#what's their ship name?? joger...roe...these are terrible

[sparrow-in-the-field]

We're Gonna Get it Right

Felt like mixing it up, and in the spirit of loving rare pairs, I've written this Joe/Roger drabble!

Special thanks to @seasidesandstarscapes who was totally on board with the idea when I asked their opinion!

Summary: When Joe almost quits the crew right before Poughkeepsie, Roger isn't about to let that happen.

ANs and tags on Ao3!

On AO3

or

When Joe got out of the shell, storming off the dock, Roger didn't hesitate. He let go of his oar, got out of the boat, and, seemingly to the shock of everyone else, he chased after Joe.

"Morris!" Ulbrickson shouted, but Roger ignored him. Maybe foolishly, but he didn't care. He could fix this.

Their coach's shout got Joe's attention, who just barely glanced over his shoulder, but he didn't stop walking.

"Go back to the boat, Roger. We only brought one alternate, you need to be in the bow."

"I'll go back when you come back with me," Roger said.

He was still behind Joe as they stepped off the dock, but only just. Joe didn't seem to know where to go from here, which was fair--this wasn't there normal turf. What would Joe do if he really quit? Just wait in the hotel during the races? Or would he get his own ticket back home to Seattle, abandon the crew entirely?

If they won at Poughkeepsie, they weren't going back home. They'd continue on to Germany, and Roger couldn't imagine going that far, that long, without having Joe there with him.

Joe decided to skip the shoddy boathouse they'd been using, and instead turned to walk into the woods by the river. Roger continued to follow him.

"The crew needs you, Joe, just--apologize to Ulbrickson. Stay in the shell, get focused. We still have time to practice--we can still do this," Roger said, hoping his voice sounded determined rather than desperate.

"The crew's never needed me, it's why I was added last," Joe muttered.

Roger furrowed his brow, bothered enough by the claim that he reached out and grabbed Joe's arm, forcing him to turn around. "Yeah, and that's when we got really good. Like Jim said, that's when we started to fly. You were the missing piece. You will be again if you leave us."

Joe had turned around, but his gaze looked at the grass, searched the surrounding trees--he looked anywhere but at Roger. He refused to say anything.

So Roger continued, "We always win in boats together. And this is the biggest race yet, you can't leave now! I can't do this without you."

Joe scoffed. "You're all the way in the bow, Roger, you won't even notice I'm gone."

"Of course I will! I'm the first seat, I see everyone. You think I don't notice the back of your blonde head out there?" he said with a smirk, taking it as a tiny win when Joe rolled his eyes, fighting a smile.

But Joe's hint of a smile faded as he stared off in the distance. "If we lose, it'll be my fault."

"Who says we're gonna lose?" Roger said with a smirk, but when Joe didn't acknowledge it this time, he sighed, stepping closer. "We won't lose if you come back. And even if we do, it won't be your fault."

"How can you be so sure?" Joe asked quietly, his gaze firmly planted on the ground just beneath them, maybe even staring at their feet. They probably looked ridiculous out in the woods with just their socks on, but not a soul was around to see them anyway.

Roger hesitated, biting on the inside of his cheek, trying to decide how much he was willing to risk, to give away. But if Joe left, that would be it anyway; he had to take the risk.

He huffed, shaking his head. "You know when we first tried out for the team, I really wasn't sure I was gonna make it. But you? You're the hardest working guy out there. I had no doubt you'd make it. Ever since our freshman year, you've always deserved to be on crew, despite what your mind tries to trick you into believing."

Joe seemed to dare a glance at Roger, and it made him blush--maybe his voice had been too soft, to caring, on the last part. But when Joe's eyes cast downwards again, when that dark haze starting to shadow them, Roger couldn't help himself. He stepped forward, into Joe's space, and his hand came up to his arm.

"Hey, don't retreat, not now," he whispered.

Joe's brow furrowed, and he met Roger's gaze--his eyes were filled with confusion, but Roger was happy to take that over the darkness. "What?"

Roger cleared his throat, not sure how to explain. "I--it's nothing. I just, sometimes you retreat into yourself, and then not even me or Shorty can get to you then. I can tell when it starts to happen."

"You can?"

"Yeah, your eyes become...clouded," Roger said. His heart was racing. He didn't need to be describing Joe's eyes. But as he looked into them now, he couldn't help adding with a smile, "Which is a shame, 'cause they sure are pretty when they're shining bright. Like at all those wins we've shared."

Joe's eyes were searching, if not slightly panicked--his cheeks had flushed. "Roger."

Roger was in too deep--if he didn't try now, alone in these quiet woods, he never would. Maybe he was still being foolish, but at this point, he felt like he didn't have anything to lose.

He brought his hand up to cup Joe's cheek, relieved when he didn't flinch or swat him away. "Let's have another win together, Joe."

Joe didn't say anything, his eyes slightly wide. Maybe with panic, but maybe something else, too, as they shifted between Roger's eyes and his lips.

Roger leaned in closer, his breath on Joe's lips as he whispered, "Don't leave me."

He wasn't sure whether it was him or Joe who closed the small gap between them, but he figured it didn't matter. Their lips pressed together, in a firm yet tender kiss. Roger's whole skin felt electric, and he wondered if he was completely covered in goosebumps from it. When, rather than pulling apart, they dipped into another easy kiss, he felt dizzy.

He could have kept going, could have kissed Joe for hours, but he knew they didn't have such time. Not now, at least.

So, he pulled away, and he dared a small smile at Joe, who had only just blinked his eyes open, still dazed from the kiss. "Should we head back?"

Joe huffed, ducking his head shyly, but then nodded. "Okay."

Roger's smile grew, and he reached down, giving Joe's hand a squeeze. "We can apologize to Ulbrickson together. No way he'll stay mad at both of us."

Joe gave a soft chuckle. "I hope not."

His pinky finger traced down Roger's wrist, briefly linking with his. Roger looked over at him, and they exchanged a smile. It was such a gift, to see Joe's eyes bright again.