#tomorrow i get to be a bbq dad and i m so excited

[parseisflat]

kind of love spirit week bc it gives me an excuse to dress like a man and no one can give me grief over it <3

i think this is an american thing? if it is, for context spirit week in american high schools is a week where there is a diff theme every day for ppl to dress up as (pajama day, y2k day, etc) and it usually leads up to an event like a certain football game

[catherineimagineseverything]

Modern!Naruto Scenarios

You Meet Again/Defining Friendship Moment

-Neji- “I AM NOT APOLOGIZING TO HIM!” You yelled making your mom glare at you. “You assaulted that young man during school hours you’re lucky he isn’t pressing charges.” Your dad said making you scoff. “Just please apologize to him. His family is very important and it would be good for you to have someone like him in your life.” Your mom said making you groan. She then shoved you out the door to the car where she then drove you to the Hyuga household. She grabbed your hand and walked you up to the door before straightening herself up the way she did before talking to important clients. Knocking on the door it was opened slowly before a familiar face popped through the opening before you were tackled in a hug. “Hinata what’s wrong? Did that jerk do something again?” You asked immediately getting into protective friend mode. “No it’s just I was worried I would never see you again. Neji is up in his room sulking because Uncle yelled at him for calling me names. Oh hello Mrs. L/N what are you . . . Y-y-you’re apologizing aren’t you?” She stuttered making you nod with a grimace. Before you knew it Hinata had introduced your mother to the other adults and pulled you upstairs to where you guessed Neji’s room was. “What do you . . . What the hell is she doing here?!” He yelled as we walked in through the open door into the clean bedroom. “I was here to apologize for hurting you but now I just want to do it again but to your face.” You say taking a step towards him. “Fine then do it. I will press charges this time and let the law handle your aggressive attitude.” He said taking two steps towards to me. “S-s-sorry.” Hinata said before the door slammed and you froze when the lock clicked into place. Neji sat himself at his desk and began writing something. Shrugging you sat yourself on his bed fidgeting with the hem of your jeans before you looked up and sighed. “I’m sorry for attacking you in class. It’s just that Hinata is such a small person that I’ve always protected her.” You say before watching his shoulders slump before he spun around. “I’m sorry as well. Yesterday I found out . . . Something that would impact my life. I was on edge and didn’t mean to offend anyone I took it out on the first person I saw the chance to.” He said making you scoot towards the edge of the bed. “How about we start off fresh? What are you working on over there?” You asked before he showed you his history assignment. Maybe apologizing wasn’t the worst thing you could ever do.

-Shikamaru- “Shikamaru is here Y/N!” Your mom yelled as you grinned before kicking off laying down on the air mattress as it slid down the stairs an excited yell leaving your lips. You slid to a stop in the middle of the living room making your mom sigh and Shikamaru groan. “Well you want to take a turn? It’s really fun I swear.” You said jumping up making him sigh. “No let’s just watch TV. Let’s be normal people and not try to break our bones.” He said before sitting down on the couch. Jumping up you grinned. “Want to go and take a hike? Or let’s go shopping? Or to the beach? Let’s go do something fun and exciting.” You said barely standing still as you listed off things you could do. Shikamaru smirked before grabbing your hand and tugging you out of the back door. You got excited thinking you finally talked him into going on an adventure but you were upset to watch him lay down on one of your patio chairs. “Shika come on I wanted to do something fun.” You kind of whine internally cringing at your whiny voice. “Lay down and then look up.” He said before you flopped down on the chair next to him before looking up. It was a nice day so it was warm with a soft breeze and the clouds were amazing against the bright blue sky. “Whoa, it’s so pretty.” You said for once not feeling the need to be up and moving. “Yeah just watch the clouds and relax. No running around and don’t poke me.” He said warningly making you giggle as you continued to watch the clouds in silence. Well you did break the silence every now and then to comment on how a few clouds looked. Maybe calming down every once in awhile wasn’t all that bad.

-Sai- You practically lived in the library during exam season so when it ended you basically ran home and slept for the entire weekend. When you finally woke up and left your room you had to go back to the library and return some books. Once there you decided to sit and read a novel you’ve been eying every-time you came in. Sitting in a window seat you began reading every chapter or so you felt eyes on you but whenever you looked no one was there. When you finished the book it was dark out so you returned it to the shelf to see a familiar looking artist. Realizing something you smiled as you replaced the book onto the shelf. “Sai have you been watching me again?” You asked making him look at you. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable but you look so peaceful when you are focused on something.” He replied honestly making you nod. “You could just tell me that you’re watching . . . And drawing me.” You say making him shake his head. “Then I wouldn’t get the true blissful beauty you are when you read.” He said before turning to walk away. “Hey Sai, maybe someday we could hangout. I know a gorgeous lake that would be amazing to draw.” You said making him turn around with a smile. “That would be lovely how about tomorrow? We are on summer break.” He replied making you grin as he left with you walking you all the way home before exchanging numbers to go to the lake tomorrow.

-Kiba- “Class this is Y/N L/N and she will be your new classmate. Y/N please tell us a little about yourself.” The teacher said making you shrug. “Well . . . I have two dogs that I spend all my time with. I also have been told that I am way too hyper to be around sometimes.” You say scanning the classroom before your eyes widened at a pair of familiar brown eyes. “Well take a seat next to . . Kiba Inuzuka. Kiba raise your hand.” The teacher said before turning around to the board. You grinned as you sat down next to the brown haired dog-lover. “Sup? I didn’t think you’d be in my homeroom.” He said making you shrug. “Me either. I mean I knew we’d be at the same school but still. So how is Akamaru doing?” You asked making him grin. “He keeps whining whenever we go to the dog park and you guys aren’t there.” He said making you smile. “After school today okay?” You confirmed before opening a notebook and paying attention to the teacher. After school had whizzed by Kiba practically dragged you to his truck in the parking lot. The cab had Akamaru fur everywhere making you chuckle before getting in. “So my house is closer to the dog park what’s your address? Let’s pick up M/P/N and F/P/N first then we can get Akamaru on our way to the dog park.” He said making you nod in agreement before you turned on the radio smiling at your newfound friendship. When we got the dogs they were so excited to sit in the bed of the truck. It made you nervous but the dogs laid down and chilled most of the ride. Akamaru just jumped right over the tailgate making you jump a little bit which in turn made Kiba let out a bark like laugh at your startled reaction. “Shut up Kiba! It’s not funny.” You pouted as he climbed into the drivers’ seat as he continued to laugh at you. “It was hilarious. Come on Akamaru is a tough dog and he does that all the time.” He replied trying to hold back more laughter. Rolling your eyes you sat back into the piano seat as he drove to the dog park. Once there you did some homework and played with the dogs for a few hours. Your parents called asking you where you were. You talked to them about where you were and that you were with a friend and had the dogs with you. They had said you needed to get home for dinner so you agreed before telling Kiba you had to go home. Climbing into the truck you realized how tired you were so you tried to just push passed it. Sadly you let out a yawn making Kiba chuckle. “Come here.” He said once you stopped at a stoplight. Nodding tiredly you scooted over and buckled yourself with the middle seatbelt before leaning onto his shoulder. “Today was fun.” You yawn rubbing your eyes as you tried to stay awake. “Yeah it was we should definitely do this everyday.” He replied with a grin you couldn’t see but knew was there. You were getting more and more tired as the truck moved you to sleep. It was dark while you slept but when you woke up you were red. Blushing because your mom had her phone out taking pictures of you asleep on Kiba’s lap while he took pictures too. “So today was fun.” Kiba said your words back to you with a grin as the dogs barked in the background making you cover your face. Was everyone in your life out to make you look like a tomato?

-Choji- (TRIGGER WARNING) Normally you weren’t really bothered by people teasing you about your eating habits but recently things had been getting to you. Sitting at lunch you watched Choji and Naruto talk about a BBQ restaurant in town. Looking down you glared at your tray of lunch before standing up and walking away. If you had stayed you would have heard your two best friends talk worriedly about you. “She hasn’t eaten much today has she?” Choji asked Naruto. “No . . . Actually she isn’t even carrying her snack purse with her.” Naruto realized before the two jumped up and chased after you. Once they reached you they saw Sakura and Ino corning you. “Come on show us your special skill. Eating everything in sight because all you are is a fat piece of crap.” Sakura said to you before shoving you into a locker knocking the wind out of you. Like two food loving avenging angels they came in between you and them. “Get the hell away.” Naruto said in a deeper voice making the girls scoff before stomping away. Choji turned to look at you his eyes softening before engulfing you in a strong hug. You let a sob escape unable to believe that all just happened. “So is that why you haven’t really been eating?” Choji asked making you whimper. Why did this happen to you? “I didn’t mean to stop eating. I was just so upset I couldn’t do anything.” You said choking back sobs. “Hey we’re here for you that’s what friends do. Next time anything like this happens you have to tell us okay?” Choji asked making you nod as you felt stupid for letting those two affect you. As cheesy as it sounded these guys were your best friends and they meant the world to you. “Do you guys have any food I’m starving?” You asked sniffling making them laugh as Naruto handed you a candy bar while you walked back to the lunch room thanking your school for really long lunch periods.

-Lee- Your legs were aching and your lungs were exhausted but you had no plans of slowing down. Coach had decided to make you do suicide runs up and down the soccer field. Half the guys had stopped once you all reached the other side of the field. You were left with the either very determined or very competitive team members. Luckily you were just as competitive as the rest. “Come on Naruto! It’s not fair if you give up!” You yelled making the blond haired soccer player speed up to catch up to you. When you reached the other side of the field you grinned as you turned around to see all but one of the guys laying in the middle of the field. The only guy let was Lee who was panting with a grin on his face. “You two should race.” Naruto said as you helped him walk over to get water. Everyone grunted in response because they were too busy chugging their water. You shrugged as an answer because you were preoccupied by chugging your water. “Maybe after the girl gets hydrated. No way she can run again without getting hurt.” Sasuke said making you slightly choke on your water. “What is that supposed to mean duck-butt?” You asked making him scoff. “Come on Y/N let’s do it. Prove Uchiha wrong.” Lee said making you nod with a grin. “First one to the goal and back gets to be dubbed the King of the field!” Naruto said as we got ready at the opposite goal. Grinning you stretched your legs. “Careful princess!” Kankuro yelled making you roll your eyes before Naruto yelled making you two bolt to the other side of the field. Once there you spun around and ran faster than ever before you reached the first goal. Turning around you saw Lee was behind you making you jump up and down. “Yes! I beat you! I won! I am the King of the Field! King Y/N bam!” You yelled before stopping as the world started to spin. You dropped to the ground. Lee had caught you so your head didn’t hit the ground. When you woke up the first thing you saw was the entire soccer team surrounding you in a hospital room. “What are you idiots doing?” You grumbled sitting up glaring at the needle in your arm. All the boys jumped up and surrounded me except for Shika who was still passed out on the floor. “I told you that you were going to get hurt.” Sasuke said making you glare at him. “Oh thank god you’re awake I thought something bad happened.” Lee said making you shrug. “I just fainted that’s all.” You said nonchalantly. You were checked out by your parents and Lee had begged to help you around school for the next week. He even made sure that during soccer practice he was paired with you and next to you. He had even become your workout partner after awhile which made people question what was wrong with me to be able to workout with the ever so determined Lee.

-Kankuro- Your best friend Temari had invited you over for a get together. Mainly to study for an upcoming test you two had but when you walked into her room you saw a very rare sight. Her brothers tearing through her stuff basically destroying her room. “So do you two have a reason for all of this?” You asked making them jump before Gaara just went back to messing everything up. “She deleted ALL of our saved data off of our game so this is our payback.” Kankuro grinned before going back to what he was doing. “You two are idiots. HEY! That’s my shirt!” You yelled before going through all the clothes taking back the stuff that she had taken without permission leaving the stuff you no longer wanted. Eventually you had all given up messing up the room so you headed down stairs and began watching a horror movie. You didn’t get scared with horror movies and neither did Gaara but Kankuro was covering his face with a pillow to limit his exposure to the gore-fest on the screen. “Kanky are you scared of a little blood?” You teased before getting smacked in the face with the said pillow. “Shut up. It’s not normal for someone’s eyes to be pulled out like that.” He said before covering back up with the pillow. Laughing you scooted closer to him. “Kanky . . . Do you need a hug?” You asked in a slightly teasing tone but were surprisingly tackled into a hug by the scared soccer player. You two stayed like this until the movie was over and you both had fallen asleep on the couch. “Kankuro! Get off of her you little pervert!” A familiar voice screamed making you groan as you opened your eyes to see a glaring Temari and a smirking Gaara walking into the kitchen. “Come on Temari she’s comfy.” Kankuro said unashamed about the fact his face was right on your chest. “Y/N! Tell him to get off! Shove him or something!” She said making you shrug before checking your watch. “I have to head home anyways it’s almost dinner time.” You say shoving the brunette off of you before grabbing your bag and hugging Temari goodbye. “Hey Y/N! Next time let’s skip the movie and just head straight to my room!” Kankuro yelled as you got into your car. “No thanks! Hey Temari the boys totally destroyed your room before I got there!” You yelled before peeling out of the driveway before heading home and grinning at the texts and calls from the siblings yelling and begging for help.

-Shino- It had been a week since the tarantula incident and almost everyone had forgotten about it. ALMOST everyone didn’t include Kiba and Naruto. They kept bringing in fake toy spiders and throwing them at you during passing period making you yelp and frantically try to get the fake plastic and rubber toys out of your hair. Sadly though they had gotten bored with fake spiders and decided to put the class tarantula on your desk when you weren’t looking. Groaning you backed away from your desk as the spider crawled towards you making Kiba and Naruto howl with laughter. “Excuse me.” A rough voice said before walking around and scooping up the arachnid before placing it back into it’s tank. “What the hell man? It’s just a joke come on!” Naruto whined making the boy glare at him. “Just like that joke Sakura played on you last year?” He questioned making the blond square his shoulders and glare. “That wasn’t funny though she was making fun of my family . . . Or lack of one.” He said making me frown. “Then take that into consideration when you try one of these jokes.” The boy said before walking back to his desk. “Sorry Y/N.” Naruto mumbled as they sat down. Turning back towards the front of the class the teacher walked in saying we were going to on a field trip to the local zoo to study the habits of the animals. Slowly we all turned in the permission slips to the teacher as we got into the school bus. I sat down in the middle away from the soccer players who were all being loud. The boy from class sat down next to me making me move closer to the window. We were halfway there when I turned to him. “Thanks for earlier. I’m sorry but I don’t remember your name.” I said making him turn to me. “No problem it’s Shino and just because you’re scared of bugs doesn’t make it right for them to harass you like that.” He said making me nod. “It’s just . . . I’m not scared of bugs. I’m just not comfortable around spiders or anything with multiple legs.” I said trying hard to redeem myself. “You don’t need to convince me of anything.” He said with a small smile. Eventually you made it to the zoo where the first stop was the butterfly exhibit. Luckily you loved butterflies so you walked around with Shino who was helping you with your notes on the different colors and patterns of them. “Hey Y/N! You know the zoo is full of bugs right?! Maybe you can scream at another spider!” Kiba yelled making me groan as I pushed myself down into the seat as a weak attempt at hiding. An arm circled around your shoulders. “Ignore them.” Shino said making you nod as he continued to talk to you about the different kinds of butterflies. His arm stayed around your shoulder the entire time you walked through the zoo. He even made sure you were on the opposite side to the spiders and other insects.

-Sasuke- “He’s mine you bitch.” A voice said before you had soda streaming down the front of your shirt. Jumping up you looked at the culprit, Sakura. “Who?” You asked staring at the pink haired possibly psycho girl. “Sasuke. We are meant to be together not you two.” She declared looking appalled that you didn’t know. “What the hell are you talking about?” You asked as Ten-Ten handed you a handful of napkins. “I saw you two at the party last night. I saw you dancing with my man as if he was yours.” She answered which made you scoff. “Are you kidding me? He came up to me and only did that so you wouldn’t force yourself onto him.” You exasperated trying to dry up the soda. “You little liar! I should . . . Sasuke-kun what are you doing?” She questioned making you look up to see Sasuke had put himself in between you and the psycho. “Come on Y/N let’s go.” Sasuke said before grabbing your hand and pulling you out of the cafeteria then into the luckily empty guys locker room. “What the hell?” You asked as he opened a locker. He shrugged his shoulders as he tossed you a t-shirt. “Change your shirt.” He said making you stare at him shocked. “Not happening until you tell me what the hell all that was about?” You asked. “I’m sick of her driving away any of my possible friends. Just because you’re a girl she gets threatened and goes all crazy.” He huffed crossing his arms over his chest. Blinking a few times I nodded before walking over to a bathroom stall and changing shirts. Once the shirt was on you realized it was Sasuke’s jersey but you shrugged then stepped out and raised an eyebrow at him. “Seriously? You need to get over her. Any person worth being a friend wont let that psycho control them or you.” You said making him smirk. “Then how about we hang out tonight? I heard there was a party at Inuzuka’s tonight.” He said making you nod. “Fine BUT only if you promise to keep the psycho away from me. I don’t look it but I can take her down if given the chance.” You over exaggerated making him laugh as you two walked out. The party that night was fun seeing as the two of you kept making sure Sakura never got within spitting distance of you two. Who knew maybe being friends with this guy would be okay?

-Naruto- “Guitar Hero? Come on last time we played you cheated.” Shika said making Naruto huff as you were all seated in your families living room “What about guitar hero?” You asked only having paid attention to what Shika had just said. “They don’t want to play the greatest music game in the world because the last time we played I kept switching songs.” Naruto huffed making you scrunch your face up in confusion. “Then how about we practice some more? Or play a different video game?” You suggested making Kiba and Shika nod their heads while Naruto melodramatically fell to the ground. “Rip my heart out and stomp on it. Tear away my last breath and suffocate me. Break every bone in my body then shove me down the longest staircase.” He moaned out. “Okay don’t give me any ideas. Besides I have a bunch of games right there.” You motioned making the boys perk up as they glanced over. “Dude no way you can’t have every single Assassin Creed’s game ever made.” Kiba said before getting up to look at all of them. “I haven’t even played all of them. Most are pity gifts from family members because of my parent’s never being home.” You explained as all three of the boys were now looking the games over. “How about Mario Cart? I haven’t played that in ages.” Shika said making everyone agree with him. Naruto helped you set up the system and the controllers. Within minutes you were yelling and pushing each other off the sofa. At the end of rainbow road you jumped off the ground with a cheer. “YES! I WIN YOU LOSE! I AM THE WINNER! YOU’RE ALL LOSERS! WINNER! LOSERS!” You danced around probably over doing it but hey it was Mario Cart’s Rainbow freaking Road. You needed it. “Okay we get it. One more round?” Naruto asked making you nod. “Well we have to head out or our parents are going to kill us.” Shika and Kiba said before walking out. Instantly you and Naruto began playing until you both passed out on the floor mumbling about mushrooms and stars. Your mom and dad smiled at your new friendship as they covered the two of you with blankets before turning the electronics off.

-Gaara- “Come on I heard the new kids were hot.” Ino said making you groan. “I heard one of them was a mute.” Sakura continued the gossip train before looking at you expectantly. “I . . . Haven’t paid any attention to any of this conversation. Well I have to go to Home Econ. See you guys at lunch?” You asked making them nod before you walked into the classroom. Sitting down right when the bell rang was what the teachers all expected so you never disappointed in this aspect. “Okay class today we have a new student. Would you like to introduce yourself?” Mr. Asuma asked the kid. When you finally looked up you saw a familiar face. It was the kid from the beach. “Well my name is Gaara. My siblings and I just moved here last month and I’m a red head.” He stated monotonously looking over at you before looking straight down to the ground. “Well Gaara you can sit anywhere you like.” The teacher said before turning back to the board. Gaara came and sat down silently beside me. “Hey.” You whispered making him nod in your direction. Shrugging you wrote down the notes you had to write down. Eventually the bell rang and you shot up. “I’m sorry I just don’t like talking all that much.” Gaara said making you look at him. “It’s fine. Hey it’s lunchtime do you wanna sit with me and my friends? I promise I won’t let them force you to talk.” You goaded making him break a small smile before walking with you to the lunch room. Going through the lunch line you guided him around any of the gross food and straight towards the delicious food the lunch ladies always hid for you. Once your trays were full you sat down at your lunch table with him. “Oh maybe we will have a quiet lunch today. Sasuke, the soccer captain, is having a fight with the other soccer captain, Naruto.” You pointed towards where there was a crowd around a lunch table. “Can you explain something to me?” Gaara asked you making you nod. “Sure.” You answered before taking a drink of water. “Why are you being so nice to me?” He questioned looking genuinely confused as to why you would be nice to him. “I was raised to be nice to everyone. It shouldn’t matter what they do or did.” You answered honestly making him smile again before asking you which of the foods he should try first. He may have been acting like a wounded animal but damn you really wanted to be the person to help him adjust here.

A/N LET THIS BE KNOWN I AM TAKING REQUESTS FOR IMAGINES, ONE SHOTS, AND DRABBLES!

[donaldresslerfanfic]

Up.

Rating: M

Word Count: 3160

Donald Ressler X OC Maggie Waters.

Chapter: Seventy-Six

Chapter Index

Story on Wattpad

Ressler.

I locked the bathroom door behind me and opened the faucet, splashing water on my face.

I felt hot and cold at the same time, I felt like I was about to faint. It was amazing how much a phrase had fucked me up, today of all days.

"Samar and I are leaving" Aram said pulling me to the side "I got a message from the hospital, they said Liz woke up"

Liz woke up, and I didn't know if I should be happy or a little sad. My job now was the perfect clash between two worlds, between me being able to still do my job as an agent, and not having to put my family aside for a case, no surprise trips, no people constantly wanting to kill my partners, not the occasional overwhelming sensation of putting everyone I loved in danger.

I dried my face with a towel and took a deep breath before opening the door again and exiting the bathroom. I walked back out, taking the paper plates I intended to reach to Maggie before I got the news, then walked out to the back yard.

Maggie was standing next to the table with the cake, talking with one of her aunt's who'd come from Maryland to Alma's first birthday. Surprisingly enough Maggie hadn't gone all out for Alma's birthday, saying that the kid wasn't going to remember it. She just made a good cake, and since it was the dead of summer we made a huge outside BBQ party for her, pool included for the kids and everyone who wanted to take a shot at it.

I placed the plates next to her on the take, she looked at them and took one, looking to start serving the cake, we'd already done the happy birthday thing and Alma had already messed her and Maggie's cute dresses with cake frosting.

Everything had been just fine, I had been excited for the birthday, excited to see my girl all grown up, she was more like a little girl each passing day, she just babbled and said made up words in her own language. I was trying so hard for her first word to be Mom and not Dad, I didn't know why but I felt like Mags deserved it more than I did.

I was like a robot the rest of Alma's party, dragged things from one place to the other, quietly helped clean up the table, every time someone asked me a question I answered shortly, I was so mind boggled with this whole thing.

I mean, what was going to happen now? Was Liz going to be ok to operate? Was she going to want to keep operating? Just the thought of someone telling her that it had been a little over 10 months and that her husband was now dead made me sick to my stomach.

I don't know exactly when, but at some point there was no one else at the house, night time was falling upon us, and I was absorbed into my own thoughts, cleaning a tray that I was sure was already cleaned, but I needed to be doing something.

"We lost your there" I heard Maggie say next to me, I gave her a quick look and continued.

"I was here" I tried to answer nonchalantly.

"Yeah, and then we sang Happy birthday and you like, shut down, what happened?"

I have her a quick twist of my lips, as if I didn't know what she was talking about.

"Hey" she said leaning in and shutting down the stream of water, I looked at her and put the tray aside to dry. "What happened?"

I looked back and took a quick step to the kitchen stool, sitting on it heavily.

"Aram got a call, Liz woke up" she walked a short step to me, her arms crossed at her chest.

"Well, that's great news"

"Are they?" I said a little too defensively "is she going to be the same? Is anything going to be the same? Are we going to go back to work? And what if Liz doesn't want to go back to work?"

"Wow, okay" she interrupted me, placing both hands on my shoulders. She had a little smile, like I was overreacting, but I felt my chest swell up again and I took a deep breath, trying to release some pressure. "Are you going to the hospital?"

"No" I said instantly "what for? They're not going to tell me anything and besides, it's my daughter's birthday"

"She's not going to know that you left for an hour"

"I'll know"

She tried to hide a little chuckle, cupping my cheek and placing her other hand on my neck.

"I understand that these news have shaken you up as bit, tomorrow you'll see things more clearly, why don't you head to rest?"

I shook my head instantly, standing up from the stool.

"No, I'm too anxious for that, where's Alma?"

"Alma?" Maggie called out, we heard rustling of clothes and paper from the living room. "Where are you?" She asked again, walking to the living room, I walked behind her, finding Alma crawling on the floor. "There you are" she looked up and gave us a quick look, resuming her shuffling to where we were, she grabbed onto Maggie's leg and pulled herself up, Mags caught her halfway and pulled her on her arms, fixing her dress. "Can you believe it's been a year already?" She asked me quietly.

"Mm, how about we go out and get some ice cream? Mm? Alma?" She gave me a look, fully comprehending what ice cream meant, then she smiled. "Okay, let's get in the car" I said patting my pockets, feeling my keys and my wallet, I only needed my phone. Before I turned to to kitchen to look for it, Maggie handed me Alma.

"Take her for ice cream, then go to the hospital"

"I-"

"Yes, go to the hospital or you're sleeping in the guest room, I'm not going to have you roll around in bed all night" I was about to say something again, but she tilted her head, making me stop.

"Fine" I said giving up "say bye to your mom" I said to Alma, she looked at Mags, then lifted her hand, waving it goodbye. I smiled at her and have her a kiss on the temple.

I did took Alma for ice cream because I knew even though she couldn't talk, she was fully aware of what we were doing, and that ice cream was a thing that was happening soon. I had her sat on a high chair, and since she knew how to eat, she didn't need my help with anything.

"Is it good?" I asked, she just gave me a look, then nodded. I was never going to stop being amazed at how big she was, how far away she was from that little thing I held a year ago, how her big greens weren't even open at this time last year.

I searched from my phone on my pocket, realizing just now that I hadn't picket it up at the house. I wasn't going to go to the hospital, and I was planning on calling Aram whilst I was here.

I let out an angry sigh, knowing that this wasn't going to let me sleep at night, Alma looked at me, giving me a confused look.

"What do you think I should do? If I go to the hospital it's not like they're going to tell me anything, they'll probably tell me that it's too soon to know, they have to run some tests, that time would tell, and what I Liz doesn't want to work anymore, and what's worse, what if she can't? What if her injuries are so..." I sighed, leaning in to clean Alma's chin with her bib.

"Let's just go home" I said, lifting Alma from the high chair. She gave me whine when I took the empty cup and threw it, and I knew she was about to start crying, partly because she must've been tired as well, she had been up all day.

It didn't surprise me when I looked at the rearview mirror and saw her fast asleep in the back seat. I thought for a second that the sugar was going to keep her up, but getting her in the car to make her sleep still worked like a dream.

I parked the car in the garage, and after I tried my hardest not to wake up the kid as I took off her clothes and placed her on the bed, I headed to the bedroom. Weirdly enough Maggie wasn't in bed. It didn't take me long to find her. She was finishing up having some dinner in the kitchen island.

"Mmm" she said after seeing me, chewing and covering her mouth with her hand "can you believe I ate nothing during the birthday?"

I stood at the other side of the counter, one look was needed for her to figure out that I hadn't gone to the hospital, making her give me mix of a scolding and comprehensive look.

"I was going to call Aram to ask if he knew anything"

"Calling is not the same as actually going, and assessing everything for yourself "

"I'm fine" I said after a few seconds of silence "going out for a few minutes was helpful"

She walked towards the door of the kitchen, I followed suit towards the bedroom.

"That and the plus of talking to someone who doesn't talk back"

"Enjoy it while it lasts" she opened the door of Alma's bedroom quietly when we walked past it, giving the little one a look and checking if she wasn't awake. There had been a few times when I had walked in and saw her standing in the crib, holding herself up by grabbing onto the bars.

When she was satisfied we reached the bedroom and smiled at her when she began to bat her hands on her face.

"Oh my God I don't want to cry" I heard her whisper, she turned to me with a little smile "you know when you two left I like, uploaded a few pictures of the birthday and stuff and in my memories it showed up pictures of her when she was just born and I started crying in the couch because..." She fell quiet, shaking her head a little, I walked a little step to her and held her by the shoulders. "I sometimes still can't believe that this is my life. And I know that you're fucked up over Liz and her whole thing and I know that keeps you awake at night sometimes but..."

I gave her a smile, rubbing her shoulders as she smiled.

"You have the right to brag about us, and to be proud of what you have" she nodded at me, then leaned in for a short kiss.

"I'm going to bed I'm..." She let out a tired puff or air whilst turning to the bed. "exhausted, I should've asked for that day off tomorrow"

I followed suit, and did managed to get some sleep after maybe two hours of being wide awake.

I'd completely forgotten about my phone when I came home one more time, and I ended up waking up when Maggie's alarm rung. I had a whole routine that started maybe two hours before Mags woke up. Usually at this time I would be on my way back from my run and hopped into a quick shower. Now I was waking up when Maggie was. She yawned after she shut down the alarm, giving me a confused look when I jumped out of bed.

"What are you doing here?" She asked, groggily sitting on the bed.

"My alarm didn't rang because I didn't get my phone last night" I said exiting the bedroom quickly.

I felt so unhinged right now, like nothing was going my way.

I must've been looking for my phone for half and hour, trying to make memory on where'd put it last, I didn't find it, and I was weird to see Mags all cleaned up and ready to go, placing Alma in the baby chair near the island.

"I could call your phone if you didn't have it on silence"

The landline rung, and Maggie picked it up whilst I checked under the couch.

"You know when I was young I had my friend's mom's to look up as examples for what a mother was, and they always did this thing where, say, something went missing and they were like "I bet when I look for it I'll find it", and it's like a superpower I think I need to start like developing" she motioned at the hall with her hand "so why don't you go and take a shower and I'll look for your phone, because Jim is coming to pick you up right now"

I assume that James, my current partner, had called me to tell me he was coming to pick me up and head to do what we did, ground work for maybe start a case or maybe some follow up on another.

I gave up and headed to take a shower. I don't want to think that all of this could've been avoided if I'd just gone to the hospital, I didn't believe in butterfly effects.

When I walked out all dressed up and feeling a little bit more collected I could hear the both of them talking, more than likely about me, from the hallway.

"I think I would've done the same. And I obviously don't know Ressler as much as you do, but I wouldn't go either, if I'm not getting a definitive answer then what's the point? I think it's a guy thing"

Even not looking at her right now I could see her eyes roll.

"But if he's-" James stopped talking when I walked in, giving me a little look as he drank some coffee.

"Found it" Maggie said proudly pointing at my phone "it was outside, baking in the heat, and it's out of battery"

I gave Maggie a thankful nod, then looked at James.

"I assume I have a few missed calls from you"

"2 maybe. We're not to far out, that's why I came to pick you up"

I nodded leaning in to kiss Maggie shortly.

James and I were walking down the path of my house towards the car when he stopped and turned to face me.

"Hey Ressler, i-"

"I'm fine" I interrupted.

He dodged my gaze for a second, then gave me a little smile.

"We've got a search warrant, and a location on Blanco, we're heading there now, and I'm talking full Kevlar, SWAT team... And I can't trust you if your head is not 100 percent on this"

"I am, you don't have to worry about me, I can compartmentalize"

I liked James as a partner, he reminded me of myself when I first got the Reddington case, I was always focused, determined, relentless, although sometimes I did think that he was an adrenaline junkie, and the fact that he didn't have a family always made me think like he could one day take a risk that was too big for his own good. But like me, he had been in a classified taskforce before and he wasn't allowed to talk about it, which put me in the position of not having to talk about mine. We were good together, and I'd almost forgotten what it was like to partner up with another man. The two women I'd partnered with were both fierce, I wasn't going to deny that, but working with another man was different.

Over the course of that day, between smoke grenades, raids, and maybe one too many bullets hitting me on my bulletproof jacket, I made my way to the hospital after I finished with my day.

The last time I went to see Liz it was maybe six months ago, and to me time hadn't passed by fast, but looking at Liz now, it felt like 10 years had suddenly piled on her. She was much skinnier, she had big black bags under her eyes, her gaze was lost, I couldn't imagine what was going through her head.

I talked to the doctors before going in, they'd told me that besides the muscular atrophy from being bedridden for ten months was the only thing to be worried about, Liz would be like new after a few months of rehabilitation. She didn't have any memory loss, but she was prone to suffer from some sort of depression or PTSD, which was understandable.

Liz's eyes darted to me when I opened the door, she gave me the weakest smile she could, I reciprocated, walking slowly to her.

"I'm not going to ask any obvious questions, I just wanted to see you, let you know that I'm here for anything you need"

I sat uncomfortably in the chair next to her.

"I wish that I could say-"

"You don't have to say anything" she said with a weak and scruffy voice.

I gave her a sad smile, then leaned in to place my hand on her shoulder, rubbing it supportingly.

"How's your daughter?" She asked. I was a little taken a back, I mean, I doubted she cared, but at the same time I must've guessed that she would talk about anything in the world other than the events that had happened, she probably hadn't processed anything in the time she'd been awake.

"She's fine, she turned one yesterday" I answered rapidly, realizing I'd spent maybe too much time quiet. "Want to see a photo?" I pulled my phone out of my inner pocket and pressed a few icons on the screen, producing the latest photos I had of Alma. As I showed her one and was about to scroll to the next one, my phone vibrated in my hand. I looked at James' number flashing in the screen, then gave Liz an apologetic look.

"Ressler" I answered turning away a little.

I could barely hear James' voice over the police sirens and car horns.

"The transportation team got ambushed, the three we caught today are at large, we need everyone searching, the first hour is important"

"Yeah" I said standing up, I gave Liz a look, she just gave me a little smile and waved me, I gave her a nod and walked rapidly out of the hospital.

If anything, going to see Liz hadn't brought me as much comfort as I thought it would. I felt as if I needed to work things out for her, give her answers, but the only one who had them was Reddington, and sure has hell wasn't going to give them to me.