael, looking at him in the rearview mirror, ‘you don’t HAVE to live in the city. From what Dad tells me, you have plenty of offers in Philly, you could comfortably live in the suburbs.’

Michael’s smile falters a bit as he nods along. ‘Yeah. I know Callie would love to get closer to Grampie and Grammie. But--’ he interrupts himself and shakes his head. ‘I can’t bring myself to sell the apartment before I find a place that I can really feel at home in. That’s the only home Callie has ever known. I can’t uproot her unless I’m sure.’

Amara nods and stretches her hand towards the backseat, reaching Michael’s knee. ‘You’re right. Sorry. You know best, it’s not my place.’

He grabs her hand. ‘It’s ok. I know it sounds silly, but nothing has clicked yet. Jorge and I visited this beautiful townhouse in Bryn Mawr, which is perfect on paper. I don’t know, it just didn’t work for me, for some reason.’

‘Listen to yourself. To your gut,’ she says. ‘It’ll happen.’

‘Wooooo here we come!’ Maxwell yells out from the front door. ‘Hana, give me your bag!’

He throws both bags in the back and opens the door for Hana, who makes quick eye contact with Amara before saying ‘Oh Max, would you mind getting in the middle? If I’m not near a window I’m gonna get nauseous.’

Amara has to fight the urge to roll her eyes and giggle. Maxwell isn’t wrong --acting must be the one thing Hana sucks at.

‘Sure thing babe,’ Max responds. He gets in right next to Michael, who smiles at him softly.

‘Alright guys,’ Drake says excitedly. ‘Let’s gooooooo!’

*****

‘Father, is everything alright?’ Liam asks, his fingers still rattling the door to ask for permission to enter.

He is met with a faint sound, emanating from his father, who is lying down on his bed, eyes half closed.

He gets closer, his hands shaky. He’s never seen him like this. He knew he had gotten worse, he knew his cancer was terminal, but he didn’t know just how bad it was.

‘Father?’ he asks hesitantly.

‘Li--Liam, you shouldn’t be here, I asked for no one to disturb me today.’ He swallows, but it’s obvious that he’s in pain. ‘Please go.’

Liam gets closer to his father. He feels like crying, but he can’t. Firstly, because it would make his father feel badly. Secondly, because Constantine has never been one to encourage displays of emotion.

‘Father,’ he whispers without making eye contact. ‘Bastien sent for me. He said you told your nurse to leave, and that you refused to take your medicine. Leo and I are concerned. Tell me what happened.’

Constantine rolls his eyes and sits up with tremendous effort. ‘Liam, this is none of your business. If you must know, this medicine is not helping, my pain is unmanageable. Please keep this to yourself, we’re not here for a pity party. The monarchy is strong, don’t let anyone think otherwise.’ He looks his son up and down. ‘How are things with your betrothed?’

Liam feels a pang in his heart. That’s the only thing his father cares about, visibly, and he’s not about to make the situation worse by opening up. ‘Things are fine. I’m hesitant to go on the tour, though, and to leave you alone here.’

Constantine lets a rare smile show on his face. ‘Don’t stay here on my behalf. Go, do your duty. You will come back here after London and attend the Engagement Ball. I’ll be here.’ He nods decisively.

Liam lets out a long sigh. ‘Alright, Father, as you wish.’

*****

‘Welcome, everyone!’ Drake yells out with a smile, as he opens the front door.

Michael takes in the gorgeousness of the scenery, before grabbing his bag from the Jeep. He shouldn’t feel so relaxed and happy without his daughter around, right? But something feels right around here. No stress, obviously, since he has zero responsibilities, and loving, supportive people surrounding him.

A pang of guilt goes through his chest. He should call Callie. Ever since Sergio passed, it’s been the two of them, always together, getting each other through life. Of course, his parents and in-laws are awesome and always around, but at the end of the day, it’s the two of them, the Hansen-Suarezes.

Drake distributes the rooms. Amara stays with him in his original bedroom, Max and Hana share Drake’s younger sister’s, and Michael is allotted the master bedroom.

‘Make yourself at home, Mike,’ Drake says to him softly. ‘I’ll let you get situated, if you need anything, let me know.’

‘Thank you so much,’ Michael replies gratefully. ‘This is amazing. I’ll be down soon, I wanna check in with my daughter really quickly.’

Drake nods. ‘Of course. Amara and I will be downstairs preparing drinks and snacks.’

Michael puts his bag down and opens it. Most of the clothes inside are too formal, too lawyery, but he notices that Maxwell snuck a couple of outfits in there for him. A note is pinned to a pair of jeans.

They suit you better than they suit me. All yours! :)

Michael smiles warmly. Maxwell never ceases to be thoughtful. He’d have to remember to buy him something as a thank you. Drake could help him sneak out and pick something.

He picks up his phone and dials Jorge’s number. His father-in-law’s warm voice picks up.

‘Hi sweetheart. Is everything ok?’

‘Hi Jorge, I’m doing great, how are you?’

‘Great,’ he says, ‘we’re in the countryside at Drake’s cabin for a couple of days.’

‘Wonderful, dear, is Amara ok too?’

Michael smiles. ‘Doing great, Jorge. You can rest assured, she is very happy here.’

Jorge’s voice lights up. ‘That’s so good to hear.’ He pauses. ‘Callie, sweetie, it’s your daddy. Come chat with him for a bit.’

Michael feels himself regenerate as he talks to his daughter. The conversation is short, it basically revolves around how much she loved going to Dilworth Park with Grampie and Grammy, and how fun it was playing in the fountain. Michael hangs up with a light heart.

He was silly to feel like a bad dad, just because he felt relaxed without her. Ever since Callie was born, he has been a reliable and loving father, who managed to maintain as stable a life for Callie as he could, after Sergio’s death. He juggled all the grueling paperwork, the grief, and the parenting duties, making sure she had enough love, hugs, support, tenderness in her life.

If anyone was good at being a widower, it was Michael. It fucking ruined his life, but he handled it like a champ. Stable in the face of adversity. Always even, only letting his feelings overflow when it came to his sister-in-law, whose grief he could not handle too well.

He had been stable. But not happy.

Of course, Callie makes him happy. She’s the light of his life, and always will be.

But he’d been on autopilot.

Seeing Amara actually thrive as her life got ridiculous and out of control had been eye opening. Maybe he needed that, too. Just for a while.

*****

Taglist:

@drakeandcamilleofvaltoria @andy-loves-corgis , @jovialyouthmusic , @mariahschoices , @drakesensworld , @thequeenofcronuts , @notoriouscs , @drakewalkerisreal , @nikkis1983 , @simsvetements , @alesana45 @iplaydrake @emceesynonymroll @lily1999love @silviasutton1989 @dcbbw @texaskitten30 @furiousherringoperatortoad @hollygirl1269 @sirbeepsalot @ladyangel70 @thisperfectmemory @of-course-i-went-to-hartfeld @i-bloody-love-drake-walker @mrsmairstanley @addictedtodrakefanfic @msjpuddleduck @kimmiedoo5 @furryperfectionlover @princessleac1

Thank you for your encouragements, everyone! Let me know if you want to be added to the taglist :)

#that's not why i'm staying #drake walker x amara suarez #dramara #drake walker x mc #drake walker #trr fanfic #trr drake #drake x mc #drake walker trr #drake x amara #amara suarez

38 notes · View notes

theashemarie · 5 years

Text

don’t you let me go | pearlina proposal fic

[Marina’s done her research on how to propose, and has been rehearsing everything in her head for months. Sometimes, when Pearl isn’t home, she stands in the mirror and practices, watches her own face, and feels really silly. But she wants to do this right. She has the ring. Now she just has to take the plunge.]

A note to future readers: I wrote and posted this during the final splatfest before I could find out the results or how it will impact everything. This piece takes place post-final splatfest but it's pure wish fulfillment. Plain and simple.

[Crossposted on ao3.] [Story title from here.]

☆ Reblogs appreciated! ☆

------

After the splatfest ends, Pearl and Marina pass out for at least twelve hours. At the studio, they change clothes by touch because they can barely keep their eyes open, scrub makeup off, smile only with their eyes because their cheeks hurt so bad, and hold each other up as they stumble to the car. At home, they stagger in and shuck off their shoes. The bed catches them as they fall. Sometimes, they sleep curled up together, sometimes Pearl sprawls out so wide that Marina has to nudge her over to her side of the bed, sometimes Marina sleeps on her back like she’s dead and Pearl wakes up just to check for her breath.

In the morning (or afternoon), Marina is usually the first one to rise. She takes a shower, brushes her teeth, stretches her sore muscles, and gargles some warm salt water. Pearl snores loudly, but only after splatfests. Her vocal cords rattle in her chest. Marina pulls the covers down and crawls back into bed to wait.

Pearl wakes eventually, but it’s slow, like she’s rising from the grave. Marina knows she’s close when she starts muttering. Then, she twitches, first her fingertips, then her arms, then her legs, then she rolls over. Her eyes flicker open eventually and the first thing she sees is Marina, peering at her with exhausted but bright eyes. Pearl usually tries to say something, but her throat is in shreds and Marina shushes her.

Pearl showers. Marina sits in bed with the blankets pooled in her lap and checks the news on her phone. It’s always splatfest related. Marina quickly gives up trying to learn anything new about the world, content that it didn’t end in the last fourteen hours.

Pearl emerges in a shirt down to her knees and with her hair pulled back. She angrily sloshes salt water around her mouth while she’s standing there, because she hates that she has to do it, but she knows that Marina will shame her if she doesn’t. After she brushes her teeth, they have breakfast.

Today it’s eggs. They don’t talk as Marina scrambles them. Pearl pulls bits and bobs out of the fridge to dump in—mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers—and she blitzes them in the food processor because she’s too tired to handle a knife. The eggs end up good if a little mushy and they eat quickly.

They don’t talk for the first twelve hours. Vocal rest is important, but it kills Pearl a little. They have to communicate by writing or texting. Marina’s handwriting is careful, exact, while Pearl’s is loopy and messy, quick scribbles because she’s impatient. She stomps around now that she’s awake and she often takes to the studio, where she slams her fists against the keyboard in an attempt to compose. No vocals though. She never really gets very far.

It doesn’t matter who won the splatfest, not really. They don’t talk about it and, at the end of the day, it’s just a festival, more for Inkopolis than for them. It’s just their job to create hype.

And create hype they do. Their voices need days to recover and their bodies are sluggish. Marina never wants to wear another pair of tights again and she always swears them off (only to begrudgingly tug them back on as soon as they get to work on Monday), while Pearl declares that she’s done with jumping. Her knees are weak, like rotten wood, but, soon enough, she’s bouncing around like nothing happened.

They spend the day by themselves. Marina likes the quiet and Pearl can’t stand not being able to talk to Marina. So, they do their own thing. Marina sits in a rocking chair and reads, glasses perched on the end of her nose, while Pearl attempts to compose, attempts to play a video game, or succeeds at online shopping. They don’t need a popcorn machine, but she orders one anyway, along with a couple heating pads and Marina’s favorite brownie mix.

Then, that evening, they go out together. Sometimes bowling, sometimes to an arcade, sometimes to dinner at a little hole-in-the-wall place that Pearl found online. Today, because it’s the day after the final splatfest, there’s a carnival in a field on the outskirts of the city. Pearl hugs close to Marina’s back as they ride out on the motorcycle, and, once they get there, vocal rest comes to an end.

Pearl hops off the bike, stretches her arms over her head, her cropped hoodie riding up to give Marina a beautiful look at her freckled stomach, and yells, “I’m gonna eat until I throw up!”

Her voice cracks in the middle and she breaks off to cough once she gets it out. Marina laughs and puts her hand on the small of Pearl’s back as they begin to walk. “Just don’t throw up on me.”

Pearl gives her a huge grin. “Then stay out of my splash zone.”

Marina shakes her head, but she can’t help but smile in return. Surreptitiously, she unzips the pocket of her leather jacket and sticks her hand inside, just to make sure that the small box is still there.

+++

This has been coming for a while. Marina’s done her research on how to propose, received a lot of unwanted advice from anyone who saw her with the ring (namely, the jeweler, a man on the train, and Callie, who squealed so loud that Marina had to fake an illness to get out of a recording session later that evening because she couldn’t hear out of her right side), and has been rehearsing everything in her head for months. Sometimes, when Pearl isn’t home, she stands in the mirror and practices, watches her own face, and feels really silly. But she wants to do this right.

She didn’t know when she was going to do it. She never planned that far—just knew that it needed to be after the final splatfest. After all that stress, all that performing, all that pretend fighting. When they were flying high on a job well done, a tradition properly brought to a close. That was the perfect time. The ending of one thing, the beginning of the rest of their lives.

She’s been carrying the ring around for weeks now, just in case. She didn’t want Pearl to find it and she was open to seizing an opportunity, even if it went against her post-final splatfest instincts. She was really winging this whole thing, had been since she crawled out of Octo Valley and took a chance on a small little inkling with dozens of piercings who wanted to start a band. It’d brought her this far, her instincts, her gut, her trust in Pearl. Who was she to look the right moment in the face and say no?

But, that never came. Instead, things went according to plan. They sang their lungs out and danced their feet off. Marina went stage blind and Pearl almost slipped off the edge a few times. They finished strong and they brought all of Inkopolis together by dividing them. And now, they’re here.

This is the night. The lights are bright, a multitude of colors that flash and dance across their skin. Pearl’s rings catch the light and she jabbers excitedly as she points out all the junk food. She pulls Marina by the hand from stand to stand and begins to rank all of the fried food on a tastiness scale that only she understands. Marina follows along and gives her opinion on funnel cake, fried mac and cheese bites, corndogs, spiraled potatoes. All the while, Pearl glances at Marina with something behind her eyes, something that Marina can’t place. It’s not bad—in fact, it warms her through, but it almost makes her falter a few times.

After they down a few slices of pizza and share some fried ice cream, they set their sights on the rides. Pearl beelines to a large saucer and it makes Marina queasy to see it spin like that (among other things). She bows out and sends Pearl on by herself.

While alone, she tugs the box out. She doesn’t dare open it. She’s looked at it enough already: a small, simple silver band, etched with P + M. It’ll match Pearl’s other jewelry, won’t be too conspicuous, and she knows that Pearl isn’t a fan of gems or sparkles. She prefers the bluntness of silver, the glint of a thick band under stage lights.

Marina takes a deep breath, holds the box between her hands like a prayer, and tries to give herself the strength to do this. This amazing, crazy thing. This thing that will ensure that things never have to change. This thing that will guarantee that they’ll always be together, no matter what.

+++

They ride a swing ride, one that flies them in a large, leisurely circle. Marina, overcome, flings her arms and legs out like a child and Pearl lets out a chiming, free laugh. She copies Marina and, together, they yell wordless joy as they go in circles. After, a few people recognize them, and they pose for a couple pictures. Pearl, always hungry for the camera, flourishes her arms out. Marina, more subdued, makes sure that her high-waisted skinny jeans are angled just so, and puts her hands on her hips.

They go back to food after that. Over a heaping plate of fried mushrooms, Pearl looks out at the crowd, at all the couples and the children and the siblings, and her eyes are shining with all the lights. Marina swears she falls in love with her all over again right there.

“Are you going to miss it?” Pearl asks after she swallows down a mushroom. Marina, unsure, makes a confused sound. “All the splatfests,” Pearl clarifies.

Marina considers that. Will she? It was something new to look forward to, something she did only with Pearl, and staying up all night writing the announcements and the results every month were some of the most peaceful, reassuring moments of her life. Pearl is quieter and softer when she’s tired, and they shared their first kiss during one of those all-nighters. Worn down, exhausted, they merely fell together that night. One second, Pearl was leaning her head against Marina’s shoulder and the next she was looking up at her with slightly parted lips. They kissed like gravity, like it was inevitable, and, after, neither was sure who initiated. They stared at each other and it was like terminal velocity. Suddenly Pearl was in Marina’s lap, shoving her cold hands around Marina’s face so she could pull her closer. Marina wrapped her arms around Pearl’s back and pulled them flush. She swore she could feel all three of Pearl’s hearts, racing each other in a rat-a-tat rhythm.

“A little,” Marina answers, once she realizes that she’s been contemplating the question for a few too many beats. Her face is warm at the thought of that first kiss and Pearl peeks at her with a coy expression that says that she knows exactly what Marina was just thinking about.

“Things change,” Pearl continues. A flash goes off as someone takes a picture of them and Pearl glances up just in time for another to go off. She scowls in their direction, ever the protector of their private moments, and the poor teen scurries off. Then, she turns back to Marina and grabs her hand, rubs her thumb along her palm. “But you’ll always have me.”

+++

Marina almost chickens out. There are multiple opportunities, but she doesn’t take them. Instead, she allows herself to be dragged around the carnival. She examines the rides with a critical eye, taking them apart in her mind to figure out how they work, and points out a few interesting pieces of mechanics. This makes Pearl smile fondly and shake her head. She squeezes Marina’s hand. “So cute when you’re geekin’,” she mutters, and Marina shoves her lightly.

They ride a few more gentle rides, including the carousel. Pearl climbs on top of an ostrich and lets out a loud whoohoo! as soon as it starts moving. Marina, on an accompanying zebra, forgets herself for a second, because the sight of Pearl so carefree does something pleasant to her insides. She smiles to herself and when she looks it up its to Pearl beaming at her, leaning all the way back with her hands wrapped around the pole. It takes all of Marina’s combined will not to lean over and kiss her right there.

Eventually, eventually, the evening is coming to a close. They snack on a few more fried desserts, share a funnel cake and lick powdered sugar off their fingers. Pearl doesn’t barf, not even after riding a few more spinning rides, and they decide to close things out on the Ferris wheel. Marina gazes up at it and she feels a stone form in her stomach because this is it. This is the moment, isn’t it?

Her whole body feels like it’s working on a different frequency as she climbs on next to Pearl. Sher nerves sing, her hands shake, and her leg bounces. Pearl, mistaking the twitchiness for nervousness, places her small hand on top of Marina’s. Marina, with her hands vice gripped around the safety bar, merely grimaces at her.

They sail around a few rotations, staring off at the bright lights of the city, gazing down at the carnival and all the people below them. Pearl points things out, clearly trying to distract Marina from her anxiety, and Marina tries to pretend to be interested as she fumbles around with the zipper on her jacket pocket.

The Ferris wheel stops at the top. Marina nearly chokes on her own tongue as she gazes out at the dark sky in front of them, illuminated by the soft glow coming off the city. She feels like she can see forever.

“Marina...”

Everything slows down. Marina turns, hand fisting around the box in her pocket. She looks and Pearl is watching her with wide, terrified eyes. It makes Marina let go of the box.

“Pearl?”

Pearl shakes her head and grabs Marina’s hand. “Sorry, I was just enjoying the moment. Look, I have something...”

Pearl digs around in the pocket of her white shorts. Marina feels her whole body come back online then. The seat is jiggling as Pearl’s boot drums against the floor and Pearl’s hand is warm, hot almost. Just there, Marina can see a band of skin on her stomach as she shifts to get better leverage.

“You little shit... Get out of there! Ah! Got it! Okay, sorry.” Pearl smiles a little shyly and it’s the first time Marina’s ever seen that expression on her face. She looks... She’s glowing with the lights and with the blush on her cheeks and Marina literally can’t get her mind to keep up with all this.

“Look.” Pearl takes a deep, stabilizing breath. It rattles out of her chest, catches just there, and she swallows thickly. “I know this is sudden, but I can’t take it anymore.”

Pearl holds her hand out. Between her fingers, there’s a small gold band, the same color as her eyes, with a single, small stone affixed, flush, in the metal.

Marina’s mind crashes to a halt. Her perfectly rehearsed speech, her best laid plans, all leave her. All that’s left is the warm summer breeze and Pearl, looking at her with the most vulnerable expression Marina’s ever seen. It’s devastating to see.

Pearl takes another deep breath. This one comes out a little cleaner, free of all the cobwebs of nerves now that she’s got the ring out. “Look. I love you. So fuckin’ much. I love you so much it keeps me up at night sometimes... And I love it! I love waking up and seeing you there! And watching you play with your hair! And the way you tap your pencil against your lips when you’re thinking! And the way your brow furrows when you’re concerned! And the way you touch things you don’t recognize, all careful! And the way you love machinery! I love watching you discover new things about Inkopolis, and I love that I’ve been by your side this whole time! I just... I love you! And, Reena... I wanna keep loving you.”

Marina’s body takes over. Dumbstruck, she fishes into her jacket pocket, tugs the ring box free, because she can’t believe this. “Pearl...” It’s all she can manage. She holds the box out and Pearl’s brow wrinkles as she looks down at it.

Marina watches as Pearl computes everything and she recognizes the instant that it hits her. Pearl’s eyes widen and she looks up with a mouth that slowly widens into an excited gasp. “No fuckin’ way!” She darts forward, grabs Marina’s face between her hands, and kisses her. It blazes through them, from Pearl to Marina, and Marina can feel the ring’s shape against her cheek as Pearl pulls her closer. Marina’s body relaxes, her stomach releases from its complicated pretzeling, and she allows herself to be swept up. The seat sways under them as Marina pushes back, slides her hands along the bare skin of Pearl’s stomach, and Pearl laughs against Marina’s lips as she brushes against a sensitive spot. Marina, emboldened by the laugh, merely deepens the whole thing. She feels Pearl’s lips part, just there, and she almost loses herself.

Below them, a few people let out a few whoops. A woman yells a loud congratulations! and Marina pulls away, suddenly aware that they have an audience. Pearl lets out a small keening noise at the interruption but then seems to come back to herself. She grins up at Marina, unabashed, and waves over the side, to the delight of their onlookers.

“Is that a yes?” Marina asks. She feels like she’s being lit up from the inside, like she could sail up and live amongst the stars in the sky.

“I thought I was asking you!” Pearl cries, face split in two by her brilliant smile. She has tears in her eyes, Marina realizes, and it makes her chest jump.

“Yes,” Marina says simply. It’s all she can manage. After all that planning, all that rehearsal, and that’s all she has to say. “Yes,” she repeats. “Yes. Yes. Yes.”

+++

As they climb out, equipped with two new rings, the ride attendant gives Pearl a high five. Marina, giddy, overcome, can’t help but lean close as they walk away. A few people snap pictures but neither of them care.

“That was perfect. How’d you do it?” Marina asks as they walk toward the parking lot.

Pearl, knowing that she’s been had, merely grins up at her. “I might’ve bribed the dude running the ride. I’ll never tell.”

Marina lets out a chiming laugh. Pearl squeezes her hand and presses as close as she can while walking. Together, they head home.

Together, they head into the future.

#splatoon #splatoon 2 #pearlina #splatoon fic #off the hook #ashe writes #ashe talks #long post #originally i wasn't gonna post this but i had bad news and i wanna put some positivity out there #i also think it's incredibly important to portray LGBT couples in a positive happy way #so here we are

118 notes · View notes

waitineedaname · 5 years

Text

Lightning Round, Take Two

kudos to @notedchampagne for inspiring this!!

also on ao3

“This is a terrible idea.”

“It’ll be fine.”

“She’s going to hate me.”

“She’ll love you.”

“Love me? Love me?!” Karkat all but shrieked. “I don’t know if you’ve realized this, Dave, but I don’t exactly make the best impressions! In fact, one might even say I make the worst impressions! We’ll be lucky if she doesn’t end this visit early because she can’t stand being around me because I have the personality of a deep seated pimple!”

“Damn. The kind it hurts to pop?”

“Yes! The kind of pimple that never forms a head and settles on your upper lip so it hurts every time you move your mouth! That’s what my personality is like: persistent, painful, and pus-filled!”

“The three P’s.” Dave mused, and Karkat shot him a scowl. “C’mon man, don’t sell yourself short. You’re like a blackhead at the worst.”

“Don’t pander to me, Strider.” Karkat grumbled and crossed his arms, but he didn’t complain when Dave slung his arm over his shoulders. “I still think this would go much better without me.”

“Nah, dude, trust me, this is the best option. I mean, best case scenario, if I did this by myself, she’d be like ‘omg do u have a bf’ and I’d be like ‘yeah’ because that’s part of what I’m tryna do here, tell folks about us, but then she’d want pictures even though she’s definitely met you, and then I’d have to show her all those cute pictures I took of you when you weren’t looking, and I know you don’t want that.”

“You what?”

“You didn’t hear that.”

Karkat rolled his eyes and leaned a little closer into Dave’s side, eyes tracing the little carapacian homes they were walking by. Dusk was falling, much to his relief; they both had to make compromises when they realized their species operated at different times of day, but he still avoided leaving the hive when the sun was glaring and ready to burn him to a crisp. Dave probably could’ve flown them all the way to Roxy and Calliope’s house, but Karkat hated making him carry him that far (Dave always insisted he wasn’t that heavy, but the strain in his voice never escaped Karkat’s notice), so they were walking the last few blocks. Karkat had a sneaking suspicion Dave was fine with walking because he was trying to delay the inevitable. He was nervous, if the way his fingers were tapping on Karkat’s upper arm or the way he kept clenching and unclenching his jaw said anything. Karkat sighed and unfolded his arms to wrap one around Dave’s waist.

“You don’t have anything to worry about, you know.” He said, surprising Dave into looking down at him.

“What? Who said I’m worried? You’re the one who’s been bitching the whole evening.”

“Because I want to make a good impression on your weird paradox ancestor, shit for brains. I’m saying you don’t need to be worried about coming out to her.” He met Dave’s eyes through his shades, something he’d gotten good at over the sweeps. “Of all fucking people, she’ll be the most fine with it. That’s why you’re telling her first, right?”

“Yeah, I know, it’s just-” Dave sighed and looked away. He was better than he used to be, but holding eye contact was still hard for him, “It’s a big deal, you know? I mean, Rose probably figured it out from living in a confined space with us, and Dirk kinda got it out of context clues, but this is a first using the big B-word.”

“She’ll be fine. And if she isn’t, I’ll tear her apart and at least give her a reason to hate your boyfriend besides my shit-awful personality.”

“Aw, babe, I dunno whether to be flattered you’d attack my mom like a feral raccoon or bummed that you’re trashin’ yourself.”

“How about we compromise, and I’ll stop shit-talking myself if you stop stressing yourself out about this.”

“...Deal.”

“Good. Because I think that’s her house.”

“Oh shit.”

The two of them stopped just outside the elaborate building the carapacians had offered Roxy and Calliope back when they’d first arrived in the middle of Earth C society, both of them brimming with anxiety despite their reassurances. Karkat almost thought Dave was going to say this was too much for him and turn around and fly home, but he unwrapped himself from Karkat’s arm and instead held his hand to walk up to the front door and knock.

“Just a sec!” Roxy’s voice rang out from somewhere inside, and a few seconds later, the door opened to reveal her smiling face. “Davey!” She squealed and launched herself at him, hugging him tightly. Dave, to his credit, adapted quickly and let go of Karkat’s hand to hug her back.

“Sup, Rox.”

Roxy pulled away from Dave to turn towards Karkat, who instinctively took a half step back. She noticed and laughed. “Don’t worry, I’m not gonna hug you if you don’t wanna. Is a fistbump cool?”

“I don’t know if I would call anything a certain red asshole harangued me with in the early years of our friendship ‘cool’, but it is acceptable.” That made Roxy laugh, and he gave her a light fistbump.

“Karkat, bro, I can’t believe you’re just calling me uncool in front of my mom. What the fuck. What is this betrayal.” Dave shook his head, but he already seemed more relaxed.

“Dave, I dunno how to break this to you, but you’re related to me ‘n Dirk.” Roxy tried to adopt a sympathetic expression despite her grin. “You’ve got dork running through your veins.”

“Goddamn. You’re tellin’ me I’ve got a genetic predisposition for this shit?”

“Yup. It’s chronic. Doctors everywhere’re rushing to write studies on our family to try and isolate the ‘cool-but-really-not-cool’ gene.”

“Let’s hope it’s not replicable in a lab or anything. I’m pretty sure Earth C can only handle four of us.”

“Ohmigod, can you imagine them trying to test it out. Little lab rats wearing shades and writing wizard fic. Holy shit.” Roxy gasped at her own idea, an unbelievably pleased look on her face.

“Oh my dick. Fuck ectobiology, this is the science I want to invest in.”

“Absolutely not.” Karkat interjected. “There’s already enough of you jackasses, I think I’d have an aneurysm if any more blond lunatics were running around.”

“Lol,” Karkat couldn’t believe Roxy just said that out loud, “You’re probably right. Are we gonna keep fucking around about cool mice on the doorstep, or do you guys wanna come in?”

She stepped aside to lead them inside and showed them to the living room. “Callie’s out picking up dinner. I would’ve made something since I invited you guys over for dinner, but living in the water apocalypse did not leave me with many cooking skills.”

“Hey, no shade here.” Dave shrugged, plopping down on the couch with Karkat at his side. “I don’t think I’d be able to work an oven if I tried. We’re a strictly take-out household. Hivehold? I dunno, but we’ve barely touched the kitchen in the week we’ve been here.”

“Excuse you, I made those Hot Pockets yesterday.” Karkat countered sharply.

“Yeah, and they were like 30% cooked, dude. You put them in the microwave for thirty seconds and then panicked.”

“Fuck you, I don’t see you doing much better! In fact, I distinctly remember you eating those frozen pizza pockets like a ravenous barkbeast! It was like you’d been locked in a cave with nothing to eat for half a sweep and my delicious plate of folded sauce treats were the only thing saving you from a miserable, malnourished death!”

“I mean, a Hot Pocket’s a Hot Pocket. I’m not gonna turn one of those fuckers down, who do you think I am.”

“I think you’re a wiggler with no sense of taste.”

“You eat bugs.”

“And you put ranch on your pizza! Bricks and glass houses, Dave!”

“Dude, do trolls even have that expression? Aren’t y’all light sensitive? Why would you have glass houses?”

“Newsflash, dipshit, I’ve lived in close proximity for the majority of the past two sweeps with an overflowing fountain of pop culture references and idioms and an uppity seer that likes to make things as convoluted and difficult to understand as possible. I picked up a few human phrases! Uh, no offense, Roxy.” Karkat added at the mention of Rose.

“None taken! I’m pretty sure she gets that from Dirk anyway.” Roxy waved him off. “Take it back to the ranch on pizza thing tho, do you really do that? Is this some earth delicacy I missed out on?”

“Oh fuck yeah, it rules. You gotta try it some time.” Dave nodded, excited to get someone else to try his food crimes.

“Imma have to take a pass on that.” Roxy said, crinkling her nose.

“Finally, someone with taste!” Karkat exclaimed, and Dave gently hit his shoulder.

“I am slowly workin’ through traditional earth food tho! Or at least as traditional as you can get here. That’s where we’re getting dinner from! There’s this human/troll fusion place that Callie and I like. I dunno how authentic it is, but it tastes good at least!”

“I mean, nothing on Earth C is super authentic, it’s all like human diet slightly to the left, but it’s edible.”

“Better than the garbage we alchemized on the meteor, at least.” Karkat agreed.

“God, the fucking buffalo wings debacle.” Dave and Karkat shuddered in unison. Roxy looked amused.

“You guys spent a lot of time together on the meteor, right? And now you’re living together?” Roxy asked, and they both nodded. She had a look in her eyes that was far too reminiscent of the look Rose got when she was gearing up to psychoanalyze someone, and Karkat was hit with a stroke of panic. “Sooo, I should prob’ly do a lightning round with you too, right? Since you’re important to Dave?”

The pair shared a look and Dave shrugged, appearing nonchalant despite the way he was anxiously picking at a loose string on his jeans. “Uh, I guess?” Karkat said, bracing himself.

“I’ll start easy, I promise!” Roxy drummed her fingers on her lips as if thinking. “Hm… you’ve got ‘cat’ in your name, do you like cats?”

Karkat made a face, thrown off by the question. “I guess? I never had one, but Nepeta was pretty fucking into them, and they seemed… fine. I can respect a meowbeast that just lazes around if it’ll leave me the fuck alone, but Nepeta’s lusus could’ve probably torn me to shreds, so…” He shrugged.

“Was Nepeta a friend from the game?” Roxy backpedaled the moment she saw Karkat’s face fall. “Oh shit, tender subject, sorry.” She worried her lip, looking for another question, then perked up. “Oh! What’s your sign? I know it’s Cancer from earth astrology and stuff, but what’s that mean for trolls?”

Karkat looked down at his chest and grimaced. “Fuck if I know, I don’t actually have a sign. I spent most of my life thinking this stupid thing meant precisely fuck all. I guess it’s a symbol of my ancestor? But I never really learned much about him since the empress always tried to erase his rebellion, and I thought that ancestor shit was highblood bullshit anyway. I guess now I know it’s not, but ugh, I could’ve happily gone my whole wretched life without meeting that douchebag.”

“We met his ancestor in the dream bubbles.” Dave explained. “Or I guess descendent? Since y’all are technically the post-scratch group? I never really understood that part.”

“Doesn’t fucking matter, he was a pretentious asswipe with his head so far up his nook it’s a wonder he was even audible, but oh god, was he audible alright.”

“Lmao, I kinda wanna meet this guy.” Roxy grinned.

“No you don’t.” Dave and Karkat said in unison, which made her laugh.

“I’ll take your word for it.” The mischievous look was back in her eyes. “Next question! Have you ever had your quadrants filled?”

Karkat almost choked. “What the fuck kind of question is that? That’s none of your fucking business!” He blustered. “My quadrants are private, and it’s my decision if I want to bring them up! Are all humans this fucking nosy or is it just the Lalondes?!”

“It’s just the Lalondes.” Dave said flatly.

“I just thought it’d be fair since I asked Dave that in our lightning round!” Roxy put her hands up in apology, but didn’t look particularly apologetic. “I was curious!”

Karkat was about to continue his rant about people feeling entitled to knowledge about virtual strangers’ quadrants, but the way Dave sat up and cleared his throat gave him pause.

“Actually, Rox,” Dave started, fidgeting a bit, “I never answered that question back on the lilypad.”

“Yeah, but that’s okay!” Roxy brushed him off. “I’m not gonna push you to answer something you’re not comfy with.”

“That’s the thing. I wanna answer you now, if that’s cool.”

“Oh!” Roxy’s eyes widened. “Of course that’s cool! That’s cooler than cool.”

Dave lifted an eyebrow, a smile pulling at his lips despite himself. “What’s cooler than being cool?”

“Ice cold!” Roxy shouted at the top of her lungs, and the two of them chanted “alright” about a dozen times while Karkat watched them in bewilderment. Humans, he thought. He’d never understand them.

“Okay, but for real tho,” Roxy said once they’d both gotten a handle on their giggles, “You wanted to say something?”

“Yeah.” Dave almost immediately looked anxious again, running his hands over his jeans. “So. You asked if I’d ever kissed anyone or-” He cleared his throat and the rest came out in a mumbled cough, “-been in love.”

Karkat held his breath, eyes flicking between Dave and a very focused Roxy.

“The, um. The answer to both of those questions is… yes? And I know you’re wonderin’ who, that’s like the next logical question, like if you ask someone if they’re hungry and they say yes, your next question is probably gonna be ‘what do you wanna eat’, unless you’re a total dick and just wanted to, I dunno, be aware of someone else’s hunger for your own sick pleasures and leave ‘em waiting like you’re some kinda sick torturer tryin’ to extract information out of a prisoner, like ‘hey are you hungry?’ ‘Yeah, I am, actually. I’ve been hanging from my ankles for a week now and I’d kill for some motherfucking KFC right now.’ ‘Interesting. Go fuck yourself.’ That’s not a very good interrogator, actually, he didn’t even try to get any information out of the guy except for the knowledge that he’s really craving some chicken, which is virtually useless, unless the interrogator is working for KFC’s competitor, like Popeyes out here tryna get the deets on their rival brands. Hey, do you think they’ve got a Popeyes anywhere on Earth C? Maybe we should start one, make a shit ton of money. Really boost the economy.”

“Dave.” Karkat cut him off before he could get too far from the topic, giving him a pointed look. “Were you actually going to say something important or were you going to just talk out of your deflated ass forever?”

“Hey man, you know you love my ass.”

“The point, Dave-!”

“Right right right.” Dave shook his head and took a deep breath before looking at Roxy again, who looked like she was might be putting things together already. “It’s Karkat. The answer to ‘who’, I mean. We’ve, uh. We’ve been dating since the meteor.”

Roxy’s whole face lit up. “Aw, congrats you guys! That’s really sweet!”

“Yeah.” Dave looked over at Karkat and gave him a tiny smile before looking a little apprehensive again. “I’d, uh, appreciate if you didn’t tell anyone though? I mean, the rest of the meteor crew probably knows because we spent… a lot of time together.”

“Most of that was platonic, though. A good two-thirds of it, at least.” Karkat countered.

“True, but they don’t know that. Far as they know, one day we were just two bros hanging out and watching movies and shit, then the next day, Vriska walks in to catch one of those bros taking a snooze on his other bro’s lap and falling off the couch the moment she announces her presence.”

“I’ll give you three fucking guesses which dumbass that was.” Karkat directed that at Roxy, and she snorted.

“Rude.” Dave nudged him. “But yeah, they’ve probably figured it out, but we haven’t officially told anyone. I haven’t even told anyone I’m, you know. Bisexual.”

“Wait, so I’m the first person you’ve told?” Roxy looked a little stunned.

“I- Yeah? I just thought you’d probably be a safe person to go to, especially since we don’t have any weird baggage like I might have with John and Jade, you’re just my alt-mom, which I guess does make things a little weird-”

“It’s a little weird, but it does mean you get a certified mom hug!” She interrupted, standing up.

“A mom hug? Dunno if I know what those are like.” Dave said, smiling a little.

“They’re like this, you big goober.” Roxy pulled him into a tight hug, pulling him down a little so he could put his head on her shoulder. “I’m proud of you, Davey. That’s a big deal, comin’ out and shit. I’m glad you felt like you could tell me.”

“...Thanks mom.” Dave’s voice was a watery mumble against her shoulder, but he seemed to have collected himself by the time they pulled away. Roxy immediately turned her sights on Karkat.

“Your turn! You’re family now, you can’t escape hugs anymore.”

“Ugh, you humans are so fucking tactile.” Karkat grumbled but resigned himself to Roxy’s affectionate squeeze.

“Hey man, don’t act like you’re not cuddly as hell. I have to pry you off of me with a crowbar to go take a piss sometimes. You should see this dude when he gets sleepy, Rox, it’s so fucking cute. Did you know trolls purr? It’s some kinda flushed noise or something and it’s the fucking best.” Dave seemed to already be relaxing now that the thing he’d been dreading was over with.

“That’s private!” Karkat hissed, embarrassed. Dave just grinned at him and sat a little closer when they took a seat again. “Do you want me airing out how you melt like a touch starved candybar left in the sunlight when I suggest you should be the little spoon? Or how you turn into a warbling puddle of Dave when I do this?” He reached over and out his hand on Dave’s knee, rubbing his thumb in soothing circles. Casual affection, Dave’s weakness.

“Aw,” Roxy cooed. Dave looked thoroughly embarrassed and made a strangled noise in his throat. Karkat gave him a smug look.

“Shut up.” He grumbled weakly and scooted a little closer so he could press against Karkat’s side and hold his hand.

“So you guys are matesprits?” Roxy asked, and Karkat’s anxiety immediately returned. Dave wasn’t the only one who had coming out to do. Dave squeezed his hand and let Karkat start since this was his thing to discuss.

“Mostly?” He offered weakly, then tried to sound more certain. “We’re kind of pale too.”

“Plus I piss you off in a pitch way sometimes.” Dave added helpfully.

“And the way you kept me from tearing Vriska apart on the meteor was sort of ashen.” Karkat admitted.

“I mean, there wasn’t really much of a chance of you tearing her apart to begin with. Spidertroll could’ve probably kicked any of our asses in her sleep, she’s fuckin’ crazy.”

“My point still stands!”

“So…” Roxy interrupted, guiding them back on topic, “You’re in all quadrants? I didn’t know trolls did that!”

Karkat winced. “They don’t. Usually. It’s extremely frowned upon.”

“Karkat’s had trouble keeping shit in one quadrant.” Dave explained for him. “He’s got a big ol’ heart full of love.”

“I’m pretty sure you’re the only person in Paradox Space to come to that conclusion about what my useless fucking pump biscuit is full of, but thanks for the thought.” Karkat rolled his eyes, defaulting to annoyance to avoid the insecurities that always gnawed at him when he thought about his relationship with quadrants. “‘Full of love’ is usually not the first thing people describe me as. More like ‘full of a burning anger’ or ‘a perpetual stream of irritable piss’ or, hell, ‘just undiluted dumbass juice!’ As far as most people are concerned, I’m Karkat ‘useless shitfit’ Vantas, and they’re not fucking wrong!”

“Okay, sure, you might be the grumpiest person in all - what, is this five universes now? I can’t keep track, but that doesn’t mean you’re not secretly a big softy.” Dave rubbed his thumb over Karkat’s knuckles. “I know that best out of probably anyone.”

“If it helps, I don’t think of you as those things!” Roxy added. Karkat gave her a disbelieving look.

“Full offense, we’ve never really ‘hung out.’”

“I mean, no, but I’ve seen you interacting with Dave and John and Kanaya and stuff, and you’ve always seemed to be a caring friend underneath all the yelling.” Roxy shrugged. “It’s nice knowing Dave’s in good hands since I’ve only been part of his family for a couple weeks. Means I don’t have to give you a shovel talk prob’ly!”

“The shovel talk? What the fuck? What does that even mean?” Karkat looked at Dave for an explanation, but he only winced.

“You know, when parents meet their kid’s partner and are like ‘you better not hurt my baby, or I’ll kill you.’ That kind of thing. I’m guessing trolls didn’t do that on Alternia?” Roxy tilted her head, seeming genuinely curious. Karkat’s face contorted as he wrapped his head around that concept.

“Okay, first of all, no we didn’t because we didn’t even have parents and our lusii wouldn’t give two shits about our quadrantmates. Second of all, you better not even think about giving me your ridiculous human ‘shovel talk’! I’ve known Dave far longer than you have, so it really should be me going ‘don’t fucking hurt him,’ but I know I don’t need to because Dave can fucking handle himself! He doesn’t need your bullshit defenses! If I ever hurt him, I trust him to be able to tell me to fuck off out of his life - not that he’d ever need to because I’d rather establish a culling system in the Troll Kingdom and offer myself up as their first sacrifice than hurt Dave!” He took a deep inhale to continue his tirade, but Dave cut him off with a pat to the cheek.

“Yo, dude, shoosh, it’s okay. It’s really not that big of a deal.” It was only after Dave cut off his train of thought that Karkat realized how worked up he was getting, and he shrank back down against Dave’s shoulder, embarrassed. “I’m pretty sure Roxy was kidding, anyway.”

“Yeah, for sure!” Roxy nodded quickly. “I didn’t mean to imply you were gonna hurt Dave or that he couldn’t take care of himself or anything. That’s hella not my place, and you guys seem very good for each other.”

“Oh. Well. Good.” He sent her a warning glare just to make sure he’d gotten the point across, then forced himself to let some tension out of his shoulders.

“It is really nice knowin’ my family’s in good hands though.” Roxy smiled. “Hell, it’s nice knowin’ I have a family! Oh my god, Dave, do you realize none of us Strilondes are straight? I mean, Rose ‘n Dirk are both gay as hell, and then you and I are bi!”

“Yeah- Wait, what?” Dave jolted a little in surprise. “Rox, you’re bi too? Since when?”

“Uh, since always?” Roxy laughed a bit. “I thought that’s why you came to me, because you knew!”

“No! Holy shit, I gotta process this for a second.”

“LMAO.” Roxy said, pronouncing every letter. “Yeah, dude! I mean, can you blame me? Like, dudes are hot as fuck, that’s like self explanatory. I mean, have you seen the Englberts? Eglishes? Whatever their family name is, John and Jake are both total babes, but then there are girls too! I mean, Janey, what a gal, right? And Callie too!”

“Right?” Dave enthused, clearly excited someone understood where he was coming from. “Girls are so fucking good, hot damn, but then? Dudes? Holy shit?”

“Yeah!” Roxy was just about throwing herself out of her chair with her excitement. “I can barely leave the house, it’s just smoochable babes everywhere I turn.”

“I’d say it’s a goddamn plight, but I got the most smoochable right here.” Dave emphasized his point with a kiss to one of Karkat’s horns, making him squawk. Dave laughed a little and turned back to Roxy. “Yo, but rewind back to Callie. Soooo, are y’all two, y’know…”

Roxy looked remarkably like Dave when embarrassed. “Uh…” The sound of the front door opening and Calliope’s greeting voice cut her off. “I’ll get back to you on that!” Dave waggled his eyebrows at her but didn’t push it.

Dinner was an enjoyable affair, despite Karkat’s near constant crippling fear of being miserable in every social engagement. The food was good and pretty close to tasting like home, and the conversation was fluid - mostly because Roxy and Dave chattered the entire time like hyperactive squirrels. Karkat tried to be annoyed with their ridiculous stream of consciousness discussions, but he couldn’t help but feel warm watching Dave talk so comfortably with his ecto-mom. And he certainly wasn’t the only person happy with the situation; every time he and Dave started bantering back and forth, he could see Roxy’s delight out of the corner of his eye, and the absolutely lovestruck look on her face whenever Calliope spoke didn’t escape him either.

Eventually, though, they had to head home - though Dave and Karkat had both shifted their sleep schedules to be active in the afternoon and most of the night, the majority of their human friends were still diurnal and needed to go to bed eventually - so after a few more hugs from Roxy, they were sent on their way.

Dave landed them down the street from their hive, and Karkat didn’t complain about having to walk that last distance. The Troll Kingdom was just now starting to wake up, stores and restaurants lighting up, trolls in suits rushing to their early jobs, and young trolls getting ushered off to school. It was so different from Alternia, but Karkat thought he could probably get used to the differences if it meant he didn’t have to worry about getting culled at a single glance at his blood color. Maybe it was too early to tell, but if he let himself feel just the slightest bit optimistic for his future, he had a feeling he could be really happy here. He could live a peaceful, successful life on Earth C, and if the cheerful way Dave was swinging their clasped hands meant anything, he wasn’t the only one feeling hopeful.

“So,” He prompted, leaning into Dave’s shoulder, “I guess that could have been more horrible.”

“Yep.” Dave said, popping the ‘p’. “We’ll have to scrap those emergency plans. Cancel our name changes and facial reconstructions and flights to the other side of Earth C, no need to run away immediately.”

“I don’t know, we might have to keep that shit pencilled in. We still need to tell John.” Karkat reminded him, and Dave groaned.

“Oh fuck. Yeah, never mind, you sure we can’t just fuck off into another universe? Universe D here we come. The D stands for Davekat ‘cause it’ll just be us, babe. It also stands for Dick because, come on, it’s us, of course it does. Also Dinosaurs just ‘cause. Do you think dinosaurs are a universal constant? Like, did dinosaurs exist for you guys? Or- oh shit, do you think they evolved differently? Are trolls just super evolved dinosaurs?”

“Dave,” Karkat gave him a look, “I think I would know if I was a dinosaur.”

“I dunno, dude, maybe we’re all dinosaurs-”

“Okay, I know when to cut that shit off.” Karkat rolled his eyes and let go of his hand to unlock their door. “Seriously, I think… that went okay. Less than horrid.”

“Less than horrid, huh? That’s a big compliment coming from you, are you feeling okay? Are you gettin’ some kinda fluffy feelings from hanging out with Roxy too long, ‘cause like, I get it.”

“Shut up. All I’m saying is this might not have been as much of an ordeal as we thought, this ‘coming out to everyone we know’ thing.”

“Maybe. You might be right.” Dave admitted, following him inside. “But that involved way too many emotions, and I think all my brain’s been used up for the rest of the day for anything that involves more thought than playing Xbox for seven hours straight. You down?”

“Fuck yes.”

#homestuck #davekat #dave strider #karkat vantas #roxy lalonde #calliope's there for like a second #okay to reblog #my writing #this was fun to write!#i. really like writing karkat he's very fun.#also she/her pronouns are used for roxy bc this is pre-them figuring out their gender #this is epilogue non-compliant household but i do want to keep roxy's journey to figuring out they're nonbinary

59 notes · View notes

thechaseaphrodite · 4 years

Text

Time Warp

Chapter 01

Hi guys! How are you?

First, I would like to thank you very, very, very much for all the reviews, kudos, favorites and followings that we got only with the prologue!

I would especially like to thanks: Anita, BrittneyJ2020, calzona4me, Calzonafan123, chuckechesnut, Felicity_Olicity, helenkidd1, Kels1769, koreee.95, LarisUSB, Mariz Vida, MauraIslesJr, Sisidandan, TheMikaelsonPrince, Tifenn and WitchArabella

And of course, a special thanks to my beta reader: @tiggermay

Answering Reviews: I planned to go back so far for many reasons that will be revealed throughout the story. And yes, this will impact many things, including Sofia, but calm down, we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

I got some comments saying that Callie was out of character because she was “sleeping around”. First thing, right now Callie is single, so if she wants to sleep with all of New York, it’s her right. However, Callie’s behavior was indicative of something intentional in the story. After all, you know Callie doesn't usually spleep around. Or maybe that was just Arizona's jealousy talking. You didn't EVER see Callie with anyone. So don't be so quick to judge, guys, and hold your fire.

And, take it all with a pinch of salt.

Finally, I just wanted to say that I plan to try to post a new chapter every Thursday.

I hope you enjoy this first chapter!

When Arizona opened her eyes again, she was in a bed. She sat up slowly, her hands going to her left leg, caressing her own skin, delightedly watching her own left foot move, like it hadn’t in years.

"God..." she murmured, a smile breaking out in her face. Arizona jumped out of bed, laughing as she felt both her legs move together, wiggling her toes in absolute delight. She ran to the bathroom, smiling at her reflection, ten years younger. She giggled as she saw Kai's face over her shoulder.

“We're back,” she said to him, maintaining eye contact through the mirror. “We’re really back.”

Kai laughed softly and nodded. "We’re back".

Arizona turned squealing with joy and embraced the half-naked man. "How… How are we going to do this?" she murmured, keeping her face against her guide's chest, the scent of the meadow, not having yet left Kai's skin.

Kai shrugged. “Only you can see me Arizona. I will follow you and help you with the memories, but you’re free. This is your second chance.”

Arizona sighed turning to the mirror. "This is my chance to make things right with Calliope," she murmured lovingly. “Wait, wait. What day is it?” she muttered taking out her cell phone. She frowned, thinking it would take her a while to readjust to the technology. “January 2009... Dr. Kenley will have a heart attack...”

"Tomorrow. Your main case will be Jackson Prescott. And you will meet Miranda Bailey and Alex Karev.”

Arizona nodded. “I remember that case. It was a true miracle. I think I can do better this time. But before... Before, I need...” she looked around the apartment for her laptop. “I need to talk to Nick. He needs to get proper treatment. It's been three years since he was diagnosed, I think…”

Kai sat on Arizona’s couch, throwing a small ball against the wall while the pediatrician wrote to her best friend.

Hey Nick!

How are you? I haven't heard from you in a while... Alright, alright, I know I turned into a horror show during my residency, but now that I've finished my fellowship I should’ve a more normal life. Or as normal as a doctor's life can be.

Because I'm a doctor, remember that, Nick? Even though I'm a pediatric surgeon, I studied everything. That is, I can help you if something is wrong.

Arizona took a deep breath. Theoretically, she shouldn’t know about the tumor.

I have a feeling something is wrong. Let me help you, Nick; please contact me!

With love,

Arizona

She bit her bottom lip before clicking send. With that done, Arizona decided to explore her old apartment. The memories were coming back little by little, like little flashes through her mind. She was so focused that she didn’t even notice Kai fade into the background.

It didn't take long for her to hear the sound of a new email. She jumped back to her laptop. She took a moment to acclimate back to the old technology. She had gotten used to the smoothness and easy access to everything the technology of her time provided. This might take a minute, she thought and waited while everything was uploading while silently longing for the digitalized easiness she left behind.

Hey, Phoenix!

Your sixth sense is damn accurate, isn't it? I was trying a more unorthodox route of treatment for my little issue, but if you could feel something wrong all the way back to the States, maybe it isn’t working so well, after all. But don't worry M.D., I'm already buying my ticket to Seattle and I'll be a good lab rat for you.

Love,

Nick

Arizona laughed softly, her eyes welling up with tears that start streaming down her cheeks. Nick was alive and she was going to have enough time to save him. She sniffled a few times, trying to calm down. Nick was coming home. He would be fine. Now, she needed to focus on Jackson Prescott.

Arizona pulled out her files from Hopkins and began to study her case notes of children with short bowel syndrome, so that she could figure out how she could buy enough time for Jackson Prescott, until the transplant arrived.

Honestly, she wanted to strangle Kenley. Repeating the same procedure twelve times, what the hell was he thinking?! Three years spent torturing a poor boy instead of leaving his comfort zone!

She would arrive in the OR tomorrow with a real plan and she would show everyone why she was (or rather, would become) one of the greatest pediatric surgeons in the country.

***

Arizona arrived early at the hospital so she could organize Kenley's charts. She picked up Jackson Prescott's binder and took a deep breath, looking at Kenley's notes. She'd like to just put the boy on the transplant list, right away. But Bailey would fight her every step of the way, and this was an unnecessary fight. She could save as much bowel as possible, as well as remove the most damaged part of his liver, which would give her more reasons for the transplant request. She nodded to herself, thinking that it was a solid plan. Before leaving her new office, she smiled at Kai. Her angel was barefoot and wearing only black sweatpants, his huge white wings folded and dragging on the floor as he walked a few steps behind her.

They had talked and settled on Kai always being around (even if sometimes he disappeared from her sight completely) to guide her through the past.

Arizona skated to the General Surgery Nurse Station. She couldn't contain the huge smile on her face when she saw the young - still a resident - Miranda Bailey.

"Doctor Bailey!" she called, moving toward her and extending her hand. “Arizona Robbins” she introduced herself. The future chief of surgery looked at her hand for a moment before shaking it, with obvious hesitation on her face. "I'm taking over Doctor Kenley's patients."

“You are the peds surgeon.”

"Yeah," she confirmed nodding her head, the permanent smile on her face. "I see you’re assisting with Jackson Prescott." Arizona paused a moment to breathe. “With all due respect to Dr. Kenley, he was a wonderful physician, but I'm surprised he has insisted on this course of treatment for so long. When it wasn't - you know - working.” Arizona studied Bailey's face, watching her friend take a deep breath, clearly annoyed with her. Dammit, she had offended Bailey. Again! "Oh, no I'm not criticizing you!" She quickly amended. "You didn’t make the call."

"Yeah, but I supported the call," Bailey recited, pushing the chair away from the desk. Bailey took a deep breath and began trying to explain. “We hadn't turned the corner yet, but Kenley was sure that if we kept on doing what we were doing-”

"Jackson's case is quite severe," Arizona interrupted. They had no time for these debates.

The boy is dying Bailey. Every minute counts. I need you to trust me. Arizona thought worriedly. Bailey looked at her incredulously.

"If you're suggesting we were torturing him with useless procedures..."

Arizona smiled. Bailey was still Bailey. "A lot of senior peds surgeons believe stritoroplasty works, and sometimes they're right." That was enough for Bailey to nod in agreement with her. Arizona took a deep breath. She knew she couldn't go straight for the transplant, but that didn't mean she wasn't frustrated "So, we'll go with this, today, but with his liver disease, we need to start exploring other options." She paused a moment just to smile at Bailey. "I’ve got to run." She said pulling away. “Dr. Kenley had a big case load. I will see you at the OR!” She said before taking off and skating away.

A giggle she barely managed to hold back almost escaped her mouth. If she could, she would be skating all day. Arizona had cried a little, while putting on her heelies that morning. She was skating again. Arizona stopped before entering the locker room to prepare for Jackson's surgery… Unfortunately, she doubts the nurses would let her skate into the OR.

***

Arizona smiled as she saw Karev preparing to enter the OR. She quickly began cutting, with a precision far superior to someone who had just finished their fellowship. She took a deep breath, knowing the mess that would be inside the boy.

"Karev, can you pull the retractor more?" She asked.

Her future resident obeyed the order without hesitation, knowing exactly how much more pressure to apply. "Like this?"

She agreed. "Yeah, great."

Arizona shook her head. "Look at this. It is a mess. He'll have maybe ten centimeters of bowel when we're done here.”

“Wow, wow, wow… Can't we try Bianchi's procedure to try to save some more, then?” Bailey interrupted anxiety clear in her voice.

Arizona didn't even deign to look at the resident in front of her. “The bowels are dead, and the liver is cirrhotic. There is no way to save anything.”

"Yeah, but-"

“Dr. Bailey, this kid should have been on the transplant list a year ago. It is a miracle that he’s still alive.” Arizona took a deep breath. (“Teach them Arizona. They are your ducklings.” Norman McHale's voice, her former mentor echoing in her mind.) “This is what happens when you insist on the same procedure twelve times…. All right, what we’re going to do is try to keep as much of his bowel as possible. He’ll need to go on liver dialysis as soon as this is over. I know we have some machines here for a clinical study but keeping this child alive is a priority. And we'll need a transplant… Laura.” she called the intern who was watching the surgery. “This boy goes on the transplant list today. Go get the paperwork ready. Intestine and liver.”

“I think we should ask for another opinion.” Bailey interrupted her again.

Arizona looked at Bailey. "Laura, as an order from your attendant, go get the paperwork ready."

As soon as the OR door closed again, she moved her focus to the child in front of her. “Dr. Bailey, as soon as we get out of here, I'll give you the cell phone number of Norman McHale, the head of Pediatric Surgery at Hopkins. You'll say Arizona send you, and he'll say Jackson needs a transplant two minutes into the call.”

“There is no need to snap at me-”

"Actually, there is," Arizona replied. “You're good, Bailey. You could be a great pediatric surgeon, and you have what it takes to be chief of surgery one day. But you are still a resident. Which means you are still in training and still learning. And what you need to learn today is that repeating the same procedure twelve times won't bring different results, and Dr Kenley put this boy at risk. And in medicine, and especially in peds, your focus cannot be on you, or the attendant you're working with, but on the patient. You don't know me yet, I’m the stranger in a ponytail and you liked and trusted Kenley, but that doesn't change the facts.”

Karev looked at Bailey's astonished face. The rest of the surgery was done in silence.

***

Arizona collapsed on her couch that night, grunting. "God, I had forgotten how frustrating Bailey could be."

Kai laughed hoarsely. "I think you're the first doctor who acknowledged that she's still a resident."

Arizona sighed turning her cell phone in her hand. She missed the social networks and games on her old phone (well, future phone). And the tablets, which had greatly improved the efficiency in the hospital. She didn't like working with so much paper anymore. "Do you think she'll hate me? We’ve never really butt heads like that before…"

Kai shook his head, his black curls bobbing almost childishly. "I think she'll respect you. You're fighting for this child. She sure appreciates that."

Arizona nodded absently. It had been almost a week since Jackson's surgery had taken place. No compatible donors yet. And no excuses to talk to Calliope. Or Mark. God, she'd missed Mark. And Lexie was still there. She sighed. Kai had advised her to let things progress naturally. So, she would try to focus on Jackson for now. And soon, soon she could get closer to her friends. She fell asleep, still lying on her couch, being woken up a few hours later by the sound of her pager.

"Shit, 911."

Arizona jumped off the couch, still smiling at her left leg as she put on her sneakers and bolted out the door.

***

She spotted Bailey outside Jackson's room as she straightened her white coat.

"I'm up, I'm here." she announced trying to ward off her tiredness. "What happened?"

The resident walked fast to her, preventing her from entering the room. "Jackson's BP has gone down a little since yesterday. No big deal, but if we make a few calls and be a little pushy, we might be able to pass him a little further on the transplant list."

Arizona looked at her resident, shocked. "Dr. Bailey, you paged me 911 at 2:30 in the morning. To chat?"

Bailey looks embarrassed for a second. "You like to chat. You're chatty."

Arizona closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "Not at 2:30 in the morning!" She looked at Bailey, worried for a moment. "Look, he's young, he's almost at the top of the list. UNOS will find a donor for him as soon as it’s possible" (or Webber will do it, just like last time) "And God knows that staying up all night chatting about it won’t help. I'll try to get some sleep, and I suggest you do the same. "

"He’s running out of time," Bailey complained in a chocked-up voice.

Arizona smiled sadly. She had almost forgotten about this insecure Bailey. "They always are. Welcome to peds" she repeated her words.

***

Arizona was preparing a coffee for herself. She had forgotten that there were twenty other children who needed her care besides Jackson. And she had just sent one of them home along with her parents, because there was simply no treatment. And she was frustrated. Because there was treatment. That hadn’t yet been finalized. Anyway, she had recommended the girl for clinical research, but her parents didn't want her to be a guinea pig. She had only been taking a few minutes to compose herself when Bailey found her.

"Okay, I made a list of the best pediatrics GAs in the country. I think between the two of us, we can get one of those guys to come here and do a TIPS procedure on him."

Arizona took a deep breath. She knew how to do a TIPS procedure. She was excellent at TIPs procedures. To hell with the technicality of… You know, not actually having learnt them yet here. She didn't need another surgeon intruding into her OR and trying to tell her what to do, ordering her and bossing her around and most importantly distracting her from her job. A job at which she excels, thank you very much. "Firstly, I am perfectly capable of performing a TIPS procedure," she began. "And secondly, doing a TIPS procedure on a boy who needs a new liver is putting a band aid in a bullet hole."

Bailey looked exasperated. "Well, do you have a better idea?"

Arizona smiled, rolling her eyes. "I have. Wait for UNOS. Trust the process. Why can't you?"

That was enough to piss Bailey off. "Because I'm tired of waiting while this child gets worse! Jackson is tired! His mother is tired! The only one who is content to sit on her ass and wiggle your fingers waiting is you!"

This ignited Arizona’s temper. "Look, I've been patient with you, I've been nice, but I am really over you constantly telling me how to do my job!”

"Well, clearly someone has to!”

"I have twenty other children-"

"And I am concerned over this one child!"

"SHUT UP"

Arizona stopped arguing with Bailey staring at the door where Karev was standing. She hadn't even noticed him there.

"Respectfully," he corrected himself, "respectfully shut up. Because we have organs," he announced with a crooked smile and a raised eyebrow.

Arizona swallowed hard. She was the attending physician. She would have to go, on a small plane, with Karev to fetch these organs.

She nodded quickly. "Dr. Bailey, you know the procedure. Go get Jackson ready. Doctor Karev we'll go get those organs."

***

Arizona was sweating cold as they boarded the plane. She sighed as she sat in the front row. Lexie had sat in the back, and she was dead, so Arizona couldn't get past the third row of any kind of aircraft.

But Lexie isn’t dead she thought, trying to breathe. Lexie is just fine. Lexie is going to be fine, if I have anything to do with it.

Since it was just the two of them, she expected Karev to choose a seat away from her, only to be surprised when he sat right beside her.

Arizona couldn't speak, fear (your leg is still here. you're safe) forming a lump in her throat.

Kai sat behind her, one hand on her shoulder. "It's fine, Arizona. You are safe." Her angel reassured her.

As the plane began to accelerate for take-off, she closed her eyes, only to be surprised when Karev gripped one of her hands, squeezing it gently. She squeezed back until the plane was high when she finally managed to breathe again. "I... Thank you."

Alex just shrugged. "Fear of flying?"

She nodded. "I ..." (I was in a plane crash. But she hasn’t. Not yet. Hopefully, not ever) "I always feel closer to death on planes than in the OR."

Karev nodded and went back to ignoring her.

"I saw Izzie the other day" (she doesn't deserve you Alex, she'll break your heart. Jo will arrive soon and she's perfect for you).

Alex nodded. "Yeah"

Arizona smiled. "It's nice. You're a beautiful couple" (you and Jo will be even better).

She let Karev spend the rest of the trip pretending to be asleep. But he took her hand again as soon as the commander warned that they would begin the descent. Arizona smiled. The golden heart was there.

***

The next time Karev spoke to her was when he saw the patient from whom they would take the organs.

"It's just a kid."

Arizona nodded, knowing what it was like to deal with the shock for the first time. "Yes. Let's get the organs."

***

Alex didn't look up during the entire procedure. Not even when she explained aloud what she was doing and the differences in anatomy between adults and children for him.

When they got back to the plane, he didn't sit next to her either.

She took a deep breath. "Spit it out Karev. Don't brood."

He glared at her. "We just got a little boy's intestine and liver out. A dead little boy! And you don't mind! You didn't even blink during the whole procedure, and now you stand there, shaking in fear of a plane, but you didn't care about that kid!"

Arizona stared at her hands in her lap shaking. "I know they unplugged that little boy. Do you think I don't get that? Do you think I don't know about the tiny coffin they're going to stick him in? I know all about the tiny coffins. I see them all the time. In my sleep.” She took a deep breath “But we move on Karev. You turn your back on the tiny coffins and move on. To the next child."

Karev turned forward still angry. But as the plane was about to descend, he reached out to her hand through the aisle.

Arizona gripped his hand tightly. Fear consumed her, but a part of her was proud. Here was her pediatric surgeon.

***

The transplant surgery was quiet and calm. Arizona took a deep breath. They had been faster this time. Jackson's treatment was more advanced.

Kai was watching over her shoulder. "Everything looks fine on my end."

Arizona smiled and nodded. "Finishing the vena cava."

Karev smiled at her. "Anastomosis looks good."

Bailey smiled. "Now all that’s left is to release the clamps."

Arizona smiled at Bailey. God, she loved how she used a stool to get taller, so she had a better view of the patient. "Do the honors, Miranda. He’s your patient."

Bailey smiled at her. "Thank you, Dr. Robbins"

She watched carefully as Bailey removed the clamps, paying attention to the dark marks, but she didn’t need to.

"Call on me!" intern Sadie Harris interrupted. "There is a spot on the duodenum."

Arizona looked at that angrily. Damn it, not again! She shook her head.

"What the hell is that ?!" Bailey snapped.

Arizona took over immediately. "Necrosis… Dammit! Get the organs out now! We'll need a new transplant, looks like we're going to do a TIPS procedure, Bailey."

"This can't be happening..." Bailey started tearfully. "Not to this little boy."

Arizona was already putting new clamps. "Dr. Harris help Dr. Bailey step away, Dr. Karev you're taking over."

Sadie immediately moved behind Bailey. "No, I can go on!" Bailey protested her eyes full of tears.

Arizona did not raise her eyes as she removed the increasingly dark organs. "That's an order, Miranda. Karev!"

Karev forcibly removed Bailey, quickly picking up the instruments. "How long to find new organs?"

"Twenty-four hours. Maybe more, since he was already on liver dialysis." Arizona warned. "Harris, Bailey, find all interns and residents. Someone in Seattle must be compatible with this boy and I want all hands-on deck, working on finding new organs. Now!”

Arizona didn't even have time to look up to see the mighty Dr. Bailey, running out of an OR to follow an order.

***

Arizona collapsed when she got home. "I did everything right!" she said tearfully to Kai. "Everything! And yet, Jackson is dying and its days earlier, which means the original donor for Jackson isn’t there!"

Kai sighed and sat beside her. "Arizona. Take a deep breath. Whatever is meant to happen will happen.”

Arizona shook her head. "He's already on the liver dialysis machine. That gives us an advantage. Still..."

And in that moment, it was as if a light bulb appeared above Arizona's head. She ran back out her door, and rushed back to the hospital, just in time to see Bailey, crying outside.

“Dr. Bailey?” she called softly.

“I want off this case.” She whispered. “Oh God, I want off this case. I want off... This little boy is going to die, and I just don’t want to be here to see it. I just don’t want… I just want off. I want off this case. I want off!”

Arizona shook her head. "Jackson is already on liver dialysis, but we can put him on peritoneal dialysis. This will delay any swelling in the brain and not require further surgery."

Bailey looked at her in surprise. "It doesn't solve the problem of..."

Arizona nodded. "No. But it will buy us time. I'll do the procedure, and don't let anyone rest until we get those organs."

***

When Arizona had set up everything to begin the dialysis procedure, Alex Karev and Izzie Stevens hurried through the door. She smiled at the two, watching as they quickly took over their positions.

"Arizona, don't let this woman work with needles. Something's not right with her." Kai murmured in her ear.

She nodded. "Doctor Stevens, switch places with Doctor Karev. He's been working with this boy for a while."

Izzie nodded in confusion, going to hold the ultrasound while Alex took over the catheter.

Arizona refocused on the boy, but she noticed Izzie looking anguished while staring at something behind her.

She began to instruct Karev in detail, on what they were doing and for what purpose.

"Shut up," she heard Izzie mutter.

"What was that?" she asked to the blonde doctor incredulously. This resident had not just told her to shut up during such a delicate procedure. She wouldn’t dare... Karev looked equally concerned.

"Nothing. Sorry Doctor Robbins" Izzie said louder this time.

Melinda Prescott entered the room. "Has UNOS said anything?"

Arizona looked at the doctor holding the ultrasound. "Dr. Stevens will call them again. And contact Dr. Bailey and see if any of our doctors were lucky." she said to the woman, who was clearly and understandably worried. Izzie was looking around anxiously and didn’t move to carry out the order. "Doctor Stevens, are you paying attention?!"

Kai shook his head. "Arizona, no. There’s something wrong with her, this doctor isn’t all here."

"Dr. Stevens, ask at the nurses' station to make the calls. And then go get some rest."

Izzie nodded, almost in a daze, propping the ultrasound on the patient's bed and leaving the room. Arizona and Karev finished the procedure in silence.

"Dr. Robbins, Izzie... She was tired. We’ve all been up all night trying to find the organs and-"

Arizona silenced Karev with a gesture. "It's okay. Just talk to her. This is a serious case, Karev."

Arizona took a deep breath, appreciating her work. "Good job here Alex." she complimented. "I'll make the rounds, try to talk to Izzie, okay?"

***

Arizona was returning from her rounds to check Jackson's PIC when George O'Malley came running toward her, Richard Webber right behind him.

"I got it Dr. Robbins!" George announced "We have the organs! OR number 3!"

Arizona looked into the room, Jackson's PIC still below the limit. She nodded. "Great job O'Malley" she said with a smile on her face.

***

The surgery went well, and Jackson's heart didn't stop. Not even once. After they sent the boy to Recovery, Arizona leaned against the wall taking a deep breath.

Miranda Bailey stopped next to Arizona. "I... I didn't think you could handle this case. After today I think you were the only person who could have ever handled it." she said softly. "I almost crossed a line today. Before O'Malley arrived... I was going to ask Derek Shepherd to let a man die so I could save this boy. But I didn't break my oath. Thanks to you."

Arizona laughed softly and took Bailey's hand. "You are an excellent doctor, Miranda. I know you, and when it comes down to it, you will always do the right thing… And thank you. For trusting me."

Arizona gave Bailey one last soft smile and turned back to staring at the walls quietly, cherishing these few moments of peace and letting the immense feelings of gratefulness flow through her, still in awe of this new chance at life she was given. She sighed softly and let her head fall back against the wall, content in the feelings of achievement and camaraderie shared between her and the woman who would one day be one of her closest friends.

#greys anatomy #arizona robbins #callie torres #fanfic: callie/arizona #timewarp

8 notes · View notes

wildflowerirwin · 5 years

Text

Love Me Back - a.i. (2)

Masterlist

Summary: Lacey Teller needed more, she found it in a sugar daddy

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Swearing, men are still shit, sexy times

Words: 3k-ish

Lacey walked into the bar, her skirt riding up slightly. She wasn’t entirely surprised that her work uniform was a short skirt, but the material wasn’t cooperating with her skin. She walked up to the counter where a skinny brunette stood, picking at her clearly fake nails. “Hi, I’m Lacey. You must be Callie.”

“Must be.” Callie rolled her eyes. “Listen, today’s my last day. I’m not interested in forming any friendships. Just watch me do my job, so you can do it.”

“I-.. Okay.” Lacey sighed softly.

“Great, grab an apron and a notepad. If you ask stupid questions, I will give you stupid answers.” Callie said, walking toward a table.

“What qualifies as a stupid questions?” Lacey asked, following after Callie.

“The same qualifications that make you stupid.” Callie rolled her eyes and walked up to a table of college aged men. “Starting with beers, gentleman?” Callie asked, leaning against the table.

“Would be spectacular.” One of the guys grinned at her.

“Lacey, be a dear and get these gents some beer.” Callie raised an eyebrow at her.

“Sure!” Lacey smiled and walked to the bar, filling glasses for them. She set the glasses on a tray and walked past the bar.

“This is gonna be good.” Callie said to the guys, turning to watch Lacey. Lacey was almost to the table when another patron pushed their chair out, causing Lacey to trip. She let out a yelp as she fell to the ground, the tray of beers flying out of her hands.

“What the hell was that?” Michael asked, coming out of the back room.

“Oh, nothing. The new waitress is just learning how to handle a fall.” Callie smirked down at Lacey.

“Anything broken comes out of your paycheck.” Michael rolled his eyes and walked back into the back room. Lacey stood up and looked at Callie.

“Were you trying to get me fired on my first day?”

“Oh, please.” Callie rolled her eyes. “Every waitress has to fall once, I just made yours easier. Now, go get new beers and don’t drop them.” Callie shrugged and watched as Lacey walked back to the bar.

“Fucking ridiculous.” Lacey shook her head and filled new glasses and loaded them onto the tray. She brought them over to the table and set them down.

“You’re gonna be one hell of a waitress. Think you can handle it from here?” Callie smirked at her.

“Whatever, just go home.” Lacey sighed and walked to the front door to seat the group that had just entered.

“Can’t leave until I’m sure you’re ready. Besides, I need another hour of payroll if I’m gonna pay rent this month,” Callie shrugged.

“Fine,” Lacey said, seating the group in a booth and handing them menus. She walked over to the bar where Callie stood. “Tell me about the managers.” Lacey said, sitting on a barstool.

“First of all, if any of them catch you sitting on the job, you’ll get a very stern talking to and a write up.” Callie said, crossing her arms. Lacey sighed and got off the stool.

“They’re real sticks in the mud, aren’t they?” Lacey mused. “Think I should out a bandaid on this scrape?”

“You’re fine. Now, Calum is. Ashton usually stays in the back unless it’s really busy. Luke and Michael are both pretty laid back, until something goes wrong. Depends on how wrong it is for Luke to actually care.” Callie shrugged.

“No, I mean like personality.” Lacey said, leaning against the bar.

“Honestly, I don’t know much about them. They’re all very secretive about their private lives. I know Luke has a dog.”

“You really don’t know anything about them?”

“Well, Ashton’s 25. He’s owned this bar since he was 17, it was passed down to him. Calum, Luke, and Michael are all 23. They’ve all been friends since they were kids. Moved here from Australia together when Ashton inherited the bar.” Callie said, picking at her nails again.

“Hm..” Lacey hummed. “I’ll be right back.” She walked over to the booth she seated. “Y’all ready to order?” Callie smiled to herself and walked into the back.

“Ashton, I’m leaving. Your new waitress can handle things on her own.” Callie said, untying her apron and hanging it up.

“You think she’s ready? That was a pretty nasty fall she had.” Michael chimed in, looking at Callie.

“Lacey fell? Is she okay?” Ashton asked, standing up from his desk.

“She’s fine. A little scrape on her knee, but she’s fine. Every waitress has to fall. She let her scrape rest while she asked me all sorts of questions about your personalities.” Callie rolled her eyes. “Now, I’m leaving. Pleasure working with you guys, hope to never do it again.” Callie walked out of the back and out of the bar. Ashton sighed and walked out of the back to check on Lacey.

“Lacey, can I speak to you?” Ashton raised an eyebrow.

“Of course, sir.” Lacey said, following him into the back and into the office. Ashton closed the door behind them and Lacey looked up at him. “What’s going on?”

“You asking Callie about me?” Ashton mused, trailing his fingers along her arm.

“Maybe.” Lacey chewed on her lip. “You haven’t told me anything about yourself.”

“The less you know, the better this arrangement works out.” Ashton whispered, pulling Lacey’s body closer to his.

“I still want to know you, daddy.” Lacey hummed, wrapping her arms around his neck.

“Not a chance.” Ashton smirked, pressing his lips to hers.

“You know, I’ve always fantasized about being fucked over a desk.” Lacey whispered, her lips brushing against Ashton’s. Ashton growled lowly and spun her around, pressing her down against the desk.

“Making you wear a skirt was the best decision I ever made.” Ashton smirked, flipping Lacey’s skirt over her ass. Lacey giggled quietly and wiggled her ass. “Hey,” Ashton sent a spank to her cheek. “Hold still, baby girl.”

“Sorry, daddy.” Lacey bit her lip as Ashton pulled her thong down.

“You will be.” Ashton smirked, rubbing his fingers along her slit and coating them in her juices.

“Please, daddy, give me your cock.” Lacey whimpered.

“So needy.” Ashton hummed, pushing his jeans and boxers down enough to free his throbbing cock. Lacey let out a strangled moan as Ashton pushed himself into her, filling her completely.

“Oh, God, fuck.” Lacey moaned, gripping the edge of the desk. Ashton gripped her hips, his fingers digging into her skin. His hips slammed into hers, his cock hitting every right spot.

“Shit, you’re so tight.” Ashton grunted, his hips stuttering. Lacey moaned out his name as his fingers found her clit.

“Yes, yes, just like that.” Lacey gasped, her walls clenching around his cock.

“Cum for daddy.” Ashton groaned lowly. Lacey squeezed her eyes shut as her orgasm washed over her, Ashton’s name falling from her lips louder. Ashton brought his hand to her mouth. “Shh, baby girl.” Ashton chuckled, his hips continuing to slam into hers. Lacey moaned against his hand as her thighs shook. “That’s my good girl.” Ashton grunted as he released, his load coating her walls.

“Fuck, daddy.” Lacey hummed, letting go of the desk. Ashton pulled out and fixed his pants.

“Fix yourself and get back to work.” Ashton said, watching as Lacey pulled up her thong and fixed her skirt. Lacey pressed a kiss to his cheek before walking out of the office and back to the bar.

“You done?” Calum asked, coming in to the office. “You know, I think there’s rules against fucking your employees.”

“I own this place, and I say I’ll fuck whoever I want.” Ashton rolled his eyes playfully. “What do you need?”

“Well, $2000 is missing from the deposit.” Calum said, sitting next to Ashton at the desk.

“What?” Ashton spun around in his chair to look at him.

“I checked this morning and exactly $2000 was missing.” Calum said, showing Ashton the deposit.

“The only people who have access to the deposit are us and Bill.” Ashton said, staring down Calum.

“I know. I already talked to Luke and Michael and neither of them touched it. I trust them.” Calum sighed.

“What would Bill want with our money?” Ashton crossed his arms. “We already pay him more than enough.”

“Ash, Bill also works for Shane.” Calum glanced up at Ashton, almost scared to see his face.

“Goddammit.” Ashton groaned, slamming his fist down on the desk. “How much do you wanna bet Shane paid Bill to fucking rob us?”

“I’m not surprised. Shane is so threatened by you.” Calum rolled his eyes.

“If Bill is working for both of us, that means no one is safe.” Ashton said, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

“Hey, don’t worry about that. Let me worry about that.” Calum sighed and Ashton stood up.

“This is bullshit.” He shook his head and walked out.

Lacey was getting the hang of serving the customers. She carried a tray over to a table of older guys, most of them drunk off the first round of beers. Lacey set down each plate of burgers and fries before tucking the tray under her arm. “Anything else I can get for y’all?” She smiled at them.

“Could use a little extra piece of you on this burger?” One smirked at her, his clearly fake teeth making her stomach sink.

“Sorry, but I’m not on the menu.” Lacey said, forcing her smile to stay unfaltering.

“I think you can make an exception.” He chuckled, his knuckles nudging her thighs.

“You can’t order what’s not on the menu. Restaurant policy.” Lacey pursed her lips and turned to walk away. She started to walk away, but stopped in her tracks when she felt a stinging sensation run through the flesh of her ass and through her spine. Ashton nearly threw himself over the bar. The glass in his hand fell to the ground, shattering against the linoleum.

“Go back to the bar.” He told Lacey sternly, gently nudging her toward the bar. Lacey knew better than to disobey and quickly made her way to the bar while Ashton stood in front of the group of men. “Hi there, I’m the owner of this establishment and I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

“We just got our food, why would we be leaving?” The offender looked up at Ashton.

“Well, I just saw you slap the ass of one of my employees, and I don’t take kindly to men feeling entitled to women’s bodies.” Ashton’s arms crossed over his chest.

“Come on, mate. You can’t tell me you haven’t wanted to get a piece of that ass.”

“I’m not going to ask you again. I do have a gun, and if you make me ask again, I will use it.” Ashton said, brushing his leather jacket aside and flashing his gun. The group stood up quickly, rushing out of the bar. Ashton ran his fingers through his hair, messing up his styled curls. He walked back to the bar and stood in front of Lacey. “If you need to sit in the back and take a minute, please do.”

“No, I’m fine. Thank you, though. I’m actually used to this.” Lacey shook her head. “I just want to get through this shift and then go to dinner with you, and then go home and pass the fuck out.”

“Tell you what, as soon as Luke gets here, we’ll skedaddle.” Ashton pressed a soft kiss to the top of Lacey’s head. “You sure, you don’t want a break?”

“Yes, daddy, I’m fine.” Lacey giggled softly and walked to another table. Ashton shook his head and walked into the back.

“Just received a complaint. Did you pull a gun on patrons?” Calum crossed his arms and looked at Ashton.

“I threatened to, but I didn’t.” Ashton sat down at the desk.

“You can’t do that, Ashton. That’s how we lose customers.” Calum rolled his eyes.

“It’s not like I pull a gun on every customer. That guy slapped Lacey’s ass and I wasn’t going to let him get away with it.”

“Is daddy getting possessive?” Calum teased, pinching Ashton’s cheek.

“Fuck off, mate. I’m serious.” Ashton sighed, slapping Calum’s hand away.

“I’m serious, too. You’re developing feelings for your sugar baby.” Calum said, leaning back in his chair.

“Did you know that every woman I know has a story like what I saw happen to Lacey? My mum has, my baby sister has, all past relationships have.”

“My mum and sister have, too.” Calum sighed. “But, you can’t change that. Not by yourself.”

“I know, and I hate it.” Ashton sighed, rubbing the palms of his hands against his eyes.

“Hey, is the air broken in here again?” Luke asked as he walked into the back office, shoving his phone, wallet, and keys into a locker.

“Yeah, Rami hasn’t been in to fix it.” Ashton sighed, getting up. “I’m taking Lacey out, so it’s just you two tonight. Call Mike if you need extra help.”

“Gonna go smooch your sugar baby?” Calum teased.

“Ashton’s fucking the new girl?” Luke asked, leaning against the desk.

“They did it today on the desk you’re currently leaning on.” Calum said, laughing as Luke launched himself off the desk.

“Are you fucking kidding me?!” Luke looked down at Ashton. “You couldn’t keep it in your pants while at work?”

“Hey, I own this place.” Ashton chuckled and grabbed his phone and wallet from off the desk. “I’m leaving now. Goodbye.” He smirked and walked out to the front. “You ready, baby?” Ashton asked, looking at Lacey.

“Yes, I’m starving.” Lacey smiled, pulling her apron off and hanging it up. Ashton walked out to the alley, Lacey following him. Ashton pulled open the door of his Range Rover, pressing a soft kiss to Lacey’s lips as she got in the car. He got in and furrowed his eyebrows as he noticed a flash coming around the alley. “What was that?” Lacey asked, looking at Ashton.

“I don’t know.” He pulled the car down the alley, watching as a blue Impala sped down the street away from them. Ashton sighed and drove down the street, parking in front of the restaurant. He wrapped his arm around her lower back as he walked her inside the restaurant. They sat in silence for some time, before Lacey finally spoke up.

“You got any siblings?” She raised an eyebrow at him and took a sip of her wine.

“I do, actually. A younger sister and a younger brother. Haven’t seen them in years.” Ashton sighed softly, shoving a breadstick in his mouth. “You?”

“I have too many siblings. Two older brothers, an older sister, two younger sisters, and a younger brother.”

“So, you’re the middle.” Ashton smirked. “Did you like having a big family?”

“I loved it. I would love to have a large family of my own.” Lacey smiled. “I actually lost one of my older brothers and my younger brother in the military, though. Aiden was hit by a landmine, and Carter’s submarine was hit by a torpedo and they all drown.” Ashton almost choked on his water.

“I’m so sorry.” He grabbed her hand, squeezing gently.

“I was pretty young when Aiden was hit, but I still remember receiving the phone call about Carter. It was my second year of college and I was far from home, so I couldn’t even be with my family.” Tears filled her eyes, but she pushed them back.

“Can I ask why you left home?” Ashton asked, lacing his fingers with hers.

“Yeah, uh, I’m from Kentucky. Middle of nowhere, really. I just felt like my hometown wasn’t letting me grow as a person, and I needed to get out. So, I only applied to colleges out of state and I got my Bachelor’s from Salem State University, and now I’m here.” She shrugged, sniffing slightly.

“When was the last time you were home?”

“Carter’s funeral.” Lacey sighed. “I hardly had the strength to go back for that, and I don’t think I could do it now.”

“I know how that feels.” Ashton sighed, his fingers playing with hers. When their food came, they ate in a comfortable silence.

“Why’d you leave Australia to own a bar?” Lacey asked as they walked down the street to the car. Ashton’s hand was in hers, gently swinging back and forth.

“Kind of like you. Felt like I was being suffocated back home. My uncle actually owned the bar before me, but he left it to me when he passed. I felt like running it would give me a sort of purpose, so I left.” He shrugged, opening the car door for Lacey. She got in and sat on her seat so her legs were hanging out of the car.

“Would you ever go back?” She asked, looking up at him.

“Maybe. I’d have to have a pretty good reason to go. My mum told me when I left that if I didn’t have a good reason to come home, that I should just stay here. And, I think I have a pretty good reason now to stay.” Ashton smiled, pressing his lips to hers gently.

Tag list: @lukescherrypie @calumculture @kinglycalum @babylon-corgis @novacanecalum @lfwallscouldtalk @dontdoitluke @isabella10028 @calumamongmen @dukesnumber1 @lockthisheartinchains @bitterbethany @sublimehood @myloverboyash @ironicallyirwin @lashtoncurls @calsophat @empathycth @burncrashbromance @dukesnumber1 @wildhearthood @network5sos

Wanna be added to my taglist? Ask here

41 notes · View notes

herheroics · 5 years

Photo

In her Arms Series - Part Three In her own Mind SYNOPSIS: When Callie gets home from taking the photos of her old foster homes, she didn't expect to want to open up to her mother's. ( the missing scene from 4x14 )

Holding the camera in her hand, Callie looked down at the photos she had been taking out with AJ. It was painful to see. It was her past. It was the place that made her to be who she is, faults and all. It made her skin crawl just seeing the photos of the house. Of the room. Just where everything happened. Where the pain got worse, and where the nightmares where never ending.

Letting out a soft sigh, Callie ran her fingers through her hair trying to get away from her thoughts. They weren't good. Especially right now. After today. Wiping the tears that began to fall, Callie shook her head. Really weren't good. Putting her camera into its bag, the brunette pushed herself up off the stoop and stood there for a few moments, taking in a deep breath.

Wiping at her tears once more to ensure they were all gone, Callie cleared her throat and headed inside. She had hoped that her moms weren't home or were at least upstairs so they wouldn't see her tear filled eyes but the moment she shut the door behind herself and stepped in, she saw them. Her moms. The two women who hadn't stopped loving her, despite everything they'd been through together.

"Hey Cal, how was your day?". Lena questions her daughter as she closes the door behind her. Callie just nods at her mom and speaks "Yep, it was fine but I have to go edit my photos moms." The adults look between each other knowing that there was something wrong with their daughter "Hey Callie, love, can you come in here for a moment please?". Stef calls out.

With her hand on the rail to the stairs, Callie closes her eyes at the call out. Maybe she should've just hopped the fence and came in the back way, but she knew she couldn't do that. Placing her bag on the ground by the stairs, Callie took in a few deep breaths before doing as her moms instructed her to do so and moved to the lounge room to stand before them.

"Oh Callie honey..come here." Lena spoke as she held her hand out to for Callie to take. With her camera in one hand, Callie eyed the extended hand before her. If this had happened back when she first came with the Adams-Foster family, she wouldn't have taken it. She didn't trust anyone when she first came to the house but as she eyed the hand once more, she nodded to herself. That was then, this is now. She definitely trusted them. Taking the offered hand, Callie let out a soft sigh as she sat down between her moms. She might have dark thoughts but this was exactly where she needed to be.

"What's going on love, why the solemn expression?". Stef asked, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her daughter's ear. Taking in a shaky breath, Callie looked down at her hands that were holding the camera in her hands. She was debating on where to start, what to say. She knew that the moment she started she wouldn't finish, but it's the start that always worried her, especially with not knowing where to start. Weighing up her options, Callie knew the best place to start was probably how she was feeling right now.

"You're probably going to hate me for what I'm going to say right now but you guys always told me to tell you the truth.." Callie spoke softly as she trailed off, wiping at the tears that were rolling down her cheeks. She felt two hands move to rub her back, but she knew those hands, they were her moms, they had loved her through worse, and it's not like she has done anything. "Something... happened today and I'm having bad thoughts." Callie admits softly.

Stef looked over their daughter's head at her wife, catching the look of worry on her face. She nodded at Lena, indicating that everything was going to be fine because it was, their daughter was seated between us and she was alive. "What sort of bad thoughts are you referring to hon?". Callie let out a sigh as she shook her head, she needed to keep going. She was in a safe place between two people she trusted and love, she was fine.

"I... Just dark worthless thoughts..that I wasn't worth it, that you shouldn't have taken me in, that you shouldn't care, that you don't love me that it's all a lie, that everything bad that's happened is my fault.." Callie spoke gently as she looked down at her hands before shrugging her shoulders to continue "I don't believe them but..after today, it's just there.. at the fore front of my mind."

"What brought it on today baby?". Lena spoke gently as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind Callie's ears, wanting to let her daughter know that both she and Stef were there and that they weren't going to pressure or push her to say something, especially if she wasn't ready just yet. Biting her lip, Callie ran a soft hand over her face before speaking quietly.

"I took some photos for my senior project and I..I went to the Olmstead house and his mom was there." From the gasp that left her moms mouth, she could tell they were surprised by her admission, so she decided to continue "Well, she wasn't there when AJ and I first got there, so just took photos outside..and yes I know it could've been cause for trespass, but then she came home and invited us inside..she then started off all all nice and whatever but then she said.." Callie spoke before trailing off slightly.

"Go on baby, you're okay." Lena soothed comfortingly as she pressed a soft kiss to the brunette's head. Despite the situation and the conversation they were having, she really had never felt so loved before.

"She said that she and her husband were divorcing and that it was all my fault and that she regrets ever adopting me." Callie can't help but let out a chuckle "I honestly should be a lot more upset to what she said but I'm actually not.. Like, if I hadn't of been placed with them then I wouldn't have had the next house or anything after that and I wouldn't have gone to juvie for saving Jude and then we wouldn't have met you and I.. that's something I could never regret."

They sat in silence for a few moments before Callie turned her head to the side, noting both of her moms seemed lost in their own thoughts. She watched as they shook themselves out of their revere before turning their attention back to their daughter. Stef was the first to open her mouth and speak "Well, firstly, I'm glad you trust us enough to tell us love, secondly, I'm glad you understand the meaning of trespassing..lastly, and most importantly." Stef spoke as she turned her attention to her daughter, moving her hand from Callie's to cup her daughter's cheeks before continuing.

"I speak for both your Mama and I but you my love, are amazing. And wonderful. You are such a kind and thoughtful person who always puts others before herself..you are so, so incredibly strong and we are so proud of you Cal. So proud. I am sorry all of those things happened to you but I am so glad that you were brought into our lives because I honestly don't think we could have lived without you in our lives." Stef spoke tearfully.

Seeing her mother become tearful, Callie let out a cry as she moved forward to wrap her arms around the blonde, letting her tears run freely. Biting her lip, Lena scooted forward and wrapped her arms around her daughter and wife, needing to hold both of them closely. She would never have thought that when she met Callie outside of the juvie that it would end up like this, supporting and adopting the girl that had permanently made a spot in her life.

"We love you Cal, have from the moment we first set eyes on you, and subsequently called us dykes." Lena commented, causing the brunette in their arms to let out a snort. It was true, Callie had said that, but the duo still loved her, no matter what. They sat enveloped in each other's arms, all just taking in the love and pain that was surrounding them. They weren't sure how long had passed before Stef spoke once more "When, and if you're ready love, we would love to see your photos from your mini-venture." the blonde spoke, pressing a soft kiss to her the teen's forehead.

At the comment, Callie smiled. Time and time again, she had things she did and didn't want to say but they never pushed her to say or do something she didn't want to do. They always encouraged her to speak and say what she meant or wanted, they only ever wanted the best for her. "I will show you but can we just sit here like this for a bit longer please?". Lena met her wive's smile over Callie's head and they both knew what the other thinking.

"There's no where we'd rather be than right here with you Cal."

#stef adams foster #lena adams foster #callie adams foster #the fosters #( put your hands up it's a queue )#via writes

3 notes · View notes

blue-mint-winter · 5 years

Text

BSG 4x03 The Ties That Bind rewatch

In which I analyze Cally and Tory a lot.

I saw the beginning of this episode with Cally and Tyrol fighting and I thought: “Oh no. It’s THAT episode.”

I think the title is quite clever as the episode has four plotlines but each one of them is about fracturing and reconfiguring relationships - breaking the ties, so to speak.

The Tyrol marriage is in a bad shape, which we had an inkling of way back in S3 when Tyrol’s visits to the bar started. Since then they had been shown having some really good moments together, but now after Tyrol’s Cylon revelation, things between them are becoming worse again. Cally has insomnia, takes anti-depressants and other meds, and now she catches Tyrol with Tory in a bar and thinks he’s having an affair. So when she finds a note about a place of a secret meeting she goes there, listens in and finds out the truth about Cylons.

I really like how this episode took a moment to show the good relationship Cally has with Dr Cottle. There’s real caring and trust there, she confides in him. I like how it gives a different picture of him than Dualla complaining about his needles and making him sound like some blind sadist doctor. Cottle’s good, competent and caring XD and seeing him from Cally’s perspective (she is a volatile kind of person) really helps make that point.

After finding out the truth about Tyrol, Cally’s in shock. She’s already in a lot of stress, she’s sick, sleep-deprived, she thinks he doesn’t love her - him being a Cylon is a real clincher. She’s a person that feels so strongly - when she loves someone, she loves them to death, when she hates someone, she’s ready for murder. For her, Tyrol, the man she gave her utter devotion from the start of the series, the man she loves to insanity, being a Cylon - one of the machines she hates so completely - it breaks her. It’s the ultimate betrayal. Now every good moment she had with him is a lie, it’s forever tainted. Even their son. So Cally beats Tyrol with a wrench and takes Nick to the airlock.

I think she was intending to kill herself and her child, but would she have really gone with it? I’m not sure. She was having doubts, otherwise Tory wouldn’t have gotten through to her. If Cally had a moment to think, maybe she would have changed her mind on her own. We’ll never know.

Tory’s role in Cally’s death is the reason why I didn’t like her on the first watch. Now, I’m reserving my judgment until the end, because apart from this, I don’t remember much about Tory in S4.

I still dislike what Tory did - she pretended to be a friend to Cally, then spaced her. On the other hand, I understand why she did it. She rescued the innocent child and swiftly disposed of a threat to her Cylon secret. Cally was a loose cannon and the chance that she wouldn’t report to Adama was astronomically low. Tory’s not a person to leave her survival to a chance. So she spaced Cally, made it look like a suicide. (Also, isn’t this in a way a reversal of Caprica Six killing the child in the miniseries as her introduction? This is Tory’s introduction, her first real act as a Cylon is to save a child and kill the mother.)

However, I don’t think Tory’s role in Cally’s demise ends on that. I think Tory’s responsible for the whole situation to occur. When Cally comes looking for Tyrol in the bar, I’m almost sure Tory saw her coming in, but she still touched Tyrol’s arm and made it look like a date. I think this was deliberate. During the secret meeting, Tigh calls her a nymphomaniac and orders Tyrol to “put an end to that affair business.” So was there really an affair or not? I am inclined to believe Tyrol that it was a misunderstanding, but I’m also willing to bet that Tory wanted that affair for real. In recent episodes she’s had flings with two guys already - Sam and Gaius - what’s stopping her from another? She’s a lonely woman looking for connection, acceptance, affection. She changed from that ultra professional career woman married to her job. She didn’t hang out in bars before. It’s logical for her to be interested in Tyrol, he’s a fellow Cylon like Sam, he’s going through the same thing she is. She even tells Tigh in this episode that he’s not her type, which does suggest that her type are other Cylon men. And Tory’s also the reason why Tyrol didn’t get Tigh’s note, so Cally found it.

Was Adama reading aloud a book that starts with finding a dead woman in a river a foreshadowing to Cally’s death? I think so. Cally’s dead, pale, frozen face does look like a face of a woman who drowned. Just the fact that he’s reading a murder mystery to Roslin in this particular episode makes me even more suspicious that Tory did make an elaborate plan to get rid of Cally for personal reasons.

Adama/Roslin relationship is on a tentative mend with his gesture when he reads her the book in the infirmary. But Roslin is still cross about covering up Kara’s mission on Demetrius for him. Their disagreement didn’t just go away.

Lee’s political career as a delegate for Caprica starts with a bang. I like how he tries to defend Roslin’s policy to Zarek, to be on her side again and she just - doesn’t want it. She’s coldly polite and impersonal to him. The reporters had a good question whether she had any hard feelings for Lee after the trial - she gave a political non-answer, but from her behaviour towards Lee we can tell she holds a hell of a grudge. So she shuts him down during Quorum when he speaks up for her, diplomatically, and Lee being Lee, doesn’t take that lying down. In retaliation he questions her new policy about her appointing all the judges. He’s like “You don’t want me as a friend? No problem, I can be your enemy.”

I think this is exactly what Zarek counted for. He doesn’t want to openly oppose Roslin, so he puts Lee up to do it for him. Works perfectly. Also, Zarek raises a good point about Roslin’s “tyranny”. She’s not the classic power hungry tyrant, instead she’s on a mission to save the human race and she would do anything for it. And it makes her even more dangerous.

On board of Demetrius, Kara’s chasing her own tail, trying to find Earth, and the crew is grumbling because it’s been 3 weeks. Everyone’s frustrated. The episode focuses there on Kara-Sam relationship. They’re both changed, Kara says some very hurtful things to him, but he’s not so easily discouraged. He loves her. There may be a chance for them to really reconnect.

As an aside I can’t believe Helo picked Gaeta for this crew, Gaeta’s got some real beef with Kara... but he’s the map guy of the Fleet, so I guess he’s got a good reason to be there.

I like Kara’s painting of the way to Earth XD

The last broken relationship is the one between Cylons. Cavil pretends to give in to Six’s demands. On the pretext of resurrecting Threes, he lures Six’s ship into a trap, but unlike her, he did not give her a chance to download after death. Cavil’s going to annihilate the opposition for real. And Boomer is a traitor once again by staying on his side and letting him murder her sister Eights. Oh Boomer.

#bsg #bsg rewatch #4x03 the ties that bind #tory foster #cally

6 notes · View notes