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#female hype squad
katesharmasheart · 1 year
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Basically this update
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ladyelissarose · 1 year
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‘Slow Ride’
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Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin x female civilian reader - Y/n is used.
The story is all in Jake’s POV.
Summary; Jake is looking for someone new, trying to find the one he wants forever. But he comes across obstacle after obstacle while trying, thinking he’ll still lose in the end. But what if he’s proven wrong?
Warnings: mentions of one slightly suggestive thought, Jake being a really shy guy behind his facade of being a cocky pilot, overall it’s Fluffy and sfw
“Hangman!! You’re unfortunately the only one with great taste in music!! So fix that damn jukebox to something that awakens this place!!”
And that was Javy ‘Coyote’ Machado howling across the Hard Deck to the one and only me, Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin. Now, the only reason why the music was so dead today, was because my frienemy Bradley ‘Pussy- ehem… ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw just got his hand slammed on his dumb (a very nice truck) Bronco’s car door. So yeah, that hand of his was so swollen I thought it was his foot for a second. But no, it was still his hand, but just swollen. So I, with the pride of being known for having a great taste in music, I confidently walked towards the jukebox. Honestly, I didn’t even spare any woman that gawked at me a second of my attention, cause I was about to fuck the damn jukebox into oblivion with my greatest hits. I knew I was good looking, my eyes were brightly jaded, my skin was so well tanned after playing dog-fight football with my Dagger Squad. (My team won by the way) and my hair, can’t go wrong with that. I even beat the girls in all kinds of fashion competitions, they don’t stand a chance against me. Oh and my white t-shirt fit on me so nicely, all my workouts at 5am were showing off, and my Wranglers… yeah, about those. (I overheard Rooster tell my girl frienemy Natasha ‘Phoenix’ Trace that my ass looked good in these.) So yeah, I looked great and had the will power to give or deny attention to anyone. I’d get what I wanted in the end, with whoever was lucky enough to have me. Even though for the passed few months, I haven’t gone home with anyone… I grew out of one-night stands, only because I didn’t feel the same hype anymore. Before I was alright with waking up from a great night with no one next to me to prove it, but now… I craved and desired to have a beauty to wake up to and have forever. But anyways, I was now at the jukebox winking at Rooster who was having his hand nursed by Penny Benjamin, the owner of Hard Deck and the girlfriend of my boss, Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell. My full attention then went on this gorgeous piece of machinery, I caressed it’s side as I spoke to it, (yes, I was in desperate need of attention)
 “Helloooo gorgeous.. so what are we playing today? Huh girl? Do we stick to 86? Slow Ride? Yup, I thought so too baby girl.”
 I let my finger fall on the numbers ‘8’ then ‘6’. Soon I was waiting to hear the boring music change into the sound of Heaven’s choir in Rock. My chest puffed up and my face warmed at the first beat I heard, 
‘Damnnn I could fuck this song..’
Diiiing!!!
I heard the door open, and my eyes followed it to see who had arrived, but… that’s when my heart dropped, in… adoration? The beat of the song continued to flow, as my green eyes found home on the most, mother natured, beautiful woman. God, I felt like I was going through palpitations as I watched her move in sync to the music, as if it was her own theme song. My knees were so ready to bend and hit the floor at her command, that’s just how powerful and strong her presence felt. Her skin was so unrealistically glowy, like if it was covered in the right amount of glitter. Oh! And her hair, shining in the light in its authentic shade of color made me want to run my fingers through it and feel it softness. Her bright smile was so real and graciously given to everyone, lighting up the room with every step she took. Everything on her adorning face was so perfect, I’d be damned if I put a name to it to compare it to anyone, because she was so unique and incomparable. My breath left my lungs at the sight of her goddess-sculpted body, the sundress she wore situated on her sweet curves so nicely, oh how I wished my hands could find a place on them, just to have the true word to say I was worthy to hold someone of pure ecstasy. I watched her every move, from the minute she walked in and took a deep breath at the entrance. I saw how she took each step so confidently yet slowly. How as she arrived to the bar, she helped the older man pick up his cap from the floor and return it. How she greeted Penny with utter happiness and a tight hug over the counter. Her fingers twisted her hair playfully as she went on to giggle about something Penny said, damn… if I could only hear how heavenly it most likely sounded, oh I’d want to hear it on repeat until I lost my hearing. 
 ‘…. what a slow… gorgeous ride.. who the hell is she-‘
 “Jake you’re such a freakin’ creep-“
“-SHIT!”
I jumped at the sudden voice and turned around to see the only and only Bradshaw break my moment of adoration, he was wearing a smolder but with a smirk, his brow raised high as he popped his hip at me. I clapped my sides to show my frustration,
“What the fuck Bradley-“
“What the fuck you Jake? Phoenix told me that you’ve had your damn eyes on her best friend sense she arrived.”
 ‘Oh shit..’
I took a swig of the beer I just stole from Bradley’s hand to drain out my thoughts as he went on to admit in a low tone,
 “Listen, I know she’s hot and all-“
 I choked on the beer as I corrected with a finger on his chest, poking lightly,
 “No Bradshaw… she’s not hot.”
He stared at me with confusion as he whispered with a hand now on my shoulder,
 “what?”
I leaned closer and confessed,
“That right there… is a goddess on this damned earth, Rooster. Hot is an understatement.”
 I probably sounded like a mad man because Bradley was looking at me like I was, but then his face changed in seconds and now he was giggling like an idiot. I punched his arm lightly as I scowled at him,
 “What!? Why are you giggling like a little girl Bradshaw-“
 “I can’t believe the one and only Seresin has been whiplashed by that girl, of all people.”
 ‘Of all people? What’s that supposed to mean?”
 “What are you talking abo-“
 “- first of all, she denies every guy, like EVERY guy. And plus, my girl Phoenix doesn’t let anyone around her… or at least anyone she thinks isn’t worthy enough for her friend. She’s a protective friend to her.”
I could feel my chest pinch a little with sadness and hopelessness, only because if Phoenix was this goddess’ protector, I wouldn’t be able to get to her. (Because I’m one of Phoenix’s greatest frienemies.) 
Ughh!!! Damnit but I want her! I NEED her!! To hold her so close to me until she becomes one with me or- or like blends into me- I don’t know!!! Anything that keeps her in my reach and never let’s go. I’d kill to run up to her and kiss her blushed cheeks and intertwine my fingers with hers, get the smallest whiff of what heaven probably smells like. Man I’d make it my most important heartfelt mission, to give her complete and irrevocable happiness… she’d never have to pursue it, I’d just give it to her in any way I possibly could. If she wanted the stars or the moon, I’d find a way to hand it to her personally and wrapped up with a pretty bow. I don’t even know what her voice sounds like, ‘Slow Ride’ continues to play loudly over my head blocking it away from my desperate ears. But I’m more than 100% sure, that the minute I hear it, I won’t ever have enough of it for forever. Imagine waking up to that melody? Or being the cause of that melody? Damnnn… The things I would do to get those pretty sounds out of her… even if it was just for a moment- wait a FUCKING minute!! She’s drinks… oh my God she’s definitely a dream.
 “The goddess drinks Old Fashion… man in all the years of my life I’ve never seen a woman drink an Old Fashion.. that makes her so so much more amazing-“
“HANGMAN!!”
Once again I was freaking snapped out of my trance, by the same old Rooster cock-o-doodling in my ear.
 “Bro you’ve got to get a grip of yourself you drooled all over the floor-“
 My instincts pulled my fingers to instantly check my lips and chin, but I found I wasn’t wet from drool, because I hadn’t drooled.
 “Bradley I thought you had left-“
 “-No, I hadn’t… I was trying to tell you that there will be a bonfire going on right outside of here in a few minutes… and she’s going to be there-“
My chest warmed up like it was set on fire as I gasped,
 “REALLY?!”
I perked over Bradley’s broad shoulders to make sure she was still there, but he pushed me down and scolded lowly,
“Jacob. No one’s going to get her… I’ll make sure of it- I’m mean… you don’t even know if she’ll like you.. your heart will be broken.”
 I pouted at Bradley’s words, he’s so fucking right.
‘I literally could be making an idiot of myself for her and she might not even see me.. well damn that sunk faster than the Titanic-‘
“Hey hey hey… don’t weary yet my pal.. there’s still a chance… you’re still in the ‘What If’ point.”
 I could feel my shoulders sink a little as I looked at Bradley worriedly, man I was really taking his words personally and really needed more. So in the bliss moment of us being nice to each other (for once) I asked for more advice. (I mean he pulled off getting to date Phoenix and get her to fall head over heels for him. So he knows how to work in this kind of field of love) 
 “So.. what do I do then… I’ve never done this before.. you know my history with girls-“
 “-Forget about them… that’s gone.”
He patted my chest lightly as he went on,
“… Just, be yourself and try not to change too much or over impress. You want someone to love or like you for who you really are. Kind of forget that they’re there, and just enjoy your night, and be that charming gentleman you are.. maybe you might pull it off.”
 ‘Man Rooster… you’re my platonic soulmate… we’re we married in another life? Ha! Perhaps. Hot bastard.’
I clapped Bradley’s cheek softly, showing my sincere appreciation. He winked at me and nodded before walking away. As soon as my eyes left him I was immediately looking for that goddess, 
 ‘Come on where are you? I just need to make sure you’re still here-‘
“Hi handsome! You babyguarding the jukebox?”
 Suddenly out of the blue this girl pops in front of me as she bounced on her heels, looking at me with huge blue eyes. I mean she was cute, but wait out of my league after I saw the goddess. Which her presence got me annoyed right away because she was taking time away from me as I was looking for my girl. I then realized I was blocking the jukebox and replied shortly but politely,
 “Sorry, Go ahead ma’am.”
She then squeaked loudly and chuckled a little to hard as she said,
“Oh! Can’t wait to tell my friends you just called me ‘ma’am’!! Such a sweet man.”
She continued to bounce on her heels excitedly and giggle, I only smiled back as I was trying to be polite and make her not feel awful or weird about her over obnoxious behavior? I then was about to move over but her finger landed on my chest as she pushed on,
 “Oh don’t move honey, you’re ok right there.”
She then began to lower her finger, and got me a little disgusted, cause I didn’t like how it felt. 
 ‘Ok you’re pushing to far with your acrylics running down my nice white shirt.’
“Ok that’s enough there-“
 “My friend said no buddy, now back off!”
‘Woah! Was that Phoenix’s voice? Where’s Bradley?’
I immediately forgot the girl was there clawing for my attention as I then averted my eyes and ears towards the door, where Bradley was trying to guide a couple of men outside, but Phoenix and the goddess were trying to get someone off of them too while sitting at the bar. He was a tall man, truck driver looking guy.
 ‘You better back off buddy- OH HELL NO!! Who in God’s name is that prick?! Why’s he getting close to her- OH HE WANTS TO TOUCH HER WAIST??- OH!! Oh shit… nice punch Phoenix- OH OH!! She can fight too.. she got him right in the nuts… that what he gets for trying to touch her.’
 I seriously just witnessed these two women knock out this guy, he looked like those kind of men that don’t take ‘no’ for an answer and have disrespectful grabby hands. Those kind of men make me angry, I hate when they treat women like toys and hurt them, they don’t belong here in Hard Deck or anywhere. 
 ‘I’m getting him out of here-‘
“Did you hear what I said? Or are you too busy think about me-“
 I groaned lowly as I finally put out kinda straightforwardly, because this chick had not left my side yet!! 
 “No, I’m not. Now excuse me.”
I heard her whimper but I didn’t give a damn as I left the jukebox. And before I knew it, my hands had found this man’s collar, and I picked up his sagging body from the floor, he looked drunk and old.
 ‘What a pig.’
 He didn’t even help himself stand up, so I began to drag him out while I sputtered out threats,
 “You come in here again to hurt or bother anyone I will make sure it’s the last thing you do-“
 Then this manpig tried to explain drunkenly,
 “I was jus’ tryin’ ‘ave fun!!”
I glared at the guy being pulled by his collar by me,
“Yeah! Well I don’t like your version of fun!! So take it somewhere else and don’t ever come back!!”
 I pushed him through the open doors and watched him fall on his face in the sand. I didn’t spare time to check if he was ok, screw him.
‘Asshole…’
“Jake! Thanks!!”
I whipped my head towards the familiar warm voice, of course, it was Penny. She was holding out a beer for me that made me head towards her. As I got closer she confessed,
 “He’s been bothering us for a while now… but today he got worse-“
She lowered her voice while shaking her head disappointedly,
 “Trying to touch my girls-“
Then Penny looked back at me and went on,
 “But I hope your threat keeps him out. This is on the house.”
 I smiled at Penny and took the cold beer,
 “Thank you ma’am… if he’s ever back you let me know. I’ll deal with him first then I’ll call the cops. You have my word.”
 “I do… Thanks for taking care of that as usual.”
 “Of course.”
Then I noticed by the corner of my eye that a woman was right next to me, as she pushed her empty glass forwards towards Penny’s reach and kindly said, 
“Thanks Penny, keep the change.”
I subtly watched the short interaction as Penny begged her to keep the $15 of change but she insisted it was a nice tip then. She turned to look at me while trying to slide off the tall stool, and nicely said,
 “Excuse me.”
I quickly moved out of the way, but held my hand out without a second thought, she took it right away and helped herself off, and smiled while looking at the ground shyly,
 “Thank you.”
I kept my eyes on my beer as I replied kindly,
“You’re welcome.”
 She then turned around and walked off, now allowing me to see who it was, and I didn’t notice who it really was until she was already walking off,
‘NO FUCKING WAY!! Omg.. that was her… the goddess- I-I just talked- stupid how come you didn’t look at her. Spare her a glance!??-‘
 “Are you going to stay for the bonfire? Mav is already setting it up, I’ll be out in 10 when we close. A few regular customers will be there alongside you pilots.”
 I snapped out of my personal scolding as I looked through the window to see the sun setting and some familiar people outside with Maverick around a pile of wood. They all looked happy and relaxed… So I replied to Penny,
 “Yes, I’ll be there. Do you need anything before I go?”
 From under the counter she pulled out a large basket that held the contents to make s’mores, and a large box of caprisuns. 
 “Take these for you kids, and that should be it. You can go already, don’t worry about me-“
“-Are you sure?-“
“Jake, I’m positive… you already kicked out the guy and I’ll be fine. Rooster lent me his wooden bat from high school to protect myself. And Phoenix got me a pepper spray.”
 I huffed a small laugh as she showed me her items, I felt a little more relieved.
 “O-Ok… sounds great. I’ll see you in a minute.”
 “You too son, go on.”
San Diego had the best weather for the evening, it wasn’t as hot anymore, and the breeze was warm like a cozy blanket. I walked down towards the bonfire that was already lit and growing little by little. There were sitting logs all around it, maybe two people fit on each, but it looked comfortable. So I made my presence known in my favorite line as I approached my buddy Javy, mostly called Coyote by me and everyone else,
 “Evil be gone, Hangman’s coming!”
Coyote turned his head towards me and flashed me his biggest smile as he teased,
 “More like Santa Claus, cause you brought us gifts!!”
 I chuckled at his idiocy but immediately warned him as I saw his hands ready to snatch a pouch of caprisun,
 “Hey! Get your damn hands out of here! Wait til we all sit down-“
Mickey aka Fanboy, one of the pilots I treated like a little brother came along at hearing my bantering and said,
 “Sharing is caring Bagman! Didn’t know you packed snacks soccer mom!”
 ‘Ok now that’s not cool!’
I defended myself rightfully,
 “Hey I got this basket from Penny, I was just helping her out-“
 Of course Reuben aka Payback had to add to the tea,
 “Awww he’s helping his mommy like a good ol’ boy!!”
I heard Phoenix laugh out loud as she too joined in,
 “Such a golden boy Bagman- ooooo s’mores!! Hey Y/n!! They have s’mores! Your favorite!”
‘Y/n? Who’s Y/n- oh! OH! Y/n… such a beautiful name for a goddess… man she looks even better while close up- ok keep it together Bagman! Stay cool, stay you!’
My heart just about stopped beating when the presence of this goddess walked closer up to me and cheered happily like a little girl,
 “Oooooo!! I haven’t had these for a minute!! Was it your idea to bring them along mister?”
I didn’t realize I was inthralled by her in silence until I felt a kick in my shin and Bradley scowling at me. I held in a groan of pain as I replied realizing she was talking to ME!
“I-I uh- no. Um Penny- it was her idea.. I just brought them o-out.”
Her eyes found mine as she smiled cutely and giggled, I guess at my mediocre response that was filled with stuttering.
 “Oh ok! Well hey you’re a part of it if you brought them out right?”
I felt my cheeks grow so hot I had to look away and pretend that the package of Hershey chocolate bars was damn more interesting than her as I replied,
 “Uh- Yeah! Yeah yeah.”
 “Alright I’m here now!! I left a door open in case y’all needed the restroom or something.”
 Rooster came close and whispered in my ear subtly,
“Yeah yeah? Seriously?”
I glared at him as everyone looked at Penny who had just arrived. I took that chance to glance at Y/n who was smiling at Penny, but kept looking back at the basket I was holding. She was eyeing the caprisuns. Instantly I grabbed the basket in a different way and used a free hand to pull one out and hand it to her,
 “here-“
“Awww thanks!! I tell ya he’s such a sweet soul.”
That was the blue eyed girl who was annoyingly back, snatching away the drink I held out for Y/n. Y/n stepped back and shyly looked away, she looked sorry for even trying to reach out for the caprisun, which made me feel upset. I then saw a hand being shoved in my face as that voice squeaked,
 “I’m Beverley! I’m a Baywatch girl here on this beach. I’ve seen you play with your friends before.”
 ‘You spy on me? Ew.’
 I didn’t want to shake her hand, so I held it under the basket as if I needed to hold it with two hands as I calmly replied,
 “That’s nice- Um Bradley! Want a drink?”
Bradley’s eyes found mine as he let go of Phoenix’s waist and quickly gave her a kiss on the cheek, as he saw me sending him puppy eyes of desperation, he was smart enough to know what was happening as this Beverley kept staring at me. He jogged towards me while saying,
 “Sure Jake, thanks pal. Hey Beverley, uh I thought you had a party to go to, I remember you telling Nix about it-“
 “Oh it’s ok!! I prefer being here with you guys!!!”
 ‘More like prefers to try and get the guys!!’
Phoenix then all of a sudden called her over for some reason, saying something about her having to grab some napkins at the bar, hence sending her away from me. I sighed in relief when she ran off to the Hard Deck. I knew Phoenix was a savior and had my back while she sent me a wink as she approached me whispering,
 “She works for Penny, although she does a great job, she’s not a good girl. At least not for you ok?”
 I nodded right away,
 “Ok, thanks… for getting her off of me.”
“Anytime.”
She then went back into Bradley’s arms, leaving me alone for a minute, until I heard a soft voice ask,
 “May I grab one?”
Of course it was Y/n, probably now worried to grab without asking, but I made sure she knew she could grab as much as she wanted as I smiled,
 “Of course, don’t have to ask ok?”
She sent me a small smile while raising her hand to grab one, I instinctively lowered the basket so she could grab one easily. 
Her doe eyes already glistened with the light of the fire hitting them, but I could swear they glowed brighter as she took it from the basket, her fingers brushing against it as she beamed,
 “thank you!”
My mouth went dry for gods sake before I could respond, so I dumbly shook my head with the best smile my nervous self could offer. But she seemed to appreciate it, because she sent me a gorgeous toothy smile before working on opening her caprisun. Soon Penny walked up to me and cooed like a mother, not helping the fact that my wing buddies kept teasing me about being a ‘mommy’s boy’,
 “Jake, son, you could’ve put the basket down. It’s a picnic basket so it can go on the sand. Let’s set it here in the middle so everyone can reach.”
 I let out a simple ‘oh’ and listened attentively and followed her simple instructions. I then stood up to my full height and stretched a bit, while watching stupid Bradley come up to me while swaying his hips like a model and mimicking in a high pitched voice,
 “Jakey, son, I want the basket here instead-“
 “Bradley leave him alone or he’ll push you into the water like last time.”
‘Thanks Mavdad.’
It was nice that Maverick treated me nicely too, always being on my side when needed. He patted my shoulder before picking up a caprisun, and walking off so calmly after giving me a smile. I felt bigger than Rooster as I ‘threatened’,
 “He’s right Bradshaw, so be nice to me.”
Phoenix smacked both our arms at once as she scolded,
“Hangster! Sereshaw! Whatever you two like to be called, don’t start or we’ll tie you up til midnight. Now sit down.”
 Coyote put his hands on his hips as he mocked the both of us,
 “Now sit down boys-“
 “-Shut up Coyote. Nuh- uh, move over I’m sitting next to Bob, Rooster and Hangman can have each other tonight. I’ll take Bob.”
I watched Bob blush lightly as Phoenix ruffled his hair then bopped his nose as she situated herself next to him. He was usually very quiet (a stealth pilot in the flesh) but he was great company. A couple of times when I couldn’t sleep at night. I’d call him over to the near by cafe and we’ll literally just sit in silence and read each other’s newspapers until our coffee ran out. Or he’d do the same. Anyways. I sat down like Phoenix asked after I got my pouch. Without realizing who sat next to me, on my left, because Rooster sat on my right on a different log. I began to smell something sweet. Like cashmere woods? But with a hint of vanilla? Smelled like something you’d want to walk into after a long day, and just find comfiness in that aroma. That was until I heard the sweetest voice ask me,
 “Is it ok if I sit here?”
‘Oh holy cow… there’s no way.’
“Uh..”
The words ‘Yes have a seat’ were hanging off my tongue but wouldn’t come out!! I was acting like an idiot, but before I could say anything, that DAMNED squeaky voice god forsakenly returned,
“I took this spot already sweetie! See my sweater there? You can sit next to me on the next log though?”
Y/n raised her bows slightly and sent her a small smile,
 “oh, sorry. Sure.”
 I frowned at seeing this chick’s sweater next to me, claiming the spot.
 ‘How did I not see the stupid sweater!??’
 And I couldn’t move away, cause then I’d look like an ass for leaving her alone, because the rest of the spots were taken. So Beverley sat next to me, as I watched my girl walk slowly away after giving me an apologetic smile, she sat at the next log, but she was accompanied by Coyote, who made her feel welcome by patting her upper back with a small talk. 
 ‘At least I know she’s safe with Javy… he’ll keep her safe and good company.’ 
 I then felt vey uncomfortable, Beverley kept scooting closer to me, bumping into me quite on purposely. She giggle it off and squeak out ‘sorrys’. But I did my best to ignore her as Maverick began to tell his good old stories about his days with his pal Iceman. His best friend and Wingman. Those stories always made my heart sore with warmth, they were so real and very relatable sometimes. On the funny parts of the stories or when Penny and Mav would playfully argue back and forth about him exaggerating some parts I could hear the sweetest melody of laughter near by, and it was Y/n who would throw her head back and laugh so freely. I’d feel myself smile at such a lovely sight, she was so carefree and involved. Soon conversations were held between one another, as we enjoyed our s’mores that Penny made and passed out. (She really likes to treat everyone like her kids, and enjoys doing everything for us, like a mother would.) Y/n had gotten up with Phoenix to help her out, they were happy swaying with one another while toasting the marshmallows and listening to Bradley try to play the ukulele with a hurt hand.
 ‘Damn I wish I could take a picture of her and frame it above my bed-‘
“Do you have a girlfriend?”
“Gooooooood damnit… here we go. Be brave and short Jake.’
 “No I don’t, but I’m happy without it for now. I like being alone.”
I made sure to be so damn clear. But I could see the gears turn in her head as she went on,
 “Oh! That’s ok, I feel the way sometimes too, maybe we could practice dating if you like-“
 “Noooo I’m fine.. haha.. yeah. Seriously.”
She sent me a small frown but then scoffed in a tone she thought sounded seductive,
 “You’re just afraid of having a good girl like me around huh? Just admit it Jake.”
 ‘Yeahhhh no.’
I laughed it off, still trying to be nice, 
“I’m not afraid of anyone, I just don’t want someone right now-“
And that’s when my words pushed to her to make a move that had me standing up, she had placed her hand on my thigh, but WAYYY up my thigh and squeezed it,
 “Ok! I-I-“
Everyone looked at me shocked at worriedly, like if I was the crazy one when I abruptly stood up. Silence filled the area for a few seconds which drove me nuts right away. I then collected my thoughts for a split second as I said,
 “I’ll be right back.”
I then didn’t spare anyone a glance as I darted towards the restroom, hoping I wasn’t being followed by anyone. 
I took a few minutes to wash my face with cold water, and cool down. I got a little upset at the whole situation, wishing that this girl Beverley hadn’t ruined it, I had my chance with Y/n, but she took it away. Maybe now Y/n thinks that I don’t want anyone in my life, because I had said that quite out loud, and then I was stuck next to Beverley who was all over me and talking so loud and so much, acting like if we were together and stuff. I now wanted to go home, but at the same time I didn’t... I wanted to see Y/n one more time. 
 ‘Maybe I’ll say I had too many s’mores and say goodbye. That’ll give me a chance to see her one last time-‘
Knock knock knock!
I stiffened while leaning over the sink, if it had been one of the guys they would’ve just walked in, but this person knocked, meaning it was a girl. 
 ‘Please don’t be Beverley! please don’t be Beverley!-‘
 “Hi Jake, um… it’s me Y/n. Phoenix wanted me to check on you.. are you ok?”
‘Oh! Damn an angel has arrived.’
My feet took me to the door immediately and my hands opened it right away, my breath left my lungs once again as there she stood, with a concerned look on her face. 
 “I- uh. Yes, I’m ok… just needed a breather. Too much s’mores you know?”
She nodded with a small huff of laughter, 
“Yeah… I had like 4 already… but uh, you sure you’re ok? Phoenix thought you were a little off, And I thought the same.”
‘So you were watching me? Did you see I was in desperate need of your attention? Of your hands on me, your eyes on me? How I crave YOU?’
By then we had walked toward the bar, away from the restroom as I answered,
“Yeah, I’m ok. Thanks for…”
And the words died on my lips, as I finally focused on her, beaming in the light of the moonlight shining through the windows. I couldn’t describe it, oh god I couldn’t. If I could wake up to this everyday, I’d be a happy man forever. Satisfied to the brim, never letting go. Her height reached up to my chest, which I thought was the most adorable thing, I could embrace her and cover her with my arms, keeping her completely safe. My heart beat wildly in my chest, and I couldn’t get enough air in my lungs, she definitely took my breath away. She hadn’t said a word either, she just looked up at me, with hope and what looked like love in her eyes. And that… was when my desperation to claim her caught on, I leaned forward quickly towards her and closed my eyes. Waiting to feel-
 “Oh! Jake..”
She whispered my name as she stopped me by putting a hand on my chest, her eyes now wide. I immediately regretted it and felt stupid and wrong, 
‘How could I be so stupid?!’
“I’m so sorry- that was so wrong-“
 “Tell me the truth.”
‘What?’
I was confused as I asked,
“Wait what?”
She kept her hand on my chest as she repeated out of breath,
“Tell me the truth, if you really want this too I’m all in.”
 ‘Oh heaven..’
I sighed a relief, and raised my hands to grab her face, I smiled as I felt her fit perfectly into my hold. I leaned my forehead on hers as her other hand raised on my chest, resting them there.
 “Jake? It’s ok-“
 “I want you.. I need you. Please I know I’ve barely heard your voice and have seen you for the first time, but this feels so right- oomph!!”
And her lips caught me off guard as they locked onto mine. Her delicate arms wrapped around my neck and pulled me flush against her. I dipped my head to kiss her deeper as I lifted her off the ground and held her tightly. This was better than checking off anything on my bucket list, she completed me. Her soft lips touched mine so lovingly and softly, though I could feel the passion in it all. If I died like this… I’d die a winning man. A cute whimper fell from her lips as I pressed harder and squeezed her hips, not getting enough of feeling her on me. I had instantly grown addicted. We made out there at the bar, passionately and freely, feeling like we were the only ones on earth. She gently pulled my hair as her other hand held my cheek, I let out a low moan which gave her entrance to slip her tongue through my lips. Once she did that, it got a bit more intense and heated, but still very nice as we held one another. But soon nature called, asking us to split apart to take a good breather in. But we didn’t separate far, keeping our cheeks pressed on one another. I could feel her warm labored breaths hit my ear, and I heard her whisper,
 “Phoenix never asked me to come… I just wanted to find you.”
I awed lowly at her confession, and only held her tighter as I admitted,
“I thought I lost you.”
She hummed and pecked my temple,
“You had me the minute you helped me off the stool. Literally.”
I moved my head to look back into her eyes shocked at that fact. She smiled and nodded, while I leaned closer once again as I said before I kissed her,
 “So getting to you was a slow but blissful ride then.”
She laughed through the kiss, and feeling her smile through it too, only made me fall harder for her… damn having her now was a winner, but indeed a slow ride.
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She’s Still Preoccupied With 1985 🎤 | Bob Floyd x Rockstar!reader Imagine
Takes place after the events of TGM
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TGM Masterlist
Characters & Pairings: Lt. Robert ‘Bob’ Floyd x modern-day rockstar!reader (childhood best friends/romantic), dagger squad (platonic), Bob x female!oc (past romance), male!oc x reader (past romance), The 1985’s!BandOCs (platonic)
Content Warnings: major fluff, angst, profanity, canon divergence (Bob is born in 1985 in this, making him roughly 34 during TGM & 37 in the year 2022), pop culture references, second chance romance troupe, suggestive content and light smut + implied smut (MINORS DNI!!) inspired by the song ‘1985,’ by Bowling For Soup | Female!reader—afab!reader (she/her) | wc: 17.2k
Premise: Join Lt. Robert ‘Bob’ Floyd as he looks back on his fairytale love story with childhood best friend and real life rockstar, who’s set to perform one last time on the country’s most iconic stage, in her band’s final show of their farewell tour.
Note: so after I wrote ‘It’s A Long Way To The Top’ with Maverick x 80sRockstar!reader, I had inspiration for someone from the dagger squad x modern-day rockstar!reader. I was going back and forth between Rooster and Phoenix, but this anon suggested Bob with a rekindled childhood best friend and I thought that was the bullseye. Once again feel free to imagine your friends as your bandmates, I just gave names to make it easier to write. I do not own any of the song or pop culture references, this is for fictional purposes. Let me know what you think! - Bee 🐝
Songs that are real life songs, but are used as ‘your’ songs in this imagine: ‘1985’ by Bowling For Soup, ‘Iris’ by the Goo Goo Dolls, ‘Some Nights,’ by Fun, ‘Pompeii’ by Bastille, ‘Payphone,’ by Maroon 5, ‘Let’s Get Lost,’ by Bats for Lashes & Beck, ‘Where Do Broken Hearts Go’ & ‘Little Black Dress’ by One Direction.
——————————————————
Lt. Robert Floyd had seen a lot in his 37 years of life. Growing up on the plains of Montana, there wasn’t much for him until it came time to leave for college. There, life seemed to pass by quicker than the night sky. He’d experienced the hype of a Navy vs Army football game, getting wasted to the point he hated alcohol. Endless nights of studying that paid off when he received not only his diploma but also the rank of Ensign in the U.S. Navy. Then there was that time he nearly married his college sweetheart only to end things weeks before the wedding because he realized his heart belonged to someone else. In his career Bob pulled Gs with his pilot against the speed of sound in an F-18 and most recently, dogfighting SAMs out of enemy territory.
But no words could describe what Bob felt as he stood on the floor of Madison Square Garden with the people he called his best friends, waiting for the appearance of his one true love on stage.
The love that was once thought to be impossible, until fate was like, “These souls belong together. Once the time is right, I will work my magic.”
17 years prior in 2005, Bob was certain he’d never get the chance to tell Y/n L/n he had loved her since they were fifteen years old after hearing her voice on the radio.
“That was Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Since U Been Gone,’ part of her Grammy nominated album Breakaway released last summer. Clarkson is the favorite to win the award for ‘Album of the Year’ at next year’s Grammys. Up next is a new group recently signed to Capitol Records….here is ‘1985’ by, funny enough, The 1985s”
Something about the name of the group and title of the song had an odd feeling swirl through the then college student. Driving the car he was in was his roomate Derek and their buddy Adrian along with Derek’s girlfriend Willow.
Nothing could’ve prepared Bob for the voice coming through the speakers, the lyrics bringing back the memory of when she showed him the paper with them written down in her semi-sloppy handwriting.
“Debbie just hit the wall, she never had it all.”
“One Prozac a day, husband’s a CPA.”
“Bob, you okay?” Adrian tapped him on the shoulder, “You look a little pale.”
“Her dreams went out the door when she turned twenty-four.”
“Only been with one man, what happened to her plan?”
“This has a good beat,” Willow bopped her head.
“She was gonna be an actress, she was gonna be a star.”
“She was gonna shake her ass on the hood of Whitesnake’s car.”
“My mom could definitely relate to that,” Derek joked, stopping at a red light. He too was enjoying the song. It gave that classic rock feel that the 80s music his parents listened to had. Nowadays Hip-Hop and Pop are becoming the main genres of music on the radio.
“Her yellow SUV is now the enemy.”
“Looks at her average life and nothin’,” *guitar riff* “has been,” *guitar riff* “alright.”
Bob, who’s eyes were wide and heart racing, breathed in awe, “No way.”
“Since Bruce Springsteen, Madonna,”
“Way before Nirvana,”
“There was U2 and Blondie,”
“And music still on MTV.”
“Her two kids in high school,”
“They tell her that she’s uncool.”
“‘Cause she’s still preoccupied,”
Tears spring in Bob’s eyes, wiping them away before his friends could see when Y/n sang the final line of the chorus.
“With 19, 19…1985.”
That was how the future naval aviator discovered his childhood best friend had accomplished her dream. Breaking into the music industry. It’d been nearly four years since he’d seen Y/n, the two parting ways after her father took an accounting job in California, uprooting the teenager and her family from their home state of Montana.
They’d grown up on the same street, both their moms teaching at the elementary school. The two had pretty much gone through every grade together considering their school was small with few teachers. Every year they were in the same class, often sitting next to each other and spending time after school on the playground while their moms finished up for the day. Bob spent nearly every moment with Y/n as kids, becoming best friends when they were only five years old. But it wasn’t until the boy was twelve that he realized what a crush was….and boy did he have one on her.
Cherishing their friendship, poor Bob didn’t say anything about his surfacing feelings for his best friend. Even when the news of her moving was announced when they were 16, Bob remained quiet. It pained him to do so but he’d rather have her in his life than risk losing her if she didn’t feel the same.
In all the years Bob Floyd knew Y/n L/n, music was her life. It consumed her entire being with the young girl always humming a tune or singing along on the radio. When she was given a keyboard and guitar for Christmas, Y/n self-taught herself how to play until they could afford to put her in lessons. Then there were the notebooks.
At first it started as sticky notes with a verse or two, then it turned into loose pages of lyrics before finally the teenager wrote them all into notebooks. Anytime inspiration came to Y/n she was writing it down on whatever she could find. Napkins at a restaurant, receipts from her mother’s grocery run, hell even on her arm Y/n was writing lyrics so she wouldn’t forget. Sometimes she’d have the whole song complete before settling on a title, or a catchy title would come to mind but the lyrics would take time. Bob would always get annoyed when she’d steal his pen from out of his hand, but would let it go, understanding she had to write it down before she lost it.
At a football game he witnessed her unable to find a pen in time to write something on her arm before the lyric faded away. The teenager nearly sobbed right there in the middle of the stands, face in her hands as though to will herself to remember. “Are you okay,” Bob whispered, to which he received a sad groan.
“No….please don’t interrupt my thinking. I’m having a crisis, Robby.”
Y/n’s mom, who mentally still lived in the 80s, was the inspiration for her song ‘1985’, Y/n wrote at 15. Bob could still remember the day she raced up to their reserved lunch table, planting the paper in front of him, “Read this,” she was out of breath, but smiling nonetheless. Picking it up, Bob adjusted his glasses and let his eyes read over the words scribbled down that were separated into: intro, verse 1, chorus, verse 2, chorus, bridge, chorus, & outro.
“Wow,” he reads over the lyrics again, brows raised and feeling a connection to the song. It wasn’t hard to pick up on the fact it was likely titled ‘1985,’ which also happened to be the year they were born. “This is amazing, Y/n. Almost like….wait is this about your mom?” As her best friend growing up, Y/n’s mother was like a second mom to him….so Bob knew her obsession with the 80s and how she had plans to be an actress before she and her high school sweetheart, Y/n’s father, got married after college and had Y/n when they were 24. Then they had her siblings afterward and both changed their course of careers in order to raise them. The line that said ‘husband’s a CPA,’ is what really gave it away considering her father was an accountant. Debbie wasn’t her mother’s name, but even a rocket scientist could piece it together Debbie represented her.
Glancing up, he sees her guilty expression, offering a light shrug. “Is it that obvious?”
Bob never forgot that song. Even with all the ones Y/n showed him afterwards and when they lost touch two years after she moved, he never once forgot the song, ‘1985’.
It was a sad day when she told him the news. They were halfway through junior year, college applications around the corner and setting up for SATs/ACTs when she dropped the bomb, “My dad’s being transferred to California.”
The Coca-Cola he’d been drinking nearly went all over his steering wheel when he coughed, her words sending him into shock. “W-what-you’re moving?!”
“Next month,” she mumbled, head down to hide her face from his view. “My dad is there now looking at places for us. In the meantime Mom is dealing with the house while also applying to schools in the area my dad’s gonna be working.”
“Where?” Bob asks after a moment of silence, allowing him to fully process the news.
His best friend—who he was in love with—was leaving him.
Y/n sighed before replying with a sad chuckle, “Los Angeles. You know I would feel excited, seeing it was my plan to move to L.A after graduation, but I just can’t bring myself to.”
“Why?” Bob says softly with a frown, “This is your dream, Y/n. All you’ve wanted was to go there and audition for American Idol—or whatever that singing show is.” He was trying really hard to cheer her up, pushing down his heartbreak all the while. “This is your chance.”
“Yeah, but….” She glanced out the window, “what if it doesn’t work out? I don’t even know if I wanna go to college—which my mom still scolds me every time she gets the chance because she thinks I’m a fool to wanna pursue music. You know how it is,” Y/n gives Bob a knowing look, “she thinks of her life and wants me to go to school before selling my life away to a 9-5. I know she’s looking out for me, but God, let me make my own mistakes.” Her head leans on the window, “If it doesn't work out then that’s on me. But I’m not gonna give it up just because it seems out of reach. That’s what back up plans are for.”
Silence fills the car, the two letting their thoughts wonder. “Promise me something, Robby.”
“Anything,” he doesn’t hesitate.
“Promise me that even though I’m leaving, we’ll still be best friends. We’ll still write letters or talk on the phone…just don’t give up on me.”
Taking her hand in his, hoping she doesn’t feel the slight tremor as the words he so desperately wants to say are on the tip of his tongue, Bob gives her a look of love which she likely would believe is one of sincerity, “you’re my best friend, Y/n. I believe you will accomplish everything you set your mind to. When you make it big, I’ll be cheering you on every second and until then, we’ll talk every day if we have to,” he makes a face after thinking, “though maybe narrow it down to once a week so my mom doesn’t kill me for the phone bill.”
That makes Y/n laugh before reaching over the console to hug him. Arms go around his neck while his one arm awkwardly wraps around her side.
“I love you, Robby,” she tells him, sending his heart soaring. “You’re the only person I can count on in this whole damn world.”
“I love you too, Y/n.” ‘More than what you could possibly know.’ “I’ll always be here for you. Forever.”
He never thought he’d break that promise. But around the time of graduation things became so hectic in Bob’s life on top of the fact he was hurting. Hurting because he loved Y/n, and anytime they would talk on the phone or send letters he was reminded of the fact she was in California while he was stuck in Montana and they could never be together. Bob felt the only way he could save his heart and move on from that love was by cutting contact. It was his fault and he knew it when the letters eventually stopped coming and the phone stopped ringing every Friday. His mother could only relay an excuse to the girl so many times before Y/n eventually gave up. The last letter she sent him came two months after their last phone call, “So much for always being there, Robby. Have a good life, I hope it treats you well. -Y/n.”
He didn’t know what happened to her until two years later when ‘1985’ played for the first time on the radio for the whole world to hear. Tears lined his eyes, the man having to look out the window away from his friends. The flooding of emotion was overpowering, forming a sob in his throat.
She did it. She’s on the radio like she always dreamed.
“That was ‘1985’ the debut single of incoming rock band, The 1985s. Hits the nostalgia I gotta say—I feel we’re looking at some fresh new faces to the scene. Can’t wait to see what they have to offer in the future.”
The prediction of the radio host came true, when in 2006 the group released their debut album Established in 1985. Like their name, it referenced the year all members were born in which included frontwoman and occasional guitar player Y/n L/n, bassist Thomas Quinn, guitarist Farrah Cortez, drummer Xavier Hernandez, and keyboardist Pepper Renolds. All met at the University of California Los Angeles, and funny enough none were students in the music program. They were all in STEM/humanities with Y/n studying sociology with a minor in music, meeting the others when they formed a study group after they all had the same prerequisite classes their second semester.
It was at one of their meetups that Y/n couldn’t help but sing along to Journey’s ‘Faithfully’ and The Who’s ‘We Don’t Get Fooled Again,’ as they played on the little radio in the corner. “Damn Y/n,” Thomas looked amazed, “You got a voice, girl. How come you’re not studying music?”
“Same reason why you aren’t—don’t give me that look, Quinn, I saw that bass in your place when we were there last week.”
Next thing they knew Pepper mentioned she was a pianist who was progressing onto keyboard. Then Farrah said she played guitar and Xavier smirked, “all y’all need is a drummer and you can be a band….oh wait, have I ever told y’all I play drums?”
And thus, the 1985’s were born.
Months were dedicated to them building their sound and learning to be a band all while keeping up with their school work. Y/n was the brain behind all their songs, literally dropping the pile of notebooks onto the table one day saying, “I’ve got at least four albums worth of songs in these…maybe even more.” Working little by little they eventually got the tunes for several that they knew they’d want to release first if they managed to get discovered. MySpace was just starting out and Y/n took it upon herself to be bold, creating a profile for them. She listed her information since they didn’t have a band email set up. That would hopefully come in the future.
It was on MySpace that their lives changed forever.
Roughly after a year of working nonstop to create songs and develop their sound, the band uploaded a video onto the platform for ‘1985,’ in May of 2004. It almost looked like a music video, teaming up with students from the drama programs who were in need of doing their end of semester project. They had someone play Debbie, her husband, the two kids, and a group of extras. Even the yellow SUV Y/n’s mom drove was used as well as a poster of Duran Duran for the line in the second verse. The band would be in clips throughout the video, Y/n singing and playing the guitar. It took them the whole night spray painting a makeshift logo of ‘The 1985’s’ onto Xavier’s drum set.
When they first uploaded the video they were all like, “Even if no one sees it, this was still fun as hell to make.”
But little did they know it was going to be seen by many eyes…..including an executive of Capitol Records.
Y/n was just coming home from her shift at a local diner when she checked her email, dropping the water bottle in her hand and letting out an ear-piercing scream that woke her roommates.
“Y/n, my name is Martin Plaza and I’m a talent exec at Capitol Records. A member of my team came across your video on MySpace and we were impressed by your band and song, ‘1985’. We’d like to set up a meeting if you all are interested and please bring any demos you may have. Email me back as soon as possible or give me a call using the number listed below. Hope to hear from you soon. Regards, Martin Plaza.”
Y/n and the group could hardly contain their reaction at the meeting when Martin and a few members of Capitol Records were visibly pleased with what they were hearing. With so many songs they had recorded, they settled on bringing five, including ‘1985,’ and ‘Some Nights,’ which they were planning on uploading to MySpace next.
Martin and the team had excused themselves briefly before returning with the offer: a six year contract with Capitol Records releasing at least three albums during that period.
You can bet your ass they agreed. Signing their names before the sun could set on the horizon.
Champagne popped that night with Y/n crying against the receiver of her pink Motorola as she informed the news to her family. Her mother cried with her, her dad celebrating in the background while her siblings were like, “Don’t forget me when you become famous, sis.” What made her sad though after the call ended was when she went to dial Robby’s number, only to close the phone with a sigh. It’d been over a year since they last spoke, Y/n unsure where he even was or if he had a cell phone. The only number she knew was his home phone.
Curiosity and slight anger rising, Y/n dialed the number saved as his home landline, not surprised when his mother answered. “Y/n! Why hello, darling, I wasn’t expecting your call tonight.”
“Hi, Mrs. Floyd,” she sniffed, feeling tears prick in her eyes again. Y/n was not used to addressing the older woman by her last name. It felt awkward now to call her by her first. “I know he’s probably not going to come to the phone…but if Robby—Robert is there, could I…could I just speak with him please? It’s important.”
“Oh honey,” that was enough to indicate it wouldn’t happen. Y/n looked up to the sky, heart breaking in two at the fact her so called best friend, who she loved more than anything in the world, had completely discarded her. “Robert is uhh—he’s at the Naval Academy, sweetheart, I can give you his email or cell number—.”
“No-no-no,” Y/n interrupted, stunned by the news. “It’s fine. Uh, just never mind.”
“Honey—.”
“Sorry to bother you so late, Mrs. Floyd. Take care and thank you for your help.” Placing the phone in her pocket, Y/n allowed the tears to flow freely before moving back inside to where the party was. Only she could hardly enjoy it now. Instead she let her feet carry her over to the notebook placed on her backpack, removing a pen hastily from the pencil pouch and scribbling down the lyrics that were screaming in her head. The words that took over the paper went onto become their Grammy award winning singles, ‘Iris,’ and ‘Payphone.’ Iris became so popular it was used in several movies and tv shows after its release in 2006, earning the band the Grammy for ‘Record of the Year,’ to go along with their ‘Best Rock Performance by a Duo/Group’ and ‘Album of the Year’, three MTV moonmen including ‘Video of the Year’ and the American Music Award for ‘Song of the Year.’ Payphone was just as successful, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for 20 consecutive weeks and winning just as many awards as Iris.
Anytime the songs played on the radio or wherever he was, Bob had to change the station or frown until it ended. Deep down, he could feel they were about him—hurting him even more at the realization Payphone was basically saying how Y/n loved him and was trying to move on. Just in the way Y/n sang combined with the lyrics telling a story, it was obvious he had broken her heart. And they weren’t even together. They were just best friends…..who were too stupid enough to not admit their feelings for each other.
His senior year of college Y/n and the group were starting to become big, all the members taking a break from college in order to build their careers as musicians. Often Bob would check in to see how Y/n was, tuning into award shows to watch them perform. Pride and awe filled him watching her sing, living her dream just as he believed she would. He hated that he broke his word to her, and it seemed to affect Y/n whenever she performed Iris and Payphone, putting every ounce of emotion into each lyric.
At 21 Bob had finally entered a relationship with a nice girl from the Naval Academy. The possibility of him reuniting with Y/n was long out of the picture and his friends were getting on him to finally break out of his shell. They had no idea of his connection to the rockstar, but they could tell anytime they were on the radio Bob’s demeanor changed. Abby, a sweet pre-law student at the Naval Academy, was his first serious commitment, the two bonding over similar interests and plans for the future. Hope rose at what it could hold.
Until she and their friends decided they wanted to go see The 1985’s concert.
It was 2007, they’d just graduated and were commissioned to the rank of Ensign’s waiting to be shipped off to their respective duty stations. And Bob was engaged…..but he hadn’t really proposed in the traditional way. It was more of Abby pointing out if they wanted to get stationed together then it was best for them to get married and he just agreed. But a big part of him was hesitant to go through with it.
The news of Abby and their friends' desire to go to the concert made his stomach drop and head spin. Still in Maryland, they had gotten tickets to the show in New York at Madison Square Garden which was only a couple hours away. Abby had went ahead and got them as a surprise for Bob, not telling him until the day before the show.
“You guys go,” Bob initially said, praying she couldn’t pick up on the anxiety in his voice. “I—uh—I’ve got some things to get done—.”
“What things?” She scoffed, shaking her head as she laid out the outfit she planned to wear. “School is over, you aren’t planning to see your family until next week, and you don’t leave for flight school till the end of summer. What could you possibly do tomorrow night, Bobby?” He mentally cringed at the nickname, unconsciously thinking of how Y/n would call him Robby.
This wasn’t a good idea and he knew it. Already he was starting to think of her again. More and more by the second. Feelings were resurfacing, and Bob was fighting them hard. If he saw her on stage it was only going to confirm what he already knew.
That Y/n owned his heart. And no one else would have it. Not even Abby.
In the end, Bob found himself on the floor of Madison Square Garden of all places, wondering just how the hell their friends managed to get the area. The band was touring for their debut album, selling out within seconds and what made it more historic were they managed to get The Garden in their first ever tour. Usually groups/artists had years before they played at the Garden, settling for smaller venues in New York, but the 1985’s had become sensations.
The entire time they waited for the band Bob’s hands were shaking, the man unable to contain his tremor with each minute. Abby asked at one point, but brushed it off as him being excited when he didn’t give her an answer.
He was a little excited….but mostly fucking terrified.
Especially because they were very close to the stage. Like if one of the members happened to walk close to where they were standing they’d be spotted.
Bob should’ve fucking knocked on wood.
When the band came out Madison Square Garden erupted, Y/n belting out the lyrics to their opening number, looking like an actual dream. Her look was more of a modern take on rock n roll but still looked classic. Black leather adorned her body with cutouts to showcase some skin, arms covered in ink from the various tattoos and hips rolling to the beat of the drums causing the crowd to go crazy.
Y/n really knew how to work the stage and make it her bitch.
Bob was mesmerized. Utterly speechless as his eyes glued to the woman he once called his best friend. All he could do was stand there and stare, while willing his heart to calm down by how fast it was beating.
It was to be a two hour show at the least, and Bob didn’t know if he wanted to leave as quickly as he could or wishing the show would last forever. Seeing Y/n up close and performing before a crowd made him feel things he didn’t know were possible. Her dazzling smile, dancing across the stage and playing the guitar was everything he could’ve dreamed for her.
He loved her. Bottom line, Bob loved Y/n like no other.
When their eyes connected 30 minutes before the concert ended, causing Y/n to drop the microphone and throw her off for the remainder of the concert, Bob knew he couldn’t marry Abby.
He wasn’t sure if Y/n recognized him at first, but the rockstar had approached the side he was standing at to interact with the crowd when her gaze landed on his. Eyes widening, Y/n literally dropped the microphone causing the impact to echo through the speakers. Bob’s cheeks went bright red, unable to look away in their 2-second staring contest until Y/n blinked rapidly and cursed.
“Shit,” he saw her mouth as soon as the microphone hit the platform, bending down quickly to pick it up. “Sorry about that guys,” she nervously laughed, eyes glancing at Bob as though to make sure they weren’t deceiving her. A sharp intake of breath indicated she realized it wasn’t a trick. Walking backwards until she was back to the middle of the stage where the band was, Y/n’s tone became flustered, “U-uh, we only got a couple songs left in the show. We’re gonna take a quick five minute break so just hang tight.”
Bob could see the looks of concern from her friends/bandmates as she ran off stage, the group following behind. His heart dropped, rubbing a hand over his face to calm down the anxiety in his veins.
“What the hell was that about?” Derek laughed, “It was like she saw a ghost or something.” Everyone besides Bob agreed, none seeing the way Abby was staring at him with an unreadable expression.
When the band returned for the final act Y/n did her best to not look at the section Bob was in. Unlike everyone else in attendance, the Navy officer could pick up on the fact she was more tense than at the start of the show. Her voice shook lightly when delivering the lyrics to ‘Iris’, although it was as though she was putting more emotion than ever into the song, bringing tears to Bob’s eyes. Y/n also appeared to hold back tears, quickly transitioning the song to their next to avoid breaking down.
‘1985’ was the last in their set, everyone in MSG jumping up and down to the chorus and screaming the lyrics. Y/n smiled the entire time, finally letting a tear slip when the concert came to an end. To everyone it may have looked like the rockstar was overwhelmed with emotion at the fact she just played Madison Square Garden before a sold out crowd. But for Robert Floyd, he knew those tears were because of him.
Especially when they connected eyes again, Y/n’s lip quivering before turning away to hide her face. When she walked off with the band Bob felt his heart go with her.
“You’re hiding something,” Abby said with a soft tone when they arrived back home late that night. It was nearly 3 in the morning, the concert having ended at 11.
Bob tilted his head back, eyes closing to block off the rest of the world, “Please, let’s not do this.” He just wanted to go to bed and sleep the night away.
“You know, I always wondered why your knuckles would tighten around the steering wheel when their songs played on the radio, or why you look like you wanna cry anytime I sing ‘Iris’ at karaoke, why you can’t even look at me when I do,” she lists off, voice slightly rising. “Then there’s that box of letters you hide in the closet. And….and the photo album you won’t even let me look at. We’ve been together for a year, and you have not once told me you loved me.” By now Abby’s voice wavered, sniffing as she continued.
“I’ve been a fan of The 1985’s for close to a year now, but it wasn’t until tonight I actually read up on them. On Y/n…..” she saw how his body reacted, confirming her suspicion even more. “How she was living in L.A when they got discovered, but she grew up somewhere else…..She’s from Montana. The same town as you, Robert.”
“That’s just a coincidence—.”
“She went to the same high school as you!” Abby shouted, pushing off the wall she was leaning against. “You told me your town had less than four-thousand people—and only one high school. She would’ve gone there, Robert—in fact it said her mom was a teacher at the elementary school. The same one your mom taught at!”
By now Bob had enough, mouth tightening as he spoke calmly to his ‘fiancé’, “What do you want to know, Abby?”
“Who was she to you? Don’t fucking say shit like ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about,’—I saw her look at you,” tears pricked in her blue eyes. “How she looked like she’d been punched straight through the heart. She fucking dropped the microphone—and looked like she wanted to faint! Like you were a walking ghost. And you….you looked the same.” Pausing, she thought back to his face at the concert. There was no doubt Y/n and him had locked eyes, she heard him audibly react despite the noise.
“You looked like someone with deep regret. Someone who longed for a second chance. You looked like someone in love, Robert. Never have you looked at me that way.” Abby waited for him to respond, but Bob was unable to speak, expression unreadable causing her heart to break.
“Just please,” she breathed out, “tell me the truth, Bob. What was she to you?”
Silence filled the room, causing the tension to rise. It stayed that way until Bob finally sighed, face falling as he admitted what she already knew.
“She was everything. She is everything.”
When it came time to ship out two months later Bob was not the married man he expected to be. In all honesty, he was relieved. That night the argument had ended with Bob telling Abby he couldn’t marry her—he’d be hurting her even more if he followed through with it. Never could he love her the way he did Y/n and wouldn't put her through that. Going their separate ways was for the best. Even though he’d likely never be with Y/n, no one could compare to her.
Abby was angry as one could expect but part of her knew it was for the best. What good was it getting into a loveless marriage? She almost resented the rockstar, feeling like she could never enjoy the 1985’s anymore knowing the man she thought she spent the rest of her life with was hopelessly in love with his former best friend, who was the frontwoman of her favorite band. But then Abby took some time to think, and felt her heart break for Bob. She couldn’t imagine what it was like loving someone you couldn’t have.
Ending their engagement and agreeing to be friends, Bob told stories about growing up with Y/n—even bringing out the letters and photo album for her to see. It amazed the woman, flipping through the pages to see the singer when she was a child and teenager. It was almost funny to see how polar opposites the two best friends were, Y/n with her 80s band t-shirts and ripped jeans next to a Bob in his cowboy hat and flannels. As teenagers Y/n dabbled more in the grunge makeup. One photo made Abby laugh as it showed Bob with black eyeliner and glitter on his cheeks.
Coming across the end of the album was a half of a ‘Best Friends Forever’ necklace taped to the page. Abby frowned, “What happened between the two of you?”
This was a question he never thought he’d answer, thinking he’d go the rest of his life without anyone finding out his history with Y/n.
“After she moved we stayed in contact for about two years. We’d call every Friday—send letters from time to time ....” He paused, biting his lip as the frown took over. “But I stopped responding and answering.”
“Why?”
“It hurt too much,” he admitted, hating the way his heart clenched. “I never said anything because I didn’t want to lose what we had,” he looked to the ground, “but then it just became too overwhelming and I thought if we….if we drifted apart then I eventually could move on.”
Abby is silent, glancing at the picture of him and Y/n before looking back at the necklace, “Wanna hear something, Bob? Something you probably won’t believe, but I promise you it’s more likely than you think?” He looks up from the floor, brow raised slightly.
“What?”
“I think Y/n loves you.”
“Not in the way you think, Abby,” Bob deflects with a shake of the head. “And she definitely doesn’t anymore—she hates me no doubt.”
“No, listen to me,” she closes the album, setting it aside. “When did you two stop talking?”
“Around fall of 2003,” he tells her, look of regret in his visage, “in 2004 was the last time she phoned the house.”
Abby thinks back in her research of the band, shoulders dropping slightly, “That’s when they got signed to Capitol Records. ‘Payphone’ and ‘Iris’ came out last year, but Y/n said in an interview she wrote them the night they were signed—which had people confused because they’re sad songs that were written on a night that was supposed to be happy. Don’t you see?” She waves her hand at his now confused gaze, making her huff. “She probably had called your house hoping to tell you the news! Anyone who hears those songs knows it’s about heartbreak. And not the type of heartbreak you get by a friendship disintegrating, Bob. That’s the heartbreak when someone you love with your entire soul hurts you.”
“Abby please,” Bob pleads with her, water lining his eyes. Falling silent the woman leans away, solemn in her expression.
“All I’m saying is she loved you more than you think. And judging by her reaction to you tonight, I think I’m right when I say Y/n would give anything for you to talk to her again…..”
For years Bob thought about what Abby had told him that night they broke up. It kept him up at night especially when The 1985’s came up that day either in conversation or on the radio. There were times he was tempted to write a letter, but life would get crazy with the Navy and then in 2011 he was invited to Top Gun.
Devastated couldn’t even be the right word to describe how Bob felt when it was revealed Y/n had eloped with a Hollywood heartthrob. Not a fan of social media, Bob had just returned back to his squadron after graduating from Top Gun to turn on E! News where they were covering the story.
“Wedding bells are in store for rockstar Y/n L/n of The 1985s and actor Enrique Lorenzo from The Walking Dead. The two have been spotted throughout the year looking cozy at award shows and Lorenzo attending The 1985’s concerts in L.A and Atlanta. An inside source has gotten word the two applied for a marriage license two days ago and earlier this morning had a private ceremony with close friends and family in West Hollywood. Neither has confirmed if they have in fact tied the knot, but I would keep your eyes out. In the meantime, congratulations to the happy couple and we’re looking forward to seeing Y/n’s ring.”
It seemed like all the air had left Bob, turning off the tv in a flash but still pointing the remote as he stood stunned. Then his phone buzzed with messages.
“Honey, just checking in. Call me when you get home,” was from his mom, trying to avoid the obvious elephant and would rather discuss it over the phone.
“Have you heard the news?” Abby wrote. “I’m so sorry, Bob.” He actually appreciated that she wasn’t walking on eggshells. That she was upfront with him. Though it’d been over four years since their breakup, and Abby was now married with children, the two remained friends and often checked in with each other occasionally.
“It was bound to happen some time,” he replied before turning off his phone so he couldn’t receive any more messages.
The rest of the night he was pretty much a walking shell, then as the years went on Bob closed himself off. Hardly did he date, and when he did they only lasted a few months before the girls realized he was not ready for the commitment they were wanting. Some understood, others were more aggressive when spitting out their feelings. Never did he admit why he couldn’t love them the way they wanted. The only people who knew who his heart belonged to were Abby and his family.
2015 Bob was transferred to Lemoore when the news broke that Y/n and Enrique had divorced after nearly four years of marriage, however, they had been secretly separated for almost a year before it was finalized. Cursing mentally, Bob couldn’t help but feel a slight relief—which was completely fucked up knowing Y/n was going through a difficult time and here he was silently celebrating, as though he really had a chance now to make things right.
That should’ve been his sign to call her mother and ask for Y/n’s number, with the hope she’d give it to him. But then Bob felt it was too soon. Her divorce had just been finalized, he didn’t know the exact reason despite the former couple citing irreconcilable differences. Whatever it was, Bob wasn’t sure he wanted to know but at the same time couldn’t help but be curious.
He’d get his answer almost two years later in January of 2017 when he flew home to Montana to celebrate his birthday. It was his 32nd and his mother literally begged him to come home so they could all be together now that Bob’s sister had recently had twins and were there to visit. Wanting to meet his nieces, the WSO relented and booked a flight for the weekend after confirming his leave.
Suspicion filled him with the way his family was acting when he arrived. Almost like they were excited but nervous, which only confused the officer. He was in his service khakis, pulling his cap off when they got inside and removing his windbreaker before setting it on the coat rack.
That’s when he saw the black suitcase in the corner.
“Who’s is that?” He asked with a raised brow, noticing his mother slightly tense. It wasn’t a luggage he recognized as one of theirs, and it was as though it had just been placed there.
And his sister had already unpacked in her old room. So it wasn’t hers.
Blushing, his mother tried to find the right words, “Oh-um, It’s—.”
“It’s mine.”
32 years had gone by in Bob’s life and never did he think he’d experience anything close to cardiac arrest. But hearing Y/n’s voice, so close as though she was behind him, made him think he was about to die right then and there.
Then he turned around, slowly, heart beating so fast it was about to explode from his chest, and she was there. Standing at the end of the staircase in a beautiful black leather dress with matching knee high boots, her hair slicked back into a bun and minimal makeup showcasing her gorgeous face.
She was ethereal. Absolutely breathtaking.
The last time he saw her in person was when they were 22, before that was 16. Here she was a grown woman who’d been through a hell of a life. She looked beyond gorgeous, and Bob felt the heat rise to his cheeks.
Only her gaze was not as warm as the emotions Bob was feeling. Honestly he felt like he could be six feet in the ground with how she was looking at him. Betrayal, heartbreak, anger, but underneath it there was love and hope.
“Hello, Robert.”
He didn’t even know how to react. All he could do was stand there, speechless with his mouth slightly agape. Eventually he just breathed out, “Y/n.”
Stoic, Y/n glanced at his mother, “Mrs. Floyd, could you please give us a moment.”
“Of course,” the older woman nodded, bidding her son a glance, “We’ll all be out on the porch.”
Nodding in thanks, Y/n waited until she and everyone in the house had moved outside before facing Bob again. Chills ran up his arms when she let her eyes trail over his figure, remaining emotionless.
An awkward silence passed, neither really knowing what to say. Bob was hesitant to break it, hoping she would but Y/n just continued to stare at him. Both unable to form the words.
Finally he tried to say, “y-you uhh, wow.” He swore he heard her scoff under her breath.
“Yeah, wow,” her tone broke his heart, but then again Bob couldn’t blame her. After all, he’s the reason they drifted apart. When he didn’t reply, instead glancing to the ground, she scoffed louder, “That’s all you can really say? ‘Wow’? After thirteen years, Robert, all you have to fucking say to me is ‘wow’? No, ‘I’m sorry,’ no ‘I can explain everything.’”
Anxiety rising, Bob sighed which only made her angrier. “Y/n, I-I—.”
She couldn’t stop herself, “Why?” The question haunted her for over a decade. “Why did you just throw me away like trash—a-after everything we’d been through? You owe me the reason why you broke your word to me and made me feel like shit. I have waited and waited for years, Robert, hoping you would call or send a letter but now I’ve had enough so you can’t run away from me now. So start talking.”
“Y/n, I didn’t mean for y-you to feel like that,” he tried to explain, but the words were not the best, causing her to explode.
“How else was it supposed to make me feel!?” She threw her hands out. “That’s how it came off as to me! ‘All always be here for you,’ my ass, Robert. You remember telling me that? It was only two years—two years of us doing so well with the distance—I was even planning on surprising you for fucking Christmas and then it was just gone in the blink of an eye,” snapping her fingers, Y/n emphasized her point. “No explanation, no warning. Nothing to tell me you didn’t want to be friends anymore, having your mom give me excuse after excuse why you wouldn't come to the phone.” She pauses to calm herself, her tone kept rising with each word.
Bob takes the moment to speak, “It’s…Y/n, you have to understand it was never my intention to hurt you,” when she made a sound of, ‘yeah right,’ he rushed out, “Please! I fucked up, I know I did and I’ve regretted every second of it since then—and as much as I wanted to reach out and apologize, explain to why it happened…I just felt so ashamed and then I heard you on the radio,” a sad smile comes to his lips, seeing her stiffen at the mention of her debut. “And when I heard your voice, I just thought that was it. You didn’t need me anymore and believed you would forget about me eventually.”
“Forget about you?” Her tone went soft, eyes glistening. “You were my best friend—since we were fucking five, Robert!” He flinched, shame filling his veins. “We did everything together, I shared everything with you. My music—some of which were inspired by the fucking things we did,” the confession had his eyes widened a bit, “You think I would just forget all of that? Thirteen years worth of friendship down the drain? Sorry, but I’m not like you—I wouldn’t just ditch the only person I trusted most in this world because I was starting to become something. Did your mom tell you I called?” She suddenly asked, not letting him answer before she was ranting again, “It was almost a year after you threw me to the winds. The night I fucking met with Capitol Records and got offered the opportunity of a lifetime….I wanted to share that with you. Despite the fact we hadn’t talked for almost a goddamn year, I desperately wanted to hear your voice and tell you I did it,” her voice cracked at the end, causing tears to prick in Bob’s eyes at the sight she was fighting back her own.
“That I did it,” Y/n held back the sob threatening to escape. “You were the only one who believed in me, and I couldn’t even share that with you. Because you didn’t want me in your life anymore—and you know what that’s okay. Friendships come and go, but you couldn’t even give me the fucking respect to tell me. And then you come to my show!” Now she was shouting, “Yeah I know that was you, don’t even try to deny it. It may have been four years at that time but I know damn well that was you in New York. I cannot fucking believe you would come to my show and not even tell me! And then to not reach out after was a fucking slap to my face.” Her breathing was starting to get heavy, the woman pressing her fingers to the bridge of her nose.
“I don’t even recognize you honestly. The Robert I knew would’ve never hurt me like you did. He would’ve at least shown me some respect. He wouldn't leave me to wonder what I did wrong.”
“You didn’t do anything wrong,” he said sternly.
“Well it doesn’t feel that way now does it?” She said just as harsh, “Why?”
“Y/n, it’s complicated,” he put his hands to his neck, looking at the ceiling as he started to lose composure.
“Then tell me why!”
“Because I fucking love you that’s why!”
The words had left Bob’s mouth before he could stop himself. Silence ignited, the WSO covering his mouth with a hand as he went pale, staring at Y/n whose own mouth was parted. The confession had hit her full blast, causing her to stumble back as though she physically felt them possess her. A shaky hand came to her own mouth, looking away from the man when her eyes closed allowing the tears to spill on her cheeks.
“I love you,” Bob whispered, mirroring her expression. “I’ve loved you since we were fifteen, Y/n. I knew I felt something when we were twelve, but I just brushed it off thinking I was confused. But then I couldn’t stop thinking about you—and what we could have. But I didn’t want to lose you if you didn’t feel the same.” Opening his eyes, they locked on hers. God even when she cried she looked beautiful. “When you left…I thought it would be easier to move on. But then we talked every week and the feelings wouldn’t go away. No matter how much I tried. You took my heart with you to L.A. and you’ve had it ever since.”
He waited for her to respond, chest on fire with how bad his heart was racing. Fingertips were going numb as Bob stared at her with pleading eyes. “I’m sorry. I can’t go back in time and change it as much as I wish I could. Please know, Y/n, I’m so fucking sorry. I’m so fucking sorry for hurting you. I won’t ask for your forgiveness because I don’t deserve it. I won’t blame you if you walk out that door and we never see each other again. But just when you do, know that I’m truly, deeply, sorry.”
Time seemed to slow now with the two adults staring at each other. Now that it was all out in the open, Y/n seemed to be processing the whole thing. Bob couldn’t tell what she was thinking. Unbeknownst to him, Y/n’s brain was screaming, as was her heart. Lips quivering, the woman sniffed.
“You love me?”
“I do,” Bob signed after a moment. He no longer could keep it in, feeling the immense relief at being able to finally say it aloud.
“For years?”
“Almost seventeen.”
“Seventeen,” she repeated with an unreadable tone. “Y-you, I thought—your mom told me you were engaged.”
“That was in college,” he explained softly. “She was at the show with me that night. Saw how we reacted to each other and realized things I tried to hide. I ended things with her—I couldn’t trap her in a marriage that would make her unhappy—make me unhappy. She understood after a while and we stayed friends.” Bob rubbed his jaw, adding, “everyone else that came along was the same. I couldn’t love them the way they wanted me to. My heart wouldn’t allow it.”
Y/n leaned her head against the wall behind her, gazing at the ceiling, “A-and you were just going to go through life alone? Never planning to settle or be happy?”
“What good would it be hurting someone by committing to them when I couldn’t offer everything they would give me in return. They could love me, but I couldn’t love them, Y/n, and that’s unfair.” He wiped away a tear that slipped from his eye, no doubt his irises were red, “I’d rather be alone than do that to someone.”
She took a sharp inhale at that, more tears falling. “You should’ve told me,” her voice cracked, making him look away. Only to freeze when she said in almost a whisper, “Because we could’ve had all this time.”
“Wh-what?” Was his mind playing tricks on him? Or did she really just say what he thought she did?
Y/n chuckled, but it was more of laughing at how sad the situation was. Shaking her head, her eyes stayed on her boots as she said, “Did you ever wonder why I rejected Tyler Davies when he asked me to homecoming junior year, insisting I wanted to go with you instead?” Tyler was the quarterback of their high school football team. A senior, who asked Y/n to the dance and became the talk of the school when she said no. Many were jealous she even got his attention, riddled with shock she would reject the star player.
“Because you felt sorry for me I didn’t ask anyone?” He asked like it was obvious, causing her to huff.
“Because I wanted you to ask me,” his heart skipped again, “And whenever Melinda Perry would flirt with you in government I would literally send her daggers because of how jealous I was. Why do you think I warned you not to go out with her when you asked for my advice? Yeah I knew she was a snake to most of her boyfriends, but I was also selfish because I didn’t want you dating someone else. God, Robby, you were so blind. Even with your glasses you still couldn’t see that I loved you.” It was though he was on cloud 9, disbelief at what he was hearing.
Y/n loved him. At least she did when they were teenagers.
The next question couldn’t even form in his mind before she was lifting her head back up, shrugging when allowing the confession to fall from her lips. “And as much as I want to hate you right, I can’t bring myself to. Because I’m still hopelessly in love with you, Robby.”
Now he was the one stumbling back. “Y-you do?”
“I do. I’ve loved you since I was sixteen.”
He didn’t recall much that happened after that. Just that his feet were carrying him over to her, cupping her face in his hands and moving their faces close together. Lips just barely brushing over, he waited for her to make the next move. Y/n wasted no time, pressing her mouth to his and the two felt the eruption of warmth and love consume their bodies. Her arms around his neck, her fingers ran through his blonde hair causing Bob to groan. The sound made her gasp, allowing Bob to slip his tongue past her lips and heat up the kiss.
“I love you,” he whispered against her lips, bringing them back together.
“I love you too.”
“I’m sorry, Y/n.” His arms went to cradle her, pressing her against the wall. She simply nodded before kissing him back, “I forgive you, Robby.” God he missed that name. Only she could make him feel some type of way when she said it. He chuckled when she added, “Even though I should slap the fuck out of you.”
It was a miracle they made it up the stairs and into his childhood bedroom which was now a guest room. He had to remember to lock the door after setting her on the bed, praying to God his family would stay outside. There was music playing from what he could hear through the window so it made things easier when the two got lost in each other.
Clothes scattered the floor, kisses and hushed whispers shared between the two. Bob worshiped Y/n, letting his mouth kiss along every inch of her, trailing down any tattoos that coated her skin and paying extra attention in the places that brought her the most pleasure.
When he entered her they both sighed in bliss, moving as one until they reached a climax that brought them both to tears. All the time Bob whispered how much he loved her, Y/n repeating it each time. She moaned with each thrust and whenever she pleaded with him to do something Bob delivered it without hesitation. With her leg over his shoulder, chests pressed and mouths attached together the officer believed if he died right there it would be with a smile on his face. They came together, Y/n gasping his name as he eased them through their climax. When it was over Bob leaned down to capture her lips, wiping away her tears before removing himself to clean her. They basked in the afterglow, Y/n laying her head on his chest while he lightly traced the tattoos on her arm with his finger.
“Can I ask you something?” He asked, making her humm in response. “Enrique…”
The woman made a sound, lifting her head to gaze at him. “Enrique and I had been friends for some time—and we did drunkenly hook up once to get the sexual tension out of the way but that was it,” Bob controlled his reaction, though he couldn't say anything for he too had his fair share of one night stands. “The band’s contract was renewed and The Walking Dead was just starting out. The label and his producers thought it was a good idea for us to be seen together. Just to bring in some press for our upcoming album and the show. But we never felt anything more than friends for each other.”
Bob sat up a bit, causing her to lean on her elbows as she rested on her stomach. His expression was unreadable, “but you two were married.” Again Y/n let out a sigh.
“Enrique and I were friends so we shared things. He confided in me, I confided in him—Enrique was in love with someone who he couldn’t have. Ring a bell?” She raised a brow at him. “I was in the same boat. Just like how you said you couldn’t bring yourself to love anyone else, I couldn’t either. But at the time I thought you were married, Robby.” That had his eyes widened. “I called your mom after the concert that night, hoping to get to you and she told me you were engaged. So when I met Enrique and we both were going through the same thing, we thought ‘instead of being miserable alone, let’s be miserable together.’ Our publicists hated the idea, but we both believed we wouldn’t get our fairytale ending.”
Something in the way she said that last sentence had Bob think about Enrique Lorenzo. Most recently it was revealed he was in a relationship with fellow costar Simon Zahir, coming out as bisexual to the world with an instagram post of the two sharing a kiss.
“So you married him even though you didn’t love him?” Kinda like how he almost did with Abby. It made Bob frown thinking about it.
“I did love him, just not the way a wife should love their husband. And he understood because he couldn’t love me the way a husband would their wife,” she sadly smiled, “It was a mutual understanding where we would go and support each other at premiers and award shows, kiss for the cameras, all that was needed to show the media we were a happy couple. But behind closed doors we actually lived separately.”
Hesitant to ask, Bob waited a moment before saying what was on his mind the last couple years. “What made you two divorce?” The question made her give a small smile.
“Simon confessed to Enrique he loved him after they finished filming season four, and that he and his wife were divorcing. When Enrique told me… I could just see the hope in his eyes, and who was I to deny him his chance at happiness just because I didn’t want to be alone. It would have been selfish of me to. No, I told him the first thing the next morning we’d file but our publicists called and asked to wait until Simon was divorced before we went through with ours. That’s why we were ‘separated’ for a year,” she put quotes around ‘separated’. “We didn’t want to cite irreconcilable differences since it was a mutual decision, but the lawyers thought that was the best route to go.”
Bringing a hand up to caress her cheek, Bob asked the second question he wanted to know, “What made you come here?” She leaned into his touch, “you said you thought I was married. How did you even get here?” The last question was more due to the fact The 1985’s were currently on tour. It was another reason why he was so shocked to see her there when he arrived.
“We played in Helena last night. After the show I had this feeling I needed to come here, so I called my mom to get your mom’s number. That’s when she told me you were flying in today.” Her face turned to one of guilt, “I sorta feel like a bitch because tomorrow is your birthday and I came here knowing there would likely be an argument. Even though I thought you were married, I just really wanted to know the truth. It was eating me up. And with that feeling I needed to come here again after so many years, it sorta felt like a sign—if you can call it that.”
Leaning more into his hand, Y/n added, “I didn’t come with the intentions of winning you over or anything—especially under the impression you were married. I wanted answers, that was all. Although,” she kisses his wrist, “I’m not complaining with how things turned out.”
“Me either,” he agreed with a laugh. As he moved in to kiss her, a knock on the door interrupted causing the two to look like deer in headlights.
“If you two are presentable,” it was his sister, “then we’d be happy if y’all joined us for dinner sometime soon. But by all means, take your time.” She ended with a cheeky laugh before footsteps indicated she had walked away.
Bob let his head fall back into the pillow with a groan while Y/n giggled. She went to get up, but the man wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to him. “Five more minutes,” he mumbled into her neck. “I’ve waited too long for this.” Humming, he felt her hands go to his air, maneuvering them so he was on top of her.
Y/n gasped at the feeling of him becoming hard again, causing Bob to smirk as she wrapped her legs around him to offer assistance. “Me too, baby. Me too.”
In the haze of it all and as the weeks passed, the two began to live the life they dreamed of with each other. Neither realized they had forgotten protection that night….until Y/n was puking on the tour bus and counted the days since her last period.
“Look at me,” Bob held her hands. They sat in her hotel room in Sacramento, the band finishing out their tour in California before setting to work on their next album. When she called him that morning about her possibly being pregnant Bob got in his car and drove straight there. Thankfully it was a Saturday so he was off and had great timing. Pepper was kind enough to give her a spare pregnancy test she had on her, so Y/n waited until Bob arrived to take it.
Relieving herself on the stick, she kept it in the bathroom to wait for the results while she sat with him on the bed. She was crying, unsure how to feel. Part of her was excited at the idea of being pregnant and having a baby with Bob, but also feared it was too soon. They had just started dating, she was on tour until the end of the month, and they had been keeping their relationship quiet from the public so she was scared of what could happen.
For the WSO, he was going to be happy regardless of the outcome. “Look at me, Y/n. Everything is going to be okay. I am not leaving you—I swear to you, baby. If that says positive, then believe me when I say I will be the happiest man alive,” she whimpered, making him press kisses her cheek lovingly, “We’ll get through it together. You’re gonna be done with the tour in a few weeks and then we can take it from there. And if it’s negative then that’s completely okay too.”
When the results did come, the stick reading in small letters pregnant, the couple cried together with Bob pulling Y/n into his lap. “I love you—I love you,” he kissed all over her face, her cries turning into giggles. “It’s going to be okay, Y/n. I’m so happy, darlin’. So so happy. I want nothing more in this world than to have a baby with you. You’re going to be the best momma ever. I know it.”
October of 2017 brought Marcel Brandon Floyd into the world. Keeping her pregnancy a secret, no one besides the band and their families had knowledge of the birth of their son. Thankfully Bob’s identity was still hidden, both very careful to not let paparazzi catch them together. Especially with Y/n being pregnant they didn’t want to add on the stress of the media discovering their relationship. They planned to announce it on their own at some point once the baby had arrived.
It wasn’t until Marcel was roughly a month old that Y/n posted an Instagram picture with his tiny hand wrapped around her finger, ‘my world has arrived 🤍 10.20.17.’ The announcement had Y/n trending #1 on Twitter and talk show hosts calling to have her on the show. Y/n declined, she only really made television appearances with the band if they were performing, but that was only when they released new music.
Around the holidays was when Bob proposed. They were sitting by the fire, Y/n in his lap with Marcel in her arms when Bob simply said, “Marry me.”
At first she thought he was joking, but then he removed a velvet box from his pocket. Her eyes watered, “Are you serious?”
“More than I’ve ever been. You’re my person, baby. I’ve waited for this moment my whole life—and I won’t waste another second. Marry me, Y/n. Be my wife and I promise to love you even after death.”
He truly meant it when he said he didn’t want to waste another second. After she said yes, they put Marcel to bed and Bob made an appointment at the courthouse, both agreeing to get legally married and wait for a big ceremony some other time. They made love all through the night until the sun rose. In the morning the little family and the band gathered in the courthouse and tied the knot.
Y/n already knew the media was going to have stuff to say about her when the news broke. This was her second marriage, also happening in the spur of the moment like her first one. Only this time around it was with her soulmate so the rockstar couldn’t give a fuck what they had to say. She and Bob were coming up on a year, had a child, and planned to spend every second of their lives together. She loved him with every ounce of her being.
On instagram the picture posted was of their rings followed by one of them kissing where his face was hidden. “I’ve been keeping a secret from all of you. In January I reunited with my childhood best friend, who I was in love with way before The 1985’s were even thought of. Things happened in life causing us to drift apart, but we recently found our way back to each other and I plan to never let him go. He is my second half. The person I was meant to grow old with. I can’t put into words how happy I am and with the birth of our son, our little fairytale seems to be working out. Some of you may think this is all too fast but let me tell you this, we’ve waited a long time for this moment. I ask that you please respect our privacy and thank you to all who have supported me over the years. Much love, Y/n ♥️”
For almost two years the two kept their relationship under wraps from the media. Then in October of 2019, just before Marcel’s birthday Bob was called back to Top Gun. It’d been several years since he graduated from the program, surprised they even wanted him for the mission. With how timing was the WSO would have to report to Fightertown a couple days after his son turned two. Y/n had a beach house in San Diego, deciding her and Marcel would stay there while Bob was in his detachment and what made it better was Xavier and Farrah—who fell in love over the course of their years as a band— were both from San Diego, both currently there while the band took a small break. Bob would have to stay on base with candidates, but after training ended he’d come to the house to be with them.
Pepper and Thomas were back in L.A, but we’re working on beats for their upcoming album and sending the three what they had for them to add on or scrap if they felt it didn’t fit. They had a meeting with the two Zoom with Xavier and Farrah and their two young kids at Y/n’s place the day she got the call Bob was in an accident.
“Hello?” She answered the phone, moving to the side away from where Xavier was drumming. Marcel was in his little playpen, a pair of baby earmuffs over his ears to protect them from the loud noise.
“Hi….” The guy on the opposite end let out a soft chuckle. “I’m looking for uh, Y/n L/n?” His tone was that of someone who found it funny he was asking for someone he definitely thought wouldn’t be on the other end of the phone. Like he saw the name on the card and said, “there’s no fucking way this is the guy married to Y/n L/n,” but because of his job he had to call the number anyway.
“This is her. Who am I speaking to?”
The man went silent for a moment, before clearing his throat. “This is Lieutenant Royce from NAS Miramar medical group,” Y/n’s heart picked up as dread filled her, “Can you confirm you are the spouse of Lieutenant Robert Floyd.”
“Yes,” she rushed out. “I am. Is he okay? Did something happen?” Closing her eyes, she prayed she wasn’t about to receive the worst news imaginable. No, Bob had to be okay.
“There was an accident with his F-18 this afternoon, he had to eject—.”
“Excuse me one second,” she apologized before bringing the phone back slightly to yell at the drummer, “Xavier! Stop drumming for five seconds—I need to fucking hear right now!” The man winced as he mouthed, ‘sorry’ catching the ashen look on her face. Both he and Farrah set aside their instruments, watching Y/n turn away to speak again, this time more calmly. “Please repeat that for me, Lieutenant.”
When Royce heard the name of The 1985’s drummer being shouted at, the Lieutenant nearly forgot what he was calling for, “U-uh, yes. There was an emergency ejection in your husband’s F-18 this afternoon during training. He is okay minus a few bruises, but he will be staying overnight in our facility for observation.”
“Oh my gosh, okay,” she breathed in relief, bringing a hand to her mouth to calm herself. “Is there any way I can see him?”
“Do you have a dependent ID card?” She tells him yes and he says with a light cough, “Then yes you can come onto base and see him.” Royce gave the address, still finding it hard to believe he may have been talking with the frontwoman of the most popular rock band in the last 15 years. He really thought it was just someone who shared a name with her. But then again, they sounded very alike.
Thanking the officer, Y/n wrote down the address and rushed to grab her purse. “I have to go to base—something happened with Bob. Can you guys watch Marcel until I get back?”
“Of course,” Farrah told her, “go go, we’ll stay here and clean everything up.”
Practically speeding onto base, it was the first time she ever had to use her military ID, which had the guard at the front gate jaw drop. He maintained professionalism, scanning her card and nodding to the rockstar. As much as he wanted to ask for a photo the guy could tell she was in distress and it wasn’t a good idea. “Have a good day, Ms. L/n.”
“Thank you, sir. You too.” She waved apologetically, recognizing the look she often got from fans. Had the situation been different she would’ve happily chatted a little longer.
It was the same when she got to the infirmary. The receptionist, who looked to be in her mid twenties, dropped the apple in her hand while other young servicemen were doing double takes and whispering. “That’s fucking Y/n L/n.” “Are you sure?” “I’m serious! I had a huge crush on her in college. I’d recognize her anywhere.”
“Hi,” she offered a small smile, aware the guy to her left had his phone out trying to sneak a picture, likely tweeting the fact she was in a Navy hospital. “I’m looking for my husband, Lieutenant Robert Floyd. I received a call from a Lieutenant Royce saying he was here.”
Upon hearing his name, the gentlemen seated behind the girl with his back to her spun around, eyes bulging when they landed on Y/n. The chair almost fell when he stood abruptly. “T-that’s me. Yes I’m the one who called you, Ms. L/n. If you would follow me I’ll take you to him.”
“Thank you,” she walked behind him, ignoring the whispers and comments made by those around. By now TMZ probably got tipped off, she could already feel her phone buzzing—no doubt from her publicist wondering what the hell was going on. She made a mental note to call her back later to explain.
Royce knocked gently on the door before opening it, “Lieutenant—oh you have visitors I apologize,” he glanced over his shoulder to Y/n, still in disbelief on what he was about to say. Turning back to Bob, Royce gives a nod, “your wife is here.”
“She is?” Y/n heard Bob, and some murmurs of voices going, “Wife?” “When the hell did he get married?”
Pushing past Royce, thanking him briefly, Y/n entered the room only to stop short at the several pairs of eyes landing on her. Off to the side she saw a man with a buzz cut drop his bag of chips, choking on the one in his mouth, “What. the. fuck.”
The two standing in front of the bed—mouths agape—parted away allowing Y/n to see Bob sitting with his flight suit unzipped and tied around his waist. Exhaling in utter relief the woman rushes to him, throwing her arms around his neck. “Oh, Robby.” She felt his arms go to her waist, pulling her closer as she hid her face in his neck. Y/n could literally cry with how happy she was to see him in one piece.
“I’m okay, darlin’.” He rubbed her back, aware his fellow aviators were staring at them with mixed expressions. They looked confused, disbelieved, shocked, and in awe.
The quiet, reserved, yet sometimes sassy WSO is married to the woman who's been ruling the radio over the last decade.
Who had seven fucking Grammy’s under her band’s name.
Pulling away, Y/n ran her hands along his shoulders, checking for any visible wounds. “What happened? Lieutenant Royce told me you had to eject?”
“There was a bird strike,” he explained, taking her hands and soothing them with his thumbs. “We lost both engines—Phoenix tried to get back control but we were going too fast and couldn’t save the jet. Had to eject at the last second—we’re okay though, I promise. Just a little shaken.”
“Thank God you’re alright,” she sniffed, hugging him again while kissing his cheek. “Leave it to you getting in an accident that makes me use my ID for the first time.”
“How was that?”
“Interesting. I was tempted to run the gate because I had no patience, but controlled myself. Getting arrested would not have been good.”
“No it wouldn’t,” he chuckled, pressing his lips to her forehead.
The clearing of someone’s throat ended the moment, Y/n removing herself from Bob to face the group of aviators who were still speechless by the scene. Smiling shyly, Y/n took in each of them. “Hello, I’m Y/n.”
“Oh we know who you are,” Fanboy said with awe, groaning when Payback smacked his shoulder with a disapproving look. “Sorry that was not the best thing to say. What I-I meant was we’re all fans of your work.”
“And by that he means we were all jamming to your music on the tarmac just yesterday, not understanding why Bobby here looked so smug when Seresin said he could totally get a shot with you if he ever got the chance,” Rooster added on, resulting in the blonde pilot to glare at him before blushing when the others started to laugh.
“Well now I sure as hell won’t try—I’m not that shallow to hit on a married woman, Bradshaw. Made that mistake ages ago and it was not pretty. Anyways, sorry Bob for what I said,” he held a hand up, “but let me be the first to say what a fucking G you are. And Y/n, it’s an honor to be in your presence. Big fan.”
Y/n raised a brow, smirking to her husband to see his reaction. He sure did look smug, keeping his arm around her waist. “A fucking G, huh?”
“He’s the one who said it,” he smiles before noticing she was alone when she arrived, “Where’s Marcel?”
“With Xav and Farrah. They were at the house when I got the call—we were working on some songs.” In the corner of her eye she saw Coyote and Fanboy visibly react to the mention of her bandmates.
“Forgive me for asking,” Phoenix finally spoke from her bed that was seated right next to Bob’s. “But weren’t you two childhood best friends if I’m not mistaken? Sorry if it’s too personal, but I remember seeing your post on instagram two years ago and I thought it said something like that.”
The couple smiled, confirming her wonders. “Yeah,” Bob looked at Y/n with love in his eyes. “We grew up together. Took a hell of a long time before we could get our chance at love, but it was worth the wait.”
For almost an hour the aviators learned more about Y/n and Bob’s relationship, literally saying it should be a romance novel with what life threw at them. The hopeless romantic in Phoenix couldn’t help but awe, feeling so much happiness for her backseater and the rockstar she’d been listening to since sixteen. They truly were the ultimate love story.
When it came time for the mission with Bob and Phoenix selected as one of two foxtrot teams, Y/n held onto him the entire night prior to him shipping out. He made love to her for hours, very slow and sensual ensuring she felt every inch of him. And when they climaxed a tear spilled from her eyes, “You better come home to me.”
He kept a picture of her and Marcel in his pocket the entire time. Before the jet took off of the carrier Bob gave it a small kiss before keeping it safe in his flight suit. The second they got back after successfully completing the mission he called his wife to tell her he was coming home. She practically catapulted into his arms when she picked him up from the docks, not giving a shit that the paparazzi had followed her there. By now the whole world knew who Bob was to her.
The rest of 2019 seemed to go by in a blur. They first thought 2020 would be the best year of their lives when it was discovered Y/n was pregnant again, having conceived the night Bob had left for his mission. She was just at the end of her first trimester when the entire globe shut down. When the rumors spread of a possible pandemic with the outbreak happening across the ocean, the 1985’s all took up camp in San Diego now that Bob had become an instructor with Phoenix at Top Gun. Thomas and his fiancé, who was an actress, didn’t mind moving, neither did Pepper and her girlfriend. The group were working on their sixth studio album and had celebrated 15 years as a group.
But they were starting to get burnt out, thinking it was time to go on hiatus.
Concerned with the virus and what it could have on her pregnancy, the two were very strict on keeping up with covid restriction. For at least three months Bob was working from home, the base shutting down with only certain personnel allowed on. Marcel was still too young to be in pre-school and daycare wasn’t needed since Y/n was home most days. And when she did have business meetings to attend or studio sessions he often traveled with her. Zoom became their best friend during the lockdown, with meetings happening frequently at the beginning to figure out what they were going to do going forward.
Y/n spent weeks going through what were the best records to put on the album. If this was going to be their last for a while then she wanted it to be their best. Two songs she knew she wanted were ‘Pompeii’ and ‘Little Black Dress’, while the other 13 were going to take time to decide. ‘Pompeii’ could definitely have people relate with how this lockdown was making them feel. On the other hand, ‘Little Black Dress’ was mostly for her, inspired by the time Bob went absolutely feral when she walked into the room wearing a little black dress.
It was one of her favorite memories.
And so the months went on and before they knew it they were welcoming a baby girl in July—right smack in the middle of a pandemic. The whole ordeal was unlike anything they ever imagined. Only Bob was allowed in the room, not even their son could come visit so little Marcel didn’t even get to meet his sister until days later. He was with Y/n’s mother who traveled down from L.A and quarantined in the weeks leading to her due date. Y/n hated hospitals, looking forward to bringing their daughter Brenda Rose home. Unfortunately no one else in their family or friends could meet the baby girl until spring of 2021 when things were starting to settle out.
That was also when The 1985s made the decision to go on hiatus, planning to release their album that summer before going on a final tour in 2022.
“This just in, pop rock group ,The 1985s, have announced a hiatus following the release of their upcoming album End of An Era set to drop at the end July. Frontwoman, Y/n L/n, posted on her Twitter a photo of the group in a sweet embrace with the caption, ‘when one chapter ends, another begins. Join us in 2022 as we say goodbye to the stage—thank you to everyone who has supported us since we were kids on MySpace. We hope to see you as we close this chapter in our lives, but don’t worry, the future can always surprise you. In the meantime, as Elvis would say, ‘The 1985s have left the building.’”
“It’s a sad day for fans of Grammy award winning rock band The 1985s. Earlier it was announced they are going on an indefinite hiatus once completing their impending world tour for their sixth studio album. Formed in 2003, the 1985s skyrocketed to the Billboard charts after debuting with their single ‘1985’ in 2005, going on to dominate the late 2000s and early 2010s with features on The Twilight Saga: Eclipse soundtrack, the 25th anniversary of We Are The World to raise charity for the Haiti earthquake, and accumulating a total of seven Grammys including taking home the big three: ‘Record of The Year,’ ‘Song of The Year,’ and ‘Album of The Year’ in 2008 for their second studio album Sugar, Spice, and A Little Bit of Rock ‘N’ Roll. The announcement of the hiatus has succeeded the news of bassist Thomas Quinn tying the knot with longtime girlfriend, Oscar Winner Amelia Bandera, who recently revealed she was pregnant with the couple’s first child. Last year frontwoman Y/n L/n welcomed a daughter with her husband—the couple’s second child since they wed in a private ceremony in 2017. And word on the street is keyboardist Pepper Renolyds is looking to adopt with partner Jenna Langdon. The married pair of the band, Xavier and Farrah Hernandez have had two children following their wedding in 2010 and have hinted at possibly wanting to have a third. It is unsure when the group is likely to regroup after 2022 comes to an end, but one thing is for sure: The 1985s have embedded their name as one of the bestselling groups of the 21st century. I’d say we could be looking at a possible induction to the Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame in the future, and a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.”
Now here they were, November of 2022 at Madison Square Garden to take the stage one last time. Would they ever come back? Probably, but it would be some time before they did.
So they were gonna go out with a bang.
“I have twenty minutes until my ass needs to be on stage, Robby,” Y/n mumbled between kisses, back pressed against the door of her dressing room. His mouth went to her neck, roaming his hands all over her body that was covered in her usual leather, “That’s plenty of time.” The response had her giggle, moaning when he attacked her sweet spot making him smirk.
“Then you better do double time…we’re on the clock.”
Her glam team was going to be pissed when she came out with messy hair, glistening of sweat, and slightly smudged makeup, but she didn’t care. Not when her husband was rocking her world as he had her bent over the couch. His chest pressed to her back and hair in his fist, whispering absolute filth into her ear—saying he was going to have her on stage full of him and only he would know. But Bob also gave words of praise and love.
It wasn’t the first time he snuck backstage to rile her up before a concert. When they started the American leg of the tour in California he was at almost every show and would bring her flowers. Sometimes the kids came along, other times they stayed with Phoenix, but each time Bob would either get her pent up by teasing her as the minutes counted down…or would full on rail her. He'd be lying if he said he didn’t get off on the thrill of almost getting caught….or the fact anyone passing the dressing room could figure out what they were making their own music.
This time around in The Garden their kids were with Phoenix and Rooster, who were all waiting to get to their spots on the floor after wishing her and the band good luck. The others were already there, ready to have the time of their lives with the sold out arena. Bob needed to hurry because the stage manager was going to be knocking on her door any second.
They finished with minutes to spare, out of breath and panting with a light layer of sweat coating Y/n. Fuck she looked sexy in her leather and messed up hair, glistening as the light hit her. A smug look took over Bob, winking at his wife who just shook her head with a smile, “I’m gonna miss that now that the tour is over.”
“Don’t worry, baby. We still got after party.”
The rockstar ushered him out when the stage manager appeared, the aviator delivering a smack to her ass as he told her good luck. She smacked his in return causing him to yelp, “Naughty boy.”
Yeah he got some looks from his fellow officers when they got to the floor, Jake whistling under his breath as he went to check his watch. “Jesus Bob, you two were at it for a while. Were you trying to go for baby number three? I hope she’s able to walk on stage.” The comment had Phoenix slap his shoulder, “Can you not? We have kids with us,” she gestured to not only Bob’s children but also Payback's ten year old son and Hondo’s seven year old daughter. Then there was Mickey’s girlfriend carrying their toddler with baby earmuffs, the same Brenda and Marcel were wearing. “My bad,” Jake said, though the smirk remained on his face when Bob sent him a wink.
When the show started it was the most amazing thing any of the squad had witnessed. Some of them had seen the band in their college days, but it was obvious they were gonna top what they did ten years ago. There was a light rumble to Madison Square Garden with how loud it was. Flashing lights and smoke covered the stage, the countdown with a video montage hitting zero before The 1985’s opened with ‘Where Do Broken Hearts Go,’ sending everyone who was still sitting on their feet. Bob put Brenda on his shoulders, Rooster doing the same with Marcel who were clapping and pointing to their mother, “Mommy!”
“Now, I’m searching every lonely place,” Y/n belted out the first line of the chorus, moving down the stage’s elongated platform that split the floor. “Every corner calling out your name. Tryna find you, but I just don’t know.” Xavier hit the drums with Farrah’s riff, Y/n holding a hand to chest, “Where do broken hearts go?”
“Are you sleeping, baby, by yourself? Or are you giving it to someone else? Tryna find you, but I just don’t know,” Pepper and Thomas joined the vocals, “Where do broken hearts go? Where do broken hearts go?”
When the song came to an end, Y/n let the audience scream for a moment before introducing the band. “Madison Square Garden!! New York City!!” The crowd screamed again, smiles on every member. “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, theys and thems and anyone in between…. welcome to the ‘End of An Era’ world tour—our final show as we close out an actual end of an era,” Y/n moves closer to her friends with a sad laugh, hearing the sounds of protest from some fans.
“Let’s start off by introducing ourselves…..Mr. Thomas Quinn on the bass!” Tom hits some chords against the audience’s cheers, Y/n doing a little dance off to the side. “Miss. Pepper Reynolds on keys everyone!” The former pianist lets her fingers move along the keys, grinning wide and waving when she finishes. “Show me what you can do, Ms. Farrah Cortez,” the guitar solo sends the crowd into a frenzy, which only increases when Y/n introduces Xavier. “And last but not least, Mr. Farrah Cortez,” laughter rings out before she corrects herself, “I meant Mr. Xavier Hernandez,” the drums go crazy when his last name leaves her lips. She waits till he’s finished to do a bow.
“And I’m Y/n L/n,” she has to pull her mic away to hide her laugh, cheers ringing from every corner in the sold out stadium. “And we’re The 1985s.”
The energy throughout the concert was insane. Even during intermission and 5-minute breaks the audience was having a blast. The dagger squad, plus Hondo and even Maverick were dancing and singing along—the older man getting a literal PowerPoint lesson from his former students on everything there was to know about the group.
Y/n was very entertained when Bob told her that night, saying Maverick aced his test they’d given him. “You gave your old instructor, the famous Captain Mitchell….a test on our band and music? And he got a 100%?” His little nod and smile had Y/n jump in his arms, kissing all over his face, “You’re so fucking adorable, Robby. I love you so much.”
The first part of the show was mostly dedicated to songs on their most recent album, including ‘Pompeii’ and ‘Little Black Dress’. The latter had Bob blushing mad during the set, especially when Y/n came over to where they were at, eyes on him and curing a finger to get him to come to the edge of the floor. There the stadium exploded when she practically laid on the platform to lean over and kiss him, the cameras catching the scene to display on the giant screens.
Blowing kisses to her kids, she got back up and finished the song, smirking at how the dagger squad were whistling and howling in cheers. “Sorry I couldn’t help myself,” she giggled, moving back to her bandmates to prepare for the next set.
Though the tour mainly focused on their songs from their latest work, they called back to some old hits, including ‘Let’s Get Lost,’ which was written for the third Twilight movie soundtrack. “We got any Twilight fans here tonight?” Y/n chuckled at the screams, “I got one thing to ask then….Team Edward or Jacob?”
‘Some Nights’ was one of her favorites to perform, feeling a wave of nostalgia each time she did. It was a fan favorite as it was their second single ever released. The band harmonized on the track, all of them showing off their vocals with the ‘Oh come on,’ part of the song.
Y/n was hesitant to sing ‘Iris’ and ‘Payphone,’ considering they were about her husband, but he assured her when they were planning the tour set list that he wouldn’t be offended. They were some of her greatest works, the audience should hear them.
They even covered the iconic, ‘Don’t You Forget About Me,’ from the Simple Minds—most notably from the movie The Breakfast Club. “I hope you never forget about us, New York,” Y/n said when they finished, “Cause we’ll never forget you.”
Finally they were coming down to the final ten minutes and they had yet to play the song that started it all. “As we come to the end of tonight’s show, we just wanna thank each and every one of you for the support and love you have shown us tonight and through the years. None of this would’ve happened without you all—and we cannot thank you enough for sticking by us, you all play a giant role in what we do. And we’re going to miss you the most as we close this chapter in our lives,” Y/n pauses, feeling the tears prick her eyes. Glancing at her friends, she could see they were fighting back their own. They knew it would be an emotional night, and now they were minutes away from stepping off the stage for the final time.
“We started this journey when we were only seventeen and eighteen—and it’s been a hell of a ride since. Next year marks twenty years since we became The 1985s, seventeen since we made our radio debut, back when MySpace was still a thing,” she has to laugh at that, “What better way to end this tour—end this chapter, than by traveling back in time to the year that started it all.”
The reaction in the dome had little Brenda have to cover her hands over her muffs because it was so loud, Bob holding her on his hip and asking if she was alright. “Loud,” she said in her small voice, causing him to mentally awe.
“I know, baby, it’s loud. But the show is almost over and then mommy will be done, then we go home. Can you hold on for one more song? It’s your favorite one,” Brenda’s eyes brightened at the mention of her favorite song, nodding frantically making him laugh. “Okay munchkin, I expect to hear you sing along—except don’t say the bad word in it, understood?”
“Yes, dada.”
Phoenix was jumping up and down with Marcel in her arms, head banging with the little boy along with Rooster and Javy. Everyone was in delight, rockin out to the final number. Brenda sang along with Bob, the crowd harmonizing with them.
“She’s seen all the classics,” Y/n belted the second verse, hands moving on her guitar, “She knows every line. Breakfast Club, Pretty In Pink, even St. Elmo’s Fire.”
“She rocked out to Wham, not a big Limp Bizkit fan. Thought she’d get a hand on a member of Duran Duran.”
Her and Farrah were leaning their backs against one another, “Where’s the mini-skirt made of snakeskin? And who’s the other guy that’s singin’ in Van Halen? When did reality become TV? Whatever happened to,” she hit a riff, “sitcoms,” she hit another, “game shows? Sing it!”
The entire squad, the kids, and Madison Square Garden echoed, “ON THE RADIO!”
“Was Springsteen, Madonna. Way before Nirvana there was U2 and Blondie, and music still on MTV. Her two kids in high school, they tell her that she’s uncool. ‘Cause she’s still preoccupied with 19…19…1985!”
Her mini solo before the bridge had the crowd wild. Smiling the entire time, Y/n even went to the side where her friends and family were, making them all go crazy. “She hates time, make it stop. When did Motley Crue become classic rock?”
“Classic rock,” the band repeated.
“And when did Ozzy become an actor? Please make this stop,” Y/n hit a riff, “stop,” another, “stop!” Only the cheers could be heard during the slight pause before Y/n brought her hand back on the chords.
“And bring back Springsteen, Madonna. Way before Nirvana. There was U2 and Blondie, and music still on MTV. Her two kids in high school, they tell her that she’s uncool. ‘Cause she’s still preoccupied—sing it!”
“1985!!!”
“One last time Madison Square Garden!!” Not a single person in them dome didn’t sing along, everyone shouting the final chorus at the top of their lungs.
“Since Bruce Springsteen, Madonna. Way before Nirvana. There was U2 and Blondie, and music still on MTV. Her two kids in high school, they tell her that she’s uncool. But she’s still preoccupied, with 19….19….1985!!!”
All the band members continued playing an extended outro, lights flashing all around as the crowd whistled and screamed. Y/n ran over to each side of the stage before coming to the middle, waving a hand to her band who were still going hard on the instruments before raising it and finally bowing.
On the floor, Brenda still in his arms, Bob wiped away the tears falling from his cheeks with his free hand. His friends were cheering, the entire scene overwhelming for the WSO as he stared at his true love as she took her final bow. Y/n was also crying, as were her friends when they finally closed the show shouting, “Madison Square Garden—New York City we love you! Thank you so much for being here with us and being the best crowd ever. Safe travels wherever you’re going and we hope all your dreams come true. Until we meet again….as Elvis would say, The 1985s have left the building!”
The crowd was still screaming, the five adults coming to the middle of the stage holding hands in the air before bowing. Then they all met in a tearful embrace, Y/n full on sobbing with Farrah and Pepper, overcome with emotion that it was all over. Waving to the crowd, they spotted dozens of fans in their line of vision crying, some even throwing flowers onto the stage. They all went to each side of the platform to blow kisses and wave, until finally walking off into the arms of their crew who’d been with them since 2005–where another heartfelt moment took place.
As soon as their families made it backstage, Y/n was dropping to her knees to allow Brenda and Marcel to run into her open arms. “My babies!!” Peppering kisses against their cheeks, Y/n held them tight as they said words of praise. “You were amazing, mommy!” “That was so fun!”
“Thank you, baby,” she kissed Marcel’s head, looking up to see Bob staring at her with absolute love and admiration. Gently moving him and Brenda to the side, Y/n stood up, only to squeal when Bob’s hands went to her thighs to lift her up, spinning them around.
“You were incredible!” He exclaims, stopping still but still holding her up. Their lips met in a searing kiss, “absolutely spectacular.” Her hands came up to cup his face, deepening the kiss as their children wrapped their arms around Bob’s legs. It was like they were in their own little world, oblivious to everyone celebrating around them. The band were with their kids and partners, the crew were popping off champagne.
“I love you so much, Robby,” she said against his lips, kissing him again when he said, “I love you too, baby. More than anything in this world. I’m so fucking proud of you.”
When they pulled away, Y/n was a flustered mess, mirroring that of Bob who was looking at her like she was a goddess. “Don’t give me that look, Floyd. Not until we get to the hotel.”
“Can’t help myself, darlin’,” he chuckled, adjusting her in his arms before giving her another kiss.
“Eww,” Marcel groaned, making the couple laugh into the kiss. Bob set Y/n down, but pulled her close as Brenda and Marcel squeezed in between them.
“So what’s next then?” Bob whispered in her ear. “I know you can take the girl out of rock n roll…but she’ll always be a rockstar.” Y/n laughed, pulling away to gaze deeply in his beautiful blue eyes that she fell in love with as a teenager.
“Now, we live our lives. One day at a time. Together.”
Y/n really needed to thank her mom one day. It was because of her that the woman got to live her dream. After all, she was the one still preoccupied with 1985.
……….
TGM tag list: @avaleineandafryingpan, @caitsymichelle13, @poppyalice2001, @cutelittlepotatofry, @luckyladycreator2, @americaarse , @elenavampire21
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mrs-monaghan · 9 months
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Idk if it's insecurity or thinking about all possibilities lol but I'm starting to think JK is dating sohee. He could've selected any actress to feat on his MV but he particularly selected her in a sexy mv.
As you know Wooga squad always date between their mutual friends. We have Taennie and now Park seo Joon and Jennie's youtuber friend. So hee is also very close with wooga squad and now JK is also close with them. During premieres, there was no need for JK's attendance there, still he went. And you can see he being suddenly so exicted when sohee's name was announced by MC. He literally whipped his head while he was walking away from venue. So maybe he met her through them and is dating her now ?
And if you look without any bias Sohee is literally his female version and ticks all of his ideal type column including being elder than him to feed his ever famous noona kink. Tbh sohee fits it way more than what we thought Jimin is what his ideal type is. I won't be surprised if he fell in love with someone who's exactly like him. And I'm expecting that dating confirmation anyday (tho it won't happen like Taennie didn't) so I'll be less sad about Jikook lol. I think I shouldn't be hyped about Jkk anymore and slowly stop shipping them at all as at the end it will be not positive.
Good morning its 9:53 AM here in the UK and I'm literally putting on my face, getting ready for Church. So you are gonna get good polite Shaz coz you know...Church 😆
Anyway, I am happy you have decided to root for JK and this woman. I am posting this ask hoping others see this and heed what I say when my anons are on again. You think Jimin and JK are with other people? Awesome. Good for you. Now do us both a favour and keep this shit to yourself. Okay?
I honestly don't understand why you're here telling me this??? You wanna support JK with this random lady we've literally only heard of for less than a month as opposed to... u know what, I'm not gonna bring Jimin into this. You do you luckymoonpaper. Just please keep me out of your fantasies. I mean, I'm glad u thought of me, but umm
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I'm good. Thanks ✌🏽
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batmanisagatewaydrug · 2 months
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reading update: January 2024
as long as I'm talking about The Gargoyle's Captive, let's discuss what else I've been reading this month.
Maeve Fly (CJ Leede, 2023) - I really liked this slender debut novel, which follows the titular Maeve Fly as she prowls LA like a homicidal alien, playing an unnamed ice princess in a certain theme park by day and indulging her murderous tendencies by night. Maeve is in a downward spiral; she's 27 years old and is preparing to lose her grandmother to illness and her only friend to a blossoming acting career. she sees no future for herself beyond losing the only two people she cares about and has no further goals, contenting herself with alcohol and porn while she rereads the same books, rewatches the same videos, and listens over and over to her playlist of Halloween music. Maeve is, it must be said, an abysmal loser, and I like her terrible melodrama a lot. I do think some of the hype is perhaps overstating the feminist credentials of this book; it sort of reminds me of when a college friend told me their favorite feminist movie was Suicide Squad (2016) because Harley Quinn was in it. Maeve talks a lot of big game about how women are always expected to have some tragedy to be deranged serial killers, while men are allowed to just do it, but it hit me as a little tryhard. there are a lot of books trying to be "the female American Psycho" right now - Eliza Clark's 2020 novel Boy Parts is frequently described as such - but it feels a bit too on the nose when Maeve's ultimate climactic rampage is directly inspired by a glimpse of the American Psycho novel. it's not that deep, but it is a gross, captivating read told from a fascinatingly cracked POV. check out Maeve Fly.
Laziness Does Not Exist (Devon Price, 2021) - yeah Devon Price is still following me (though my days are numbered, I'm sure) so it's a massive relief to say that I did like this book. Price has sort of become my self-help ride or die, mainly because a.) he's so much more self-aware than the average self-help writer that it feels kind of insulting to call him one and b.) he's actually dealing with topics that are relevant or interesting and providing actionable advice. while LDNE didn't engross me quite as hard as Unmasking Autism (while I am, famously, not autistic, I do believe in their beliefs, by which I mean I'm the token allistic among my close friends and I vastly prefer autistic company) it hit me hard in several unexpected pressure points. I'll happily admit that I can't relate to Price's interviewees who willingly work 50+ hours a week for jobs that hate them and are destroying their minds and bodies, but I still struggle to escape the perpetual sensation that a moment at rest is a moment wasted. It probably didn't help that I was reading this book while on vacation at my mother's, where I visited the beach almost daily and was so work-averse that we didn't even bother going grocery shopping because I didn't want to cook. and yet, despite getting dummy chill in some aspects of my life, I am still constantly possessed by a malevolent ghost insisting that I'm wasting my time and have never actually done Enough. maybe Price's next book, Unlearning Shame, will finally fix me; it's out in four days and god knows I'll be getting my hands on it as soon as humanly possible.
Patternmaster (Octavia E. Butler, 1976) - y'all know I love a messy political fantasy, and this is just... god, the absolute messiest. I thought Mind of My Mind was bad, but it turns out Mary's descendants are going to full-on reinvent feudalism with psychic powers, treating non-psychics as chattel and causing technological advancement to regress since they refuse to handle their problems with anything but psychic powers. and it's even got two brothers duking it out for the throne that will give them power over every bitchy psychic on earth! you love to see it. if I can be 100% honest I do think it's straight up bananagrams that this was the first book released in the series even though it's chronologically last; I genuinely cannot imagine caring enough to figure out what the fuck these people were talking about if I didn't have the previous four books for context. and even "context" may be generous; Octavia still has absolutely 0 interest in explaining what's up with the fucking outer space werewolves who are the psychics' #1 enemy. if I could have brunch with any person living or dead I would summon Butler up in a heartbeat to explain what the fuck her thought process was in plotting out this series over some mimosas, and I would take extensive notes on every word she said. an absolute genius and the uncontested queen of freak shit forever.
Thirsty Mermaids (Kat Leyh, 2021) - I purchased this graphic novel in November 2023 at a conference where I bumped into Queer Comics Peddler, my very favorite queer midwestern pop-up. running into them is always a delight, and this time I came with a question: could they give me a recommendation? the very nice people working offered up Thirsty Mermaids, which was the PERFECT companion for a long airplane ride. it's cute without being overly sappy, and avoids the trap of sacrificing a plot for the sake of checking off as many representation boxes as possible. the story is simple: three mermaids use a spell to turn into humans and go ashore in search of booze, only to realize in the morning that they don't know how to turn back. taken in by a generous bartender, they're faced with the reality of having to make money for the first time in their lives. hijinks ensue, but also a very sweet and warmhearted story about the friends looking out for one another as they try to figure out exactly where they belong and what home even means. also the artwork is GORGEOUS, with the mermaids' extremely memorable character designs being a real standout. if you're a graphic novel enthusiast, definitely check this out 🧜‍♀️
Sugar, Baby (Celine Saintclare, 2023) - Sugar, Baby came to me in a very similar way as Thirsty Mermaids: while visiting a witchy little bookstore that I was immediately charmed by, I asked the cashier what they would recommend. they offered up Maeve Fly (fab) and this novel, a stack of which was on the counter advertising an upcoming event with the author. neither have disappointed, so shout out to that one employee with the great taste! Sugar, Baby sees a young cleaner named Agnes, one of the only biracial women in her unnamed English town, befriending the daughter of a wealthy client and getting whisked away to her new friend's London lifestyle: crashing in an apartment with fellow models, staying out all night to party, and making money by going on dates with extravagantly wealthy older men. Agnes starts out having a swell time, but the cracks pretty swiftly start to form as she realizes how much more dependent she is on these men than her wealthy new friends and she begins to wonder exactly how much she's willing to diminish herself to get the bag. it's not a perfect first novel but it is a compelling one, a perfect airplane page-turner that crashes from glitzy to ghoulish and back with breakneck speed.
The Gargoyle's Captive (Katee Robert, 2023) - my full review is over on patreon for my darling supporters who want me dead (and picked this book in the first place, damn them to hell), but suffice to say this is a fun book to read if you like the sensation of your brain melting out of your nose, if you're really turned on by baby's first bdsm, you are not particularly concerned with trifling matters like "plot coherence" or "character motivation" or "writing that is complex and artful," and/or you've ever wanted to have sex with a dude whose penis is so big that you feel genuinely fear. also, hey, I forgot to include this in my patreon write-up so fuck it: Robert REFUSES to tell us what kind of food the protagonists are eating, ever. whenever they have a meal it's just "the food was placed on the table" "I took a bite" etc. drop me a HINT, man, come on! is it a protein? grain? starches? the only thing I know for sure that they're consuming is wine and a single marshmallow, and god does it show. it's just a very weird and distracting omission and it's absolutely not the worst thing about this book but it is a hill I'm willing to die complaining on.
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levmada · 10 days
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Pouring one out for da homies 🍾 (levi squad)
fr i forgot how tragic and devastating it is. you think 'okay things are rly bad' because at the end of the previous episode, the Disguised Scout just cut gunther down in cold blood.
the next one starts with erwin hypothesizing that the female titan didn't die when she got herself cannibalized, and armin hypothesizes about the imposters in the 104th and what happened 5 yrs before.
so you get answers topped with dozens of more questions before coming back to levi squad still running away from Disguised Scout.
your interest is piqued just enough, and you've learned just enough to feel satisfied AND fascinated by whoever the female is AND angry at her actions. aside from the music and animation which builds the tension nicely, builds the hype and takes your emotional state wherever it wants to.
petra for the last time reminds eren to trust them like he did before when it worked out, and so he starts running away.
and levi squad is doing SO GOOD at first. they work together as a team at the best we have ever seen them up to this point.
you're VISCERALLY aware of the fact that levi isn't there, which may be added by even more distress at the fact the Disguised Scout was pretending to be him. but it shows how well he trained them.
they do everything right - but the female titan is just way out of their league in terms of skill and ability. they are so aggressive and everyone is angry, but then they are killed so coldly. there is no nice send-off and no closure. first eld, then petra.
oluo is an interesting choice to leave alone too, bc up to now he's gained the reputation of being annoying and pompous - altho charming in a small annoying dog way - but even alone now, he keeps calm. the grief and tears quickly become determination, and tries to get her nape, of course only to die in just as cold a fashion.
all the while, after eld dies eren turns around and is trying to get back to levi squad as quick as possible but he's just too late. it's soo messed up (masterfully done)
ok still on the topic of levi squad😭levi finding their bodies frankly comes out of nowhere and casually, which is SO effective for conveying what it's like to be a scout. bc no matter your relationship with your comrades, death is just as likely and happens often. also you'd expect a sappy monologue from the leader/friend (levi), but fittingly there isn't + levi doesn't allow himself to mourn in the moment.
you just watch him slowly breeze by with a dark inscrutable look which is better conveyed in the manga, stopping at petra. (((which so many times it's conveyed that they were closer than everyone else on levi squad in the background which is cool :3))).
i mean the setuppp😩
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pour one out for levi squad indeed
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septembersghost · 8 months
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It was a last-minute impulse purchase. Two hours before showtime, I watched resale prices finally begin to fall for the extremely sold-out opening night of Taylor Swift's six-night "residency" at Los Angeles' SoFi stadium. Even as a non-Swiftie, it has been impossible not to follow the feverish local coverage of international pilgrimages, friendship bracelet-making, and traffic warnings. But that split-second pop culture purchase was, for me, pure irrationalism.
With no fringe or Eras-themed ensembles in my closet, I rushed to my single seat through a sea of sequined, screaming squads with trepidation and a dull white button-down. Would I, a fortysomething South Asian man with passing knowledge of Swfitism be identified as an unwelcome interloper? Instead, my very gracious neighbor schooled me on how to wear my allotted LED bracelet, and soon I was alight in the same neon pink as the sea of humanity around us, Swift finally emerging out of parallel technicolor hues. The big tent revival swept away any fears, differences, doubts.
For three and a half hours, I too was part of the zeitgeist – a final chapter in a summer of spectacular pop culture revival led by three women at the peak of their powers.
Greta Gerwig, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, and Taylor Swift have been the bona fide superstars of this American summer, transcending their own previous triumphs to reach unprecedented new heights.
#HotGirlSummer is now more specifically #BillionGirlSummer, with Barbie already the first woman-directed film to gross more than a billion dollars and Beyoncé and Swift's dual stadium tours estimated to gross similarly dizzying amounts, each pumping even more into fledgling local economies around the country.
In a city without a center and isolating car culture, for one week Taylor Swift transformed LA's stadium into a cathedral – an in-person congregation for hundreds of thousands. Soon Beyoncé will bring her roving "Renaissance" to the same stadium for three nights. Across Los Angeles, cinemas are still packed with squads of women and let's not deny it, many men – dressed in 50 shades of pink laughing and crying alongside Barbie's quest to become whole again.
[...]
It's been impossible to avoid the incessant social media coverage of this trinity of pink extravaganzas. Even my Pakistani immigrant father is texting me about how to join the Verified fans waitlist for Taylor's next dates. Despite the exorbitant prices for concert tickets, travel and even local movie theater outings – not to mention endless product tie-ins for all manner of merchandise — is this feverish demand simply consumer madness? Is it the cumulative decline of seriousness and taste that pretentious critics lament?
The answer is a resounding no. The hype surrounding Barbie, Beyoncé's Renaissance, and Taylor's Eras tour is commensurate with the sheer amount of resources, time and attention so many Americans of all races, genders and ages are devoting to being part of this moment. Critical acclaim has followed each of these works, layers of meaning are being made. They are an undeniable triumph of women's creativity and ownership. Nobody I know of is asking for refunds.
At a deeper level, the roaring return of big tent monoculture follows the ennui of lockdowns. It is pop at its collective and connective best – the very opposite of the culture that has defined the recent past – a splintered, atomized state of streaming individualism that seemed to be a permanent new state of affairs. The promise of streaming allowed for a kind of hyper-specificity that ensured incessant algorithm based devotion to the platform of delivery. Insularity, it turns out, has its limits. With at-home viewing no longer the only medium for entertainment, I'm certainly not alone in craving the very opposite.
[...] In the communal ecstasy of sold-out Barbie screenings and stadium séance of Beyhives and Swifties – the mood is strategic and intentional inclusion.
What Gerwig, Swift and Carter-Knowles have created in each of their new masterworks are gated dreamworlds. Swift in her moss-covered cottage of Americana folklore turns stadiums into fireside chats for any romantic, Beyoncé's House of Chrome is a black queer club as a spaceship of alien superstars soaring above the fray – and Barbieland is a pastry inversion of the real-world's patriarchy.
There are serious political undercurrents to all this, but the mood at the experiential level is buoyant, escapist and even comedic. Hovering on the distant horizon are Presidential elections and reminders of climate catastrophe but here is a ticketed invitation to get dressed, join the festivities and for the duration, release the wiggle, to quote the "Renaissance."
The closing note of each of these spectacles is a kind of transfer of energy, exuberance and American optimism that has been absent from public and cultural life for years.
Winter is of course coming. But in the interim, there has been a remarkable sense of sunshine this summer. Even those not in attendance have felt the afterglow of the women at its center. Not a cruel, but a communal, collective, and yes, glorious summer.
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vctrvn-ls · 7 months
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Beta Squad as Central Cee songs
(album 23)
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ye I’m so so bored , idk what if some of ya’ll listen to Cench too(??)
Chunkz - Straight Back to It
I meaaann this song addresses the struggles and challenges of striving for success… Sounds like Chunkz to meeee!!! Song literally tells a story ab a nobody that becomes a somebody by grinding non-stop to reach his goals. Cmon man like I’m so proud of Chunky like I’m so happy he acc hyped up now and lowk has been for a while. I luv him 🤭
Kenny - No Pain
Lowk Kenny vibes. Like when u listen to this song you wanna work work work. I mean all of CC’s songs are kinda like that but this one?! Especially. “I been through some unsettling pain, that shit had me overthinking, then I got my head in the game” cmon like this kinda reminds me of boxingg!! ofc you win and lose but like you know…ahaha idfk know this lowkey a boxer-king-worker song. Defo Kenny…
Sharky - Mrs
aaww our little bby, ofc he gets the sweetest song, and the harmony catchy assfff!! Sharky is a cutie patootie like I can j imagine him moving his hips to this song when the main melody comes on!! “I know why you're not in the mood, you ain't gotta say what's wrong” , ye maybe a little out of context ahah but still so Sharky. I’m not saying that he’d prioritize relationships…but he would girl…ahaha help. No but srsly I’m super sure w this one, this one 100% our man
AJ - Retail Therapy
“I wanna do retail therapy, been with the gang all week I need some female energy” lol both lines so AJ my op, like fr he do shop for nice clothes a lot and he need some female energy (me…jk…no) ok ok he j needs someone to chill w I feel like (me…). The song catchy assff. “God is my witness, get out my business” such an Aje thing to say, like tell me I’m wrong!? I’m not. He don’t like ppl gettin in his business ok? that’s j AJ in my brain. Nothing else to add, just an Aje song ☺️
Niko - Obsessed With You
heheheheh like cmon…another bbg like Sharky you know what I’m sayyiiinngg?? Sweetie he is and the song fits him just right!! Soooo many edits of Niko w this song it’s acc so cute. Like for me this is his song and his song only 🙄 Are the lyrics “I'm obsessed with you in a way I can't believe” yours to say or his to say (or mine)?? Doesn’t matter, both is better. Cause he would be obsessed w you (sad cause I’m thinking ab his gf but let’s pretend she dont exist for now) and he wouldn’t hide it…neither would I…
lol thank u for reading 💗
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dallieart · 9 months
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Long post incoming! I wanted to share my thoughts about the Hololive EN Connect the World concert I went to last night.
overall, the concert was fun and amazing and I had a really good time. it was great being surrounded by other fans. it's like being in a comfy swarm of strangers that are somehow also your friends. it's surreal.
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I was sitting waaaaaay in the back, so while I got a clear view of the entire stage, the giant screen felt small. they weren't Hatsune Miku style holograms as I had thought. but I will say that this was the only negative thing I have to say.
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it really felt like yet were actually looking at us and hearing us. the only awkward one was Kiara, who had quiet pauses at the end of her sentences 🥲 still love you, Kiwawa!
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hopefully it was audible, but after Fauna's performances, dudes would yell "I love you, Fauna!" "I love you, Fauna!" and I tagged on at the end "I also love you, Fauna!!"
this happened 2 or 3 times lol 😂 I wanted Fauna to know that she has female fans, too!!!!!! 💚
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fans are great. While waiting for a ride back to the hotel, I spotted a squad wearing Deadbeat shirts and I yelled, "Let's go, Deadbeats!" and they all cheered really loud!! My Calli nui high fived another one! it was a special moment lol
Calli was amazing as always. I'm glad she got to use her guitar scythe. wanted, wasted is such a hype song, I wished I knew the lyrics better to sing along! 🩷
I'm so glad Kiara sang SPARKS. I've recently started getting more into her music, but I've always admired her as a dancer. the song was so hype, I was bouncing out of my seat. just such a good song. 🧡
Ame had improved SO MUCH since her debut. absolutely amazing. ChikuTaku is an insanely fun song. I was singing along. Such a stark contrast to her purin song at 3rd fes. she was really moving and singing, she feels like an idol 💛
Gura did great as always. looking forward to the song when it officially comes out. Gura fans are always so hype, it was great 🩵
Ina did amazing on Ghost. she's another one who's singing has improved and become so much more confident since her debut. and the takodachis are nuts as always. but so much fun.
they were so hype, they jumped the gun on Ina's call and response lol. just way too much excitement!!!! 💜
I can't believe Kronii wasn't at 100% because of her jaw??? because she did freaking amazing. I love her singing voice. such a legend. her dancing was so good, too, I did not expect her to shake it so much on that stage. just amazing. 💙
Mumei took me by surprise. I knew she was a good singer, but she really delivered the emotion of the song. just wonderful. 🤎
Bae was incredible as the opening singer. she freaking delivered. dancing, singing, her performance was amazing. I loved that she encouraged everyone to sing along with the end of the song. what a way to start, just blowing it out of the park. ❤️
Fauna!!! my dear kirin...she was amazing. her singing and dancing have improved SO MUCH since she debuted, it blew me away. even since 4th fes she's just improving exponentially. She was so cute, it warmed my heart and soul. I ALSO LOVE YOU, FAUNA!!! 💚
finally, Irys was every bit the idol that you'd expect. Amazing performances, I really liked her song choices. You're not alone. 💗
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The guest performances were also great, as expected from the jp senpai and ID girls are all so cracked. I was hoping they'd sing more with the EN girls and maybe get some shuffle units in there, but I'm also satisfied with what they all sang.
I was worried about what they'd do for Council's unit song, Rise, in regards to Sana's lines. but I'm very happy with how they handled it.
everyone singing Sana's final "for eternity" together felt very poignant. hit me right in the kokoro, as it always does.
the audience chanting for an encore was funny because we chanted for so long we got tired and started to lose hope...and then BANG. Encore song.
that little video of everyone's 3D journey almost got me. tears did well up. 🥹
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Hololive EN forever! 🩷🧡💛🩵💜💙🤎❤️💚💗🪐
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for-a-longlongtime · 4 months
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I loved the first part of Nothing That I Didn't Know, but wondered who your ideal sandwich pairing is? 🥪
Santi x Frankie x Reader
Javi x Tim x Reader
Or maybe something else?
Or is there another one lurking in there?
I've been saving this one for a rainy day, @linzels-blog <3
SUCH DIFFICULT CHOICES.
Okay let me start by saying that, unfortunately for her, Javi x Tim x reader isn't even my ideal sandwich for that WIP. (That's not to say I don't love those three together though!) To me, this is the real MVP sandwich of that fic:
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Tim Rockford x Javier Peña x Marcus Pike. I mean, I hope you're ready...
Then sometime in May next year, there's a Frankie Morales x Benny Miller x reader sandwich coming up for @rhoorl (which I think I mentioned here the other day? but my memory is shit so maybe I only mentioned it in a spiral squad evening on Discord, haha).
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At some point I'll also get to writing a Javier Peña x Judy Moncada x reader sandwich one shot (first FFM fic, yay!). I'm looking forward to that one because that should be a trip - and yes, it's definitely going to be part hate fucking. (And lucky for me, I know that this one is definitely NOT gonna be more than just a one shot - unlike several WIPs that totally escalated) Thanks for the hyping on this one @legendary-pink-dot <3
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I haven't taken any official notes for this yet, but I am planning a Dieter Bravo x Javier Gutierrez fic which I suspect may end up becoming more than just a one shot (hopefully it'll stay contained as a very short series, we'll see what happens). In that case, I'm pretty sure that there will also be a Dieter x Javi G x male original character or male!reader chapter (👀 @sin-djarin I know I haven't said anything about this yet because it was just a passing thought, but the vague idea for it *exists*)
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But honestly?
Yeah, Santi x Frankie x reader is hands down my absolute favorite sandwich. For SO many reasons. It's how they actually pushed Tim x Javi aside, because they wanted to be the first fic I posted. What can I say - I have a really big soft spot for all three of them. Plus, y'know - Santi and Frankie, that's pretty much canon IMO, just look at Triple Frontier. <3
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Thank you for asking and letting me yap about my sandwich love! Honestly, it's not like I only like threesome fics, or even that I intend to only write those (for example, there definitely is an Ezra x Marcus Pike WIP outline! And there's not going to be a sandwich pairing in there) - but, you know. There are so many fucking fantastic writers out there who write all kinds of pairings so beautifully, and I totally love that. I want to add something of myself and the things I care about to that.
Personally I'm a sucker for representation because I think it's super important for everybody to be able to see themselves reflected in fic, and even to just see the diversity of gender, sexuality, intimacy and all kinds of relationships. So bi, gay, lesbian and queer characters, as well as polyamorous relationships, really have been part of my fic ideas from the beginning - particularly because there are a lot fewer of those than straight male x female couple fics in the Pedro verse. I’m glad that you and others are here for that sandwich love ❤️🥪
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mdhwrites · 2 months
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Which character stands out the most for you in Star Rail?
Meet Guinevere, though known nowadays as Guinaifen or Little Gui after her planet blew up and she moved to the Xianshou Loufu to be a street performer.
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She is actually one of the characters I DON'T have leveled right now, though she's high on my priority list. This also means that she's caught my attention despite the fact that I'm not mechanically using her and she's also a four star so she's not one of the characters you have to go hard on trying to get ahold of. In fact, come 2.0, one of the events for that patch will include the chance to get a free Guinaifen (if you pick her over the other options available.)
No, this actually just comes down to the fact that she is a very VIVID character, even without reading her character story. In the game, she has had two major appearances. One was when she first came out and was given a small introduction in the Pokemon parody event where she introduced herself as an outworlder living on the kiiiind of racist Xianshou Loufu as a street performer which would not be an easy job to put it mildly. Little Gui is her online handle/her performance handle and her performances include, not kidding or over exaggerating: Slurping Noodles While Doing a Handstand Brushing Teeth While Whistling Smashing Boulder on Chest (She even has a special equip that literally shows and talks about her doing this with her bestie) Blocking Pike with Neck Swallowing Sword to Stomach CATCHING BULLET WITH HANDS
AGAIN. NOT A JOKE. AND THAT'S NOT EVEN A FULL LIST.
And mind you, with this being a space fantasy, live streaming exists and yes, Little Gui is a streamer. What sort?
youtube
That sort. Also, meet Sushang, her best friend. They are maybe the only two female friends in this game, along with their HuoHuo, who I do not go "AND THEY WERE ROOMMATES!" But yeah, she's a bit loud, she's trying really hard and she's just got so much energy.
But... This is where we get into why she is actually interesting. See, when this cutscene happens... She's in a slump. See, the majority of her content effectively revolves around her being an outsider of the Loufu, where she lives now. Her first big hit series was actually doing food reviews and detailing the best dining spots and delicacies on the ship. She's not been doing those lately though. In fact, she hasn't been streaming as much either.
Also, if you question her as she wants to go to the haunted garden, she will actually drop the act. Her VA, English one since I don't play with Japanese voices, is actually INCREDIBLE here because you can genuinely tell the shift in just her voice to be a little deeper and little more relaxed as she stops trying to hype things up. Little Gui is NOT Guinaifen after all. It's just her stage name.
Mind you, she also isn't entirely a liar either. She is passionate and excitable, she has the right energy to do this sort of work, but the game doesn't try to pretend that she's cranked up to eleven at all times. She's just a human being trying to make it in this world. I haven't seen many streamer characters admittedly but I genuinely love how real she feels as a performer like this while staying a person.
Part of her standing out admittedly is helped by being a part of literally the best content on the planet she's a part of. Fyxestroll Garden is a great expansion with a nice story that eventually starts mixing the science and fantasy sides really well as Guinaifen helps lead the Ghost Hunting Squad! She deals with the social media side of it to keep rumors down and keep the rest of the Loufu from understanding quite what is going on while her, Sushang and the little girl with paw eyes from the trailer, Huohuo.
The trio are all helpless scaredy cats. Little Gui is the bravest of all of them and as you saw in the video, that isn't saying much. But through the events, she had to confront her old fans, show us how she works and be just a lot of fun. It also makes sure that you always remember her as part of this trio, giving her people to bounce off of and add to her cheer and charm.
And that's despite the fact that her PLANET IS FUCKING GONE. Yeah, the biggest antagonistic force of the universe literally destroyed her home planet. She can never go back and it's REALLY easy not to properly realize this because it comes up in a TEXT MESSAGE and from her character stories which you only get if you level her up. It's admittedly MUCH more explicit in her character story page, I'm reading them now on the wiki, but you only get those parts of her if you actually use her. Here is her singing of it as a part of a folk song, which is another talent she uses for her performances. I was truly from that outworld court named Camelot, and has my siblings altogether a dozen lot. Our days were peaceful and joyous to boot, but who'd thought that the Ruin Author made trouble all afoot. Parents fought back the invaders and arms they took, yet the Legion broke the nation's back. Powerless Dad stood. Elder brother led us siblings wandering without a root, to an IPC mining planet covered in dark soot. Eke out a living with meager scraps we undertook, homeless and meal-less often was our wont. My brother a timid man, doing back-breaking work. To piracy he was forced, interstellar raider forsook. Commercial shipments he only waylaid, homes he never burnt. They sing he was a hero among bandits, distributing his loot. He led hundreds of poor souls in a desperate force, terrible to look. Fallen wayward in the eyes of the law, just so we get enough food.
...Have Little Gui juggling to rinse that out a bit.
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(This is one of her two idles and I love it.)
But the fact that this backstory isn't the core of her character, it is instead how she has decided to rise from the ashes that's important, is part of what I love about her character. If you just want to treat her as a fun performer, that's okay! If you want to see her as another pair of lesbians with ShangShang, the game allows for that too. But there's just... A lot. A lot of potential while still have a fleshed out and realized person behind it. It's part of why of all the characters I'd love to next see get a 5 star upgraded version (we've gotten one already), I'd LOVE to see Princess/Queen Guinaifen someday who manages to bring her old home and new together into something even better.
If she never does though, I won't complain either. Not when I'm already a fan of Little Gui and SMASHED that subscribe button.
And just to finish this off: She is currently considered the third best Damage over Time, DoT, character in the game (there are six if we count Black Swan who comes out in five days) and the best of the four star DoT characters. Her kit is actually REALLY strong, even mimicking one of the best parts of a 5 star DoT character in retriggering a certain type of DoT. Not only that but she debuffs the enemy to make them take more damage from anything the more times they get burned, her style of DoT. She also has just an absolutely amazing ult animation even though I can't tell you why these small dogs, called Ditings, are related with her so much.
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(I wasn't able to find gifs for this that would actually work for either this or her idle, hence the videos.)
So yeah, if she's caught your eye too, she's actually really good and super viable as a sub-DPS/debuffer. It's something I will always keep pointing out because the 4 stars in this game are genuinely strong and Guinaifen is no different. I just unfortunately took a while to realize and have also been using so many resources on upgrading other characters.
But yeah, I could keep going but she herself would tell me to leave the audience wanting more. So leave another ask if you want to hear what I think you could do non-canonically with her or the like, or just to hear thoughts on other characters like the rest of the ghost hunting squad themselves. For now, she still stands tall as one of my favorites in the game and honestly, probably my favorite character from her planet, even if it isn't her original home. The Loufu desperately needed a laugh though and this firecracker is just what the doctor ordered.
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As a note: I don't know if I'd say she's my favorite character. She's up there and almost certainly is top three or five but she's got some stiff competition. She is probably the person I want to see developed further the most though which is why I chose to talk about her for this blog.
I have a public Discord for any and all who want to join!
I also have an Amazon page for all of my original works in various forms of character focused romances from cute, teenage romance to erotica series of my past. I have an Ao3 for my fanfiction projects as well if that catches your fancy instead. If you want to hang out with me, I stream from time to time and love to chat with chat.
A Twitter you can follow too
And a Kofi if you like what I do and want to help out with the fact that disability doesn’t pay much.
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juliapark13 · 9 months
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Idk if it's insecurity or thinking about all possibilities lol but I'm starting to think JK is dating sohee. He could've selected any actress to feat on his MV but he particularly selected her in a sexy mv.
As you know Wooga squad always date between their mutual friends. We have Taennie and now Park seo Joon and Jennie's youtuber friend. So hee is also very close with wooga squad and now JK is also close with them. During premieres, there was no need for JK's attendance there, still he went. And you can see he being suddenly so exicted when sohee's name was announced by MC. He literally whipped his head while he was walking away from venue. So maybe he met her through them and is dating her now ?
And if you look without any bias Sohee is literally his female version and ticks all of his ideal type column including being elder than him to feed his ever famous noona kink. Tbh sohee fits it way more than what we thought Jimin is what his ideal type is. I won't be surprised if he fell in love with someone who's exactly like him. And I'm expecting that dating confirmation anyday (tho it won't happen like Taennie didn't) so I'll be less sad about Jikook lol. I think I shouldn't be hyped about Jkk anymore and slowly stop shipping them at all as at the end it will be not positive.
„As you know Wooga squad always date between their mutual friends.”
1st of all Jungkook isn’t part of Wooga squad.
2nd of all I don’t know what was your purpose of sending this, but you have absolutely no logic at all. How old are you?
Anyway if you want to know my opinion ok.
Jungkook said in 2015 if he was a girl he would date a guy like Jimin. His ideal type was always changing and it always looked more and more like JM. In 2015 it was just the beginning.
JK also recently said cute is totally his type and do you know whom he called cute 100 times? Jimin.
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We could also see many times how sexually attracted he is to JM.
I obviously don’t think he is straight since I believe he is in a relationship with JM, but in my opinion he is gay and not interested in woman.
And do you think JK would let JM go and decide to date someone else instead? :D He is so happy and proud JM is his, they are so connected and committed, they want to last forever for sure and I keep telling If it’s not you, it’s not anyone is definition of them.
MV isn’t reality and JK likes challenges and trying new things like he’s already said.
If you decided to believe rumours, ok. But maybe you should observe things on your own and make conclusions on your own and not listen to people who desperately want to prove JK is straight and who are making rumours about JK dating A WOMAN every single day.
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So I just finished watching season one of Overlord, and honestly, severely disappointed.
And to be fair, I’ve been pretty tired of shonen anime/manga with overpowered protagonists for awhile now, but it’s more than that.
In contrast, I really enjoyed That Time I got Reincarnated as a Slime. Admittedly, I wasn’t tried of the overpowered mc, but I still enjoyed it significantly more than Overlord.
So let’s compare the first season (13 ep) of Overlord with the first 14 ep of TTRS (end of the orc invasion arc).
Now I did have fun with overlord. The key moments was when Ains was annoyed by the angel, when he crushed Clementine, and when he started equipping items in his fight with Shalltear, and any time Cocytus was in frame. That was pretty much it. Everything else was mediocre in my opinion.
Now it’s been awhile since I saw TTRS, but if I remember correctly, I had fun in these places: Rimuru’s interactions with Veldora, his fight against the dire wolves, his interaction with the dwarves king, his fight with ifrit, the death of Shizu, his fight with the ogres, that time Gobta fucked with Gabiru, any time Gabiru was on screen, orc cannibalism, and the defeat of Geld. Besides that, I was pretty amused when watching the rest of TTRS. I enjoyed the rest of it even if I thought it was stupid. I’ll get more into that later.
Now something significant is that I wasn’t as annoyed with TTRS as overlord, specifically with the fan service. I’m gay, so I’ve always found female fan service kind of annoying, but fuck off Overlord. Albedo and Shalltear’s rivalry was dumb and annoying whenever it was on screen, and starting the show off with some mild groping was barely bearable. And don’t get me wrong, the fan service in TTRS is also annoying. But Shuna and Shion suddenly getting bigger boobs isn’t as focused on (if I remember correctly) as shalltear’s underwear getting soaked. Seriously overlord, fuck off.
Now the fights in Overlord was boring and tedious to get through. I get it’s the trope of naming your abilities and stuff, but it really takes away any of the spectacle of their fights. Like even though I know both Ains and Rimuru are going to win, at least the fights in TTRS is interesting to watch. Overlord is basically just “I’ve got my shield that can block anything.” “Lol, it can’t block this,” over and over and over again. Even if Rimuru is just dodging and running fast, at least it’s something to watch.
The parts of Overlord I enjoyed was basically the “there’s a bigger fish moment.” I find it fun when the antagonist suddenly realizes they messed with the wrong person. But there was nothing else drawing me into Overlord.
As for TTRS, I actually cared about the characters and character drama. Like when Shalltear gets brainwashed in Overlord, I had NO reason to care about her. The only character trait she’s shown is that she’s horny for Ains. And unless you’re horny for her, SHE’S BORING TO WATCH! Unlike TTRS, where I can get invested in the Ogres as victims in political machinations. Sure, you can be horny for Shuna, or Shion, or think Benimaru and Souei are badass, but they have more to their characters than just aesthetic appeal.
So, like I said, even though TTRS felt stupid at parts, it never felt tedious. Gabiru’s hype squad: Dumb as shit, fun to watch. The king of the forest is a giant hamster: The joke is that it’s supposedly cute. Just dumb.
TTRS has some interesting themes about sentient beings treated as subhuman because they aren’t human.
Overlord hints to that with the Slane Theoceacy, but does nothing with it. I know season 2 deals with Lizardfolks, but I doubt I’m going to watch any more. And Overlord has some interesting monsters! Cocytus as an Isopod warrior is fucking cool! That rules! TTRS doesn’t have anything that isn’t vaguely human shaped, and all women have got to look sexy. That’s boring, that’s annoying! But at least they explore what that means in a way overlord doesn’t.
In conclusion, overlord is meh and TTRS is alright.
If anybody who likes Overlord can explain why/ if it improves, please do so.
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Parabellum 🪙 | Top Gun Maverick Imagine/John Wick AU
Set in an alternate universe where Top Gun is actually part of an underground assassins bureau in NYC
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TGM Masterlist
Characters & Parings: Dagger Squad x Wick!reader (platonic/work relationship), John Wick x adoptive cousin!reader (platonic), The Bowery King (platonic), The Adjudicator (platonic) Zero + students (platonic)
Content Warnings: angst, profanity, banter, blood, violence, graphic depiction of injury, mentions of death and murder. AU set in the JW universe where Top Gun is a tactical assassination squad for The High Table. Set during JW: Chapter 3–Parabellum, but everyone is the age they were in TGM (so the year 2013 since all the movies are set within days of each other despite released years apart) | female!reader (she/her) | wc: 8k
Premise: There are two rules everyone who works for the Table must follow: 1. No business on company grounds, 2. All Markers must be fulfilled. For John Wick, there are several debts he is owed as he battles against the whole world after breaking rule number one. And two of them fall under rule number two. John’s in for quite the treat when he heads to the Top Gun hangar to cash on of his debts from none other than his cousin, who happens to be the leader Top Gun’s infamous tactical assassin squad.
Note: Y’all I am so hype for John Wick Chapter 4. JW is one of my fav franchises and Keanu Reeves is my baby daddy 🥵 Maybe once Chapter 4 comes out I’ll do a part two to this since I have no idea what’s gonna happen to John and also if you’ve seen John Wick 3, do y’all think Winston is part of the BK’s plan or did he really betray John for his own selfish needs? like the Parent Trap imagine I did, I basically rewatched all the JW movies cause there was a marathon and got inspired. I really need to focus on my school work though cause I didn’t do so hot on my first writing assignment (it was research methods and my professor didn’t have the instructions very clear 😭) but I had to get this done and out first before taking a small few days of break to do my homework. — Bee 🐝
I do not own any of the characters from TGM or JW, this is for fictional purposes and entertainment. Read over CW before reading and reblogs , likes, and comments are welcomed but please do not steal or repost onto other platforms.
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The phone was on the edge of breaking by how hard she was gripping it, cursing and flinching each time Halo strung a thread through her skin to seal the gaping wound that nearly sliced her face off. She couldn’t see out of her left eye and her lips were split in diagonal from the direction of the blade. Never had she experienced being cut by a katana in all her years of service….but there was always a first for everything.
“What do you want?” She winced again, glaring at the wall with hatred. While the Bowery King, who was experiencing his own hell with seven cuts to him, relayed to her the most recent update of their mutual ‘friend’, Y/n ‘Domino’ Wick thought back to the past last week. As much as she wanted to avoid it, she knew what was coming the second the message appeared on her phone: ‘John Wick—Excommunicado in effect in 1 hour. All services closed. Open Contract set at $14m.’
Seven Days Earlier….
The message was just sent out, everyone in the hangar appearing confused when the cell phones beeped at the same time causing them all to withdraw theirs from their pocket. Upon reading the words, multiple eyes turned to the woman seated at her desk. An opened bottle of whiskey was beside her, a stack of papers to be sorted through in a basket. She appeared emotionless as she read the message once before sliding the phone back in its place and storing it away.
“What’s up with Domino?” Omaha looked at Fanboy and Coyote when the woman rose from her chair before kicking it across the room and disappearing.
Fanboy shook his head, sighing in apparent distress, “You’ve heard of John Wick?” Of course he wasn’t talking about the fact his name was on the message they all got, he meant if Omaha knew who he was.”
“Only from stories. Ain’t he like the best there is.”
“The best and even more,” Coyote commented, already checking to make sure his gun was armed. “Man’s a beast. People call him the Boogeyman—or Baba Yaga to be more exact.”
“Anway,” Fanboy brought the attention back to him, noticing Domino called over Fritz, Rooster, Payback, and Hangman. They all were deep in discussion. “Domino and John were both orphans in Belarus, growing up together at the Ruska Roma.” Knowing what the Ruska Roma was combined with the fact Domino and John knew each other, Omaha made a face of shock. “They’re kinda like cousins—not sure if they are blood related, adoptive, or just grew close enough that they see each other as such. She doesn’t say a lot about her past, but before she became Domino her name was Y/n Wick. Now that Mav and Cyclone retired she’s been in service longer than any of us.”
“Just don’t ask questions, alright,” Coyote warned with a glance, “I know you’re new to the whole thing but keep quiet and you’ll live longer.”
If only Omaha had asked what John Wick looked like. Would’ve saved him a broken arm had he done so because when the poor guy went to do his surveillance, he was shocked to find a bloody man in their parking lot who immediately got in a tousle with when Omaha charged him.
The private hangar was located just a few miles from downtown at a very small private airstrip surrounded by a chain link electric fence, far enough and secluded that nobody in their right mind—unless of course, they were in need of service—migrated to. And unfortunately for Omaha he’d never seen John Wick before…so how was he supposed to know the intruder was the infamous assassin.
The two were going at it for a good three minutes until it ended with Omaha’s arm breaking and John’s belt around his neck. His air was constricted, the man fighting back against the hold in hopes of freeing himself. Before John could do the final twist to end Omaha for good, the sound of a gunshot followed by a speeding bullet against his face had John tripping back, releasing Omaha who took gasps of breath.
“That’s enough you two,” a stern voice said, multiple footsteps approaching. Looking up, John's eyes landed on his cousin flanked by members of her Dagger Squad on either side of her, guns trained on him as a warning for John to not make a sudden move. “We don't want things to get messy now do we?”
It had been years since the cousins had seen each other, well before John retired to marry Helen. They were roughly ten years apart in age, making Y/n around 40 now that John just turned 50. He was her mentor and protector during their time in the Ruska Roma, having been brought to the U.S from Belarus when John was 11 and Y/n was barely a year old. It’s unsure if they were even related but considering John looked after her like a family member people just assumed they were. Then when she got older she ditched her birth name and started going by Y/n Wick.
When John had heard several years before he retired that Y/n became a member of the Top Gun tactical execution squad, part of him felt he had failed her. Of course it was likely for her to join the underground world they were pretty much forced into by being a part of the Ruska Roma, but he hoped she’d not dive too deep. She was only 22 when she joined, becoming one of the best associates in the organization. Then just before he retired she was promoted to second in command, now four years later she was the leader after her predecessors decided to step down.
Looking at her now before him, he could tell Y/n had become the hardened contract killer she was destined to be. Reputation nearly rivaling that of his own. As a member of the Top Gun Tactical Dagger Squad Y/n earned the callsign ‘Domino,’ learning how to fly a plane due to the fact Top Gun provided services to associates by transporting them to and from locations. As highly skilled assassins the team are often hired by mobs, including the High Table when they don’t feel like sending their personal squads, to take out private contracts. Sometimes Y/n was directly offered contracts especially by those who wanted to keep their dirty work as hidden as possible.
Taking in the current Dagger Squad, John recognized most of them: Rooster, Payback, Fritz, Hangman, Coyote, Yale and Phoenix. When they last saw each other eight years before they’d all been recent recruits. Now they were molded killers. The other bunch were new faces—including the one he just broke the arm of. They had to have joined within the last several years. All wearing flight suits with their patches on the left breast, John read: Harvard, Bob, Fanboy, Halo, and lastly Omaha.
“You good, Omaha?” Y/n asked, not taking her gaze off of John. The man moaned in response.
“I think my arm is broken, boss.”
“Halo, Bob,” she simply said, the woman next to her and the man on the end dropping their guns to move over to the fallen man. When Halo walked off, Rooster took a step to the right so he was now directly next to Domino. On the opposite side to her left was Payback.
The two haul Omaha off, disappearing into the hangar. “Well,” Y/n puts her hands on her hips. “You sure know how to make an entrance. Hello, John.”
“Hello, Y/n.” She glared at the name, but made no move to correct it.
“Did you really have to break my guy’s arm?”
John gave a light shrug, putting his hand to his injured shoulder that was bleeding from a stab wound. “He came after me.”
Y/n gave an unhumorous laugh, shaking her head, “John, you got a fourteen million dollar bounty on your head. Can’t really blame him for trying—If I didn’t have a sense of why you’re here I’d give my crew the word and let them light you up before finishing you off myself.” It was harsh coming from a family member, but John couldn’t blame her. They’d been estranged for years now with their last encounters anything but friendly.
What John didn’t know though was Omaha had no idea what he looked like. Y/n was just trying to get under his skin.
“Go ahead and pull it out,” she challenged, eyes narrowing at the man. The squad kept their weapons raised, but relaxed their stance at her order.
Slowly John reaches into his jacket pocket, removing one of two Markers, making sure it was the right one before presenting it to the group. He saw the woman immediately stiffen, face tightening as the anger never left her eyes. In fact it looked like it increased by the sight of the object.
A debt she had to pay.
“You’ve got some fucking nerve coming here, John. Some. Fucking. Nerve.”
“Y/n—.”
She cuts him off with a harsh tone, “You’re excommunicado, John. Services are now closed to you. As of five minutes ago that marker is void.” That last statement was actually on the fence.
There were two big rules in their world: 1. No business on company grounds. 2. All Markers must be fulfilled.
Given John broke rule #1 he was labeled excommunicado with the original contract of $7m by Santino D’Antonio doubled to $14m. Any and all services were now closed to him, even as simple as receiving medical treatment by a company doctor.
But what of the Markers?
John had two. One from Y/n and one from Sofia Al-Azwar, both given to John at different times, both where John had to transport and hide their children. In Y/n’s case she had gotten pregnant just shortly after leaving the Ruska Roma and was on her way to becoming a contract killer. She was barely 19 and in no way able to raise a child. So she called John and swore the blood oath to him that she would return the favor no matter the price or cost when the time came. Over 20 years later she still didn’t know what happened to her son. Sofia had originally come to Y/n to help her out when she needed to get her daughter away, but Y/n assured her John was better for the job, confessing he had done the same for her.
Would the Markers still have to be completed although he was banished and being hunted by the High Table? The same ones who order hits on those who don’t fulfill the Markers when presented by the person they owe? It was a tough situation.
It was Domino’s current situation.
John pleaded to her, opening the object to reveal her bloody fingerprint, “This is your blood. Your bond. When you needed help, Y/n, I was there. Now I need your help. You owe it to me, please.”
Y/n inhaled deeply before slowly exhaling, “Top Gun works for the Table, John. We have been in service to them for decades. They will come for us—for me, for helping you.” In the corner of her eye she saw some of the crew stiffen, hands gripping their weapons tighter at the fear of facing the Table.
John gave her a look, “They will come for you if you don’t.” That had her nearly falter, seeing a look of angst overtake her.
“Some family you are, John. Bringing death to my door. Risking the lives of my team!” She couldn’t help but shout, no longer holding back her anger. All she could think about was the fact the Table likely already knew he was there. They had spies all over the city. Once he leaves they’ll be sending someone even if she didn’t help him. “What the fuck do you want anyway? What’s the favor you so desperately need after all these years that’s made you put me and my crew in danger.”
“My ticket,” he simply tells her, watching her face become ashen. “I know you still have it. I need it now, Y/n. That’s all I ask for.”
A long time ago John gave Y/n his ticket every orphan of the Ruska Roma receives upon ‘graduation’. A symbol of the favor the organization owes them after spending years under them. Y/n had cashed in on hers a long time ago, but John had her keep his safe. Believing he’d never have to use it.
It was kinda ironic when she started thinking about it.
“You could’ve had it all you know,” she dryly laughs, gazing hard at the man she saw as a cousin. “You got out—away from this. Tell me, Jordani, was it worth it?” She waits for a reply but it doesn’t come. Of course it wouldn’t. She could see it in his eyes it wasn’t. “What were you hoping to gain by hunting down the Tarasov punk? You should’ve fucking known it wouldn’t have ended once you finished the job. You opened the damn door, John. You gave Santino everything he needed to check in on his favor that you owed him. It honestly baffles me that you, John Wick, thought it was a good idea to give that man a marker. You’re reasoning? I'll never know.”
She has to pause to cool down a bit before continuing, “You could’ve asked anybody else to help you that night—you could’ve asked me, John. You had the marker all this time. Why the fuck didn’t you use it then?” She raises a hand as a signal for him to keep quiet all while ordering the squad to stand down. “Don’t answer that. I honestly don’t wanna know. It’s your fucking karma at the end of the day.” Again she gives a dry laugh, “I just find it hilarious honestly. The reason you’re in this shit show to begin with is because you owed Santino—which would’ve never happened if you didn’t let your impulses take over and go after Iosef Tarasov. You let some punk ass kid bring you back. A domino effect at its finest,” she has to laugh at her own joke, but nothing about it was funny. “Now here you are, cashing in on all the favors you’re owed. Me….The Director…I take it Sofia is next on your list?”
No answer. Y/n tightens her lips, nodding slowly, “I thought so. She’s over across the sea. You think she’s gonna just let you waltz in, John?” Y/n smirks, “but first you gotta survive getting out of New York. And unlike the other night when it was just the city after your ass, you got the whole world wanting a piece of you now. Fourteen million dollars,” she hums, tilting her head like she’s deep in thought. “Saying it out loud…it’s tempting.”
“Fifteen,” Fanboy says, making all eyes turn to him. “The contract just went up.” Y/n nods, turning back to John with a shrug.
“You hear that, John? I wonder who’s responsible for adding the bonus.”
“You’re not gonna kill me, Y/n,” he says unfazed, making her narrow her eyes a tad.
“And what makes you so confident I won't? Pretty bold of you to assume when you got ten guns on you.”
John tells her like it is, “Because you would’ve already done it by now.” He got her there. She would’ve given the signal the moment they surrounded him if she truly wanted him dead. And as much as Y/n was pissed off with John, he was the last person she had who she considered family. And she was indebted to him.
Hating the fact he was right, Y/n just nods, “Fair enough, John.”
“Look,” he holds up the Marker, “you do this for me and we’re done. You and I are even and the Table can’t fault you for following their rules.” His reasoning makes her scoff.
“You don’t really know if that’s true, John. But thanks for trying to lighten the situation,” she was being sarcastic, having had enough of the ordeal. “I’ll be sure to tell whoever they send exactly what you said. Maybe I'll live to see the next day.” They just stare at each other, letting the reality set in.
“Fritz,” the man beside Payback responds with a look at her, “bring me the blue book with gold trimming in the safe. The one on the top shelf—you know the one.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he holsters his gun and walks toward the hangar.
“Coyote, go get the keys for the Ducati Diavel,” when he goes Y/n then calls to the woman beside Rooster, “and Phoenix, grab me a 9mm from one of the units.”
“On it.”
“Fanboy, and Harvard,” the two snap to attention awaiting orders, “Go check on Halo and Bob, see if they need help dealing with Omaha and call the Continental doctor if need be.” She sees John falter at the mention of the doctor, remembering he was just there and had to shoot him in a non-fatal area on the docs insistent to cover for the face he helped John. “Actually scratch that…take him to the urgent care that’s off the road past the gate. Tell them Domino sent you.”
“Yes ma’am,” they both say and head out, leaving Payback, Yale, Hangman and Rooster on either side of Y/n, the woman standing in the middle between the four.
“What are you doing?” John asks.
“Paying my debt,” she says, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “Ensuring the bargain has been fulfilled. You may have given me the impression all you want is your ticket, but I know you were hoping for something a little more. Consider it done.”
John shakes his head with a frown, “I wasn’t gonna—.”
“Mmmmhmmm,” she tightens her lips. “Sure you weren’t. How the hell else are you gonna get to The Director from all the way out here with nothing but a belt to defend you, John? I’m surprised you even managed to make it here within the hour.” Holding out her hand, Phoenix places the 9mm in the open palm. At that moment Coyote pulls up the motorcycle, keeping the keys in the ignition when he puts it on its stand. Then Fritz arrives with the book, handing it over to Y/n’s other open palm.
Approaching John, Y/n extends both hands to pass the gun and book to him. He holsters the gun first then opens the book to remove the fake page revealing the compartment with his ticket, aka the rosary, and a wad of gold coins. He pockets both the rosary and coins, before handing back the book and Y/n holds it out for Fritz to take back.
“You’re going to war, John,” she watches him open the Marker, pricking his thumb on the needle before placing his bloody fingerprint onto the open space beside her own. “With the whole damn world. Even if you make it to where you’re going…it won't end there. This is only the beginning.”
“I know,” he sighs, handing her the now complete Marker. “Consequences.” She gives a tight smile, fingers encasing around the object.
“Consequences. You should’ve thought about those before blowing a hole into Santino’s head. Would’ve saved you all the trouble.” He doesn’t react with the exception of a curt nod, knowing she was right. But he made his bed, now he has to lie in it. “Goodbye, John.”
“Goodbye, Y/n.”
They all watch as he mounts the bike and takes off into the darkness, becoming smaller with each minute until finally he’s out of their sights. Finally Y/n lets out the breath she had been holding, angry tears stinging her eyes that she refuses to let the team see. They’d never seen her scared before, she wasn’t gonna let them see now. Even though they had every right to be just as scared.
Gathering herself, she cranks her neck to the sky and closes her eyes for a brief moment before turning back to the remaining Squad members, the one who were coming up on ten years whereas all the others she sent away were only a couple years in. “Prepare the bunker,” she watched all their eyes widen, glancing at each other hesitantly.
“Are you sure, Dom?” Rooster questions, looking a bit unease. They hadn’t used the bunker in so long, it was gonna take time to prepare it. Not even the Table knew about it. Top Gun predecessors from when the underground crime world started built it for caution in case they were to have troubles with the Table. It was basically a whole level floor underneath the hangar equipped with everything they needed from food, water, bedding, clothing, and of course weapons and arsenal. They could survive weeks underground and no one would know. They had security surrounding the premises that they could access from below ground.
Domino was confident the Table had already been tipped off by an associate. They were gonna have to act quick.
“Very,” she walked a few steps, stopping so she was directly in front of the group. “Expect us to have company when the sun rises—maybe in a few days if we’re lucky. I’ll deal with the Table,” she assures, looking them each in the eyes. “When that happens I need you all to be in the bunker where you’re safe. And you will not come out until they have left the premises—regardless of what happens to me.” Immediately there were sounds of protest.
“Dom, that’s suicide,” Rooster states the obvious. Phoenix pitches in, “You’re not serious, boss.”
“There’s no way in hell we’re leaving you alone with them,” Hangman voices, going as far as taking a step closer to the woman. Fritz and Yale back him up while Payback comments, “You don’t even know if they’re coming.”
“I didn't ask for your input. From any of you,” she shuts them up. Rubbing a hand over her face, Y/n gives a tired sigh. “You don’t think I don’t know what they’re capable of? I have been in this life longer than any of you—I’ve seen everything you can imagine when it comes to the business we’re in. Or at least I thought until John Wick decided to cause hell two weeks ago,” she mutters the last part under breath. No one could’ve predicted that when John exterminated the Tarasov crime family that he’d be the Table’s #1 target. Where the rules were no longer black and white.
“My point is,” she calms down the raging thoughts in her head. “I’m the one who helped him. They are gonna come after me, but that doesn’t mean you all have to be in the crossfire. If they see you here, even if you’re not doing anything, they’ll kill you,” her tone turns harsher, to get it through their heads the seriousness of it. “I don’t want any of you going against the Table, not when I’m gonna need you all if I survive the meeting.”
“What do you think is gonna happen?” Yale is the one to ask the question.
“I don’t know,” she speaks truthfully. “But if John is going where I think he is…then tonight was just the beginning.”
Seven Days Later….
She honestly expected them earlier. Rumors spread in the days after John’s excommunication. An Adjudicator of the Table visiting those who assisted him. At the Ruska Roma, the Director had her hands sliced through with her entourage slaughtered just the day after John cashed in his ticket. Then the Bowery King was set to pay a price for refusing to step down after a warning of seven days to get his affairs in order. Many of his men dead within minutes. That morning he received seven cuts for the seven bullets he gave John the night he executed Santino, and was left for dead. Was he alive? Y/n wasn’t even sure. All she knew was Winston had until nightfall to step down from the Continental before they paid him a visit.
Right now though, in the early evening of the seventh day, Y/n sat in her chair in the middle of the hangar. Around her were Zero’s students, the man himself closest to her while the Adjudicator stood before her. Unbeknownst to the group the team of assassins they expected to have seen were down below watching the scene unfold through the monitors mounted on the concrete wall. They’d been underground for the whole week, Y/n not risking them being out in the open when she knew the Table would arrive at some point.
After the first day she was confident it was to spook her. Especially after discovering the Director was punished for her role in transporting John across the Atlantic. Yes, they were trying to scare her alright. They damn well knew she aided John Wick. They were just waiting for the right time to make their presence known.
“Where is the Dagger Squad, Domino?” The Adjudicator paced in front of her, eyes drifting over the empty hangar. It was too quiet for her liking.
“On a mission.”
“There were no recent contracts from my knowledge for your department. When did this happen?” She pressed, turning to the assassin. Y/n could tell she was examining her body language, hoping to catch her in a lie.
“A private one came in this morning. I sent them off just before you arrived.”
“From?”
“The Triads,” she answered confidently.
“Where to?”
“Out west. They requested the location to be confidential. You understand, right?”
The Adjudicator nodded slowly, not really sure if she believed the woman, but kept her gaze focused. Two planes were moved to make it look like they were gone. Domino hoped they would take the bait.
“I’m sure you know why I’m here.”
“I have my suspicions,” Y/n replied, remaining calm and unthreatening. “It wasn’t hard to guess after whispers coming in from the city.” It was obvious she was referring to the Bowery King and Director.
“And do you have anything to say for yourself about why you broke the rules and aided John Wick in his escape from New York? I am well aware of your personal history with him.”
Y/n willed herself not to react to the last comment, focusing on the question. “I owed him a debt. Which you already know—it’s why you’re here. Maybe you can tell everyone at HQ to add more details on the fine print of what to do when the bearer of your Marker breaks the rules. As far as I’m concerned,” she dares to shrug, “I followed them.”
“So you have a point,” the tattooed woman gives a tight expression, not liking her attitude. “You may have upheld the rule of the Table but that doesn’t mean you didn't do more than what you had to. Especially due to the personal connection involved. John Wick was seen coming to this location on foot and leaving twenty minutes later on a motorcycle.”
Y/n tilts her head, now looking bored. “What are you getting at? That’s part of what he wanted.”
“Tell me what all he wanted, Domino, in order for the debt to be paid.”
Y/n kept eye contact, the two almost in a staring contest with neither wanting to blink as she listed off what all she provided. “The book containing his ticket, coins, and a 9mm that he had me store ages ago for ‘emergencies,’ and a mode of transportation.”
“You didn’t offer one of your pilots to escort him to Morocco?”
“He didn’t indicate Morocco was where he wanted to go,” she fired back. Now she was playing dumb. Of course she knew he was heading there since Sofia was now the manager of the Moroccan Continental. “He just wanted those things and then said he’d be on his way. And because I didn’t know if the Marker was invalid given his status, I delivered with his request. Fulfilling the Marker because that is your rule.”
The Adjudicator takes a moment to think before placing her hands behind her back. “I may not have proof you acted against the Table, Domino, but rest assured we will find out if you did. Until then, I will leave you with a warning of what is to come when that happens.”
Y/n’s heart kicks in pace, stiffening when Zero comes to stand in front of her. Before she could react a searing pain erupted in her face, head snapping to the side by the force causing the woman to fall from her chair. “GAHHH!!” She audibly reacted as she landed on the ground, hands going straight to her face only to be drenched in the blood pouring from the gaping cut. She couldn’t even open her left eye, her right one watery causing her vision to be blurry. Looking up she saw Zero wiping his katana with his sleeve.
He fucking sliced her face.
The iron taste in her mouth was due to the fact her lips were split. It was a diagonal direction of the blade against skin, going from the edge of her right jaw all the way to her left temple—completely cutting her lips and slicing her eye. Speaking of her eye it was on fire, figuratively speaking. Glancing around she silently thanked the fact her eyeball wasn’t staring back at her meaning it was still in its socket. But judging from the pain and the fact when she tried to open it she was met with darkness indicated the eye was long gone.
Underground, members of the Dagger Squad had to refrain from getting into the elevator and rush in guns blazing. They were given orders, and if the Adjudicator did not report back to the Table they would know something happened and send their full force against them.
“She’s alive,” Rooster said in relief when Y/n moved, them all watching her hands go to her face. Phoenix changed the camera to a different angle and they saw the full extent of her injury. Everyone grimaced, some cursing at the sight of Domino’s bloodied face. It was literally sliced at an angle.
“Fuck,” Fanboy muttered, Halo already moving to gather medical supplies.
“She said to wait until they were gone,” Payback reminded them when a few started to move to the elevator. The Adjudicator, Zero, and his students had just left the hangar, but had yet to be fully off the premises. On the monitor it showed Y/n stumbling as she tried to locate the closet with towels and supplies. Blood trailed after her, leaving a line in its wake. It wasn’t until the cars passed the gate and were well off into the city that the squad rushed to the elevator.
“Domino!” Y/n heard someone shout, mind a bit hazy from the blood loss and beginning to feel numb.
“I got you, boss,” Fritz picked her up bridal style and rushed her to the makeshift medical room with Halo and Bob running behind him. Placing her on the bed they got to work. Halo started an IV while Bob did his best to apply pressure on the wound.
“She’s gonna need blood,” Bob said, cursing by the amount she was losing. “Who here shares her blood type?”
“Hangman, Phoenix, and Coyote,” Halo lists off, grabbing the syringe with a light sedative to help Y/n with the pain.
“We’re gonna need all three then. Fritz, can you—.”
“Already on it,” he doesn’t let him finish the sentence, yelling out their names who all appear within seconds. With Harvard the two begin setting up to remove a pint of blood from each.
“You with us, Dom?” Halo takes a light to shine in each of her eyes, apologizing when Y/n moans when her left eye is touched.
“As best as I can be. Just do what you have to do. If I die, I die.”
“We won’t let that happen,” Bob tells her. “You’re gonna be fine, Dom.”
For a good couple hours they were working on repairing the wound. Y/n was a little dozy from the drugs, but managed to stay away during the whole thing. When it came time for the stitches, Halo was about halfway done when Rooster came in with Y/n’s phone. “It’s the Bowery King.”
“Help me up please,” she motioned for them to help her sit up, Halo careful with the sting and needle in her hands. Bob and Fritz pulled to an upright position before she asked for the phone. Rooster handed it over, moving to stand with Phoenix and Payback against the wall. Taking a moment to catch her breath, Y/n placed the phone to ear. “What do you want?”
She received a chuckle, “You sound as bad as I feel.”
“Just fucking get to it. I can’t move my mouth without wanting to scream so let me hear what you have to say and let us be done with it.”
“Have you heard the latest on Mr Wick?”
“He’s the reason Berreda lost his balls.” She received another chuckle.
“Well our friend is stateside again. Lucky bastard cut a deal with the one who sits above the Table.”
Y/n stilled, blood running cold. “He found the Elder.” Those in the room who knew what she spoke of shared the same reaction.
“He did,” the King muses. “And the deal for him to remain breathing is to be forever bound to the Table. The first on his list of bidding is Winston.”
Y/n had to pull the phone away for a moment, in disbelief at the news. She almost wanted to laugh at how things seemed to turn out for John. “He’ll never do it. Winston knows how to manipulate him to get what he wants. I wouldn’t put it past the old man to betray him in the end.”
“I’m happy you and I are on the same page. I was thinking the same exact thing—which is why when the time comes, I’ll be there to pick John up.”
Right as he finishes his sentence all the phones beep, those in the room removing theirs to see the text. Domino looked at her own phone, shaking her head when she read: “The New York Continental status has been changed to Deconsecrated. In effect in thirty minutes.”
“Would you look at that,” the Kind hummed. “Just what I expected. I give it til dawn before they get tired.”
Y/n was starting to get annoyed, wanting him to cut to the chase. “So why are you calling me now?”
“Because I want us to be a step ahead of them, Domino.”
Y/n takes a moment before saying, “I’m listening.”
“I’ve been doing some thinking over the past week—and after this morning these cuts have sealed the deal,” he laughed at his own irony. “All this High Table bullshit….under the Table is where shit gets done and you know it. All of us are pawns in their game. I say it’s time we dethrone them once and for all.”
Y/n straightens her posture, processing what the King was implying. “You’re asking for war.” She noticed her team visibly reacting to the statement. “You’re wanting to go to war with the Table.”
“Quite so.”
“And you want me and my team to help you.” There was no need to say it like a question.
“Just think about it,” he tells her. “Wait the night out or wait for my call. We’ll discuss more then.” Before she could reply the constant beep filled her ears signaling he had hung up. Sliding the phone in place, Y/n stared ahead, this time not even flinching as Halo worked on her.
It was quiet for the remainder of the hour, the beeping of phones signifying the deconsecration of the Continental was in effect. When Halo cut the last bit of thread on Y/n, the woman downed the painkillers and gulped the water bottle in seconds.
“You’re all dismissed. Stay close to the hangar—I don’t trust that they’re not lurking by the gates.” When they all left she changed into a fully black outfit, ending with a leather trench coat. Then she shuffled through one of the cabinets to find an eyepatch, which was a fucking sight when she put it on.
“I look like that dude from those comics Fanboy reads,” she announced when she walked into the area everyone was in, many of them stopping what they were doing. Phoenix, Bob, and Payback were cleaning the blood off the floors while Hangman and Fritz watched the monitors. Halo was checking over Omaha. Yale, Harvard, and Coyote were going through inventory and finally Rooster and Fanboy had finished up calls with potential clients. All eyes turned to Domino, Fanboy having to hold back his comment of saying, “Nick Fury,” though he did have a small smile on his face.
“How you feeling, boss?” Payback questioned, taking a seat on a chair after discarding the bloody water from when he mopped the floors. His answer was a groan, followed by her saying, “Like I should’ve let y’all shoot John Wick and spare me from becoming a raggedy Ann doll.”
Falling into a chair, Y/n thanked the glass of whiskey from Fritz and accepted a cigarette, leaning forward to light it when he offered the lighter flame. Checking the time on the wall, it was approaching midnight. God did she blackout or something? Where the hell did the time go? By now the Continental was likely a graveyard.
“I’m sorry about this week guys,” she said softly, letting the smoke leave her lips, wincing from the sting as the stitches keeping them together served as a reminder of what happened. “I should’ve told you all about the Marker ages ago.”
“It wasn’t our business, Dom,” Hangman pulls up a stool, setting himself on it once it appeared the coast was clear. “Those things are between those involved.”
“Yeah,” Coyote pitched in. “None of us blame you. We probably would’ve done the same. We just hate that you were punished for upholding the deal.”
“It’s not completing the Marker they were upset about,” she taps the cigarette against the ashtray. “Had I not, it would’ve given them the excuse to kill me even though there is no official rule about Markers and those who bear one that are excommunicated. It was the fact they know I did more than what was needed. I could’ve just given John the ticket and sent him off, but instead I willingly armed him with the means to have better odds. That’s why they’re pissed.”
“But they have no proof,” Harvard said from the side. “How would they know you did?”
“They know our history,” she simply sighed. “That’s enough for them to have suspicion. Whether the Adjudicator did it on her own accords or the Table ordered her to give me a good warning that they’re onto me…what’s done is done.” She finished her cigarette, “Now we figure out how to keep them off our backs.”
Several of the daggers looked at each other, wondering how to ask the question they all wanted to know since her phone call. Rooster is the one to speak up, “What about the Bowery King?”
“What about him, Rooster?”
“He’s wanting war with the High Table,” he crosses his arms, ignoring the looks from those who were not present when Domino was on the phone. They appeared surprised, and a little uneasy.
“He’s out of his damn mind,” she told him harshly, trying to not show she was tempted at stepping down from her position to join the mission. Hatred at the Table was rising in her, the King making a fair point at how everything gets done under the Table but they get to reek the benefits of what they do.
Y/n wanted to fight back, she really did. But she wasn’t gonna take her team down with her. They still had lives and going against the Table would not be easy. If she were to take the Bowery King up on his offer she would do it alone and spare them all.
“You know he’s right,” Halo pitches in, surprising the woman. Then she remembered Halo was right next to her and probably heard the entire conversation. “Everyone of us, those in service and in management, are just pawns for the Table and those who sit above it. We’re the ones who keep this business alive while they get to sit back and relax.”
Catching onto that Halo was leaking what the Bowery King told Domino, Phoenix stands from her chair. “You’ve been in service longer than all of us, Domino. You said it yourself. Haven’t you realized things are starting to get out of hand? I mean look!” She gestures to Y/n’s face, “You followed their rules and they nearly took half your face off. Who gives a fuck if you did more than what you had to—John Wick is your family. How could they not expect you to want to help him?”
The others voice agreement, Fritz nudging Y/n lightly with his arm, “It’s not fair, Dom. It hasn’t been fair in years. I say we should do it.” He specifies when she gives a confused look, “Join the Bowery King.”
“No,” she shakes her head immediately, “No—if anyone is going against the Table, it’s gonna be me. I’ll step down and you guys continue what we’ve done here for decades. I will not have you all die because of my cousin's mess.”
“With all due respect, ma’am,” Hangman politely grabbed her attention. “It’s not up to you. Even if you step down, we still can join him if we please. So why not do it together. Because we’re not letting you go alone.” Everyone agrees with murmurs and nods, causing Y/n to drop her head between her shoulders.
“We’re talking war. Against the High Table—not some single crime syndicate we’ve dealt with before, this is all twelve seat holders, the Elder, and all their subordinates. Which we—,” she gestures to all of them, “we are those subordinates. This goes past New York…it’s the whole fucking world.”
“We know,” Payback says with confidence. “We know the risk, Dom. We’re willing to take it.”
Y/n connects her gaze with each member, seeing the determination in their eyes causing an emotion she couldn’t describe to swarm through her. What she didn’t know was they each were on board the second Rooster and Halo revealed the Bowery King’s offer. Seeing their friend and comrade nearly die by following the rules they all swore to obey ignited a fire in them. They were after revenge. Who’s to say the Table wouldn’t come after them in the future. Better to stop them now before that could happen.
The assassin was having trouble grasping it all. This was her family. The people she trusted most in the world. John was once that person, and right now he has a lot to do to gain it back, but if he joins the cause then they could be unstoppable. And from what the King told her, he was confident by dawn John would be involved.
“Okay,” she says softly. “We do this as a team. The same way we’ve always done. But no one—,” she lifts a finger to emphasize her point, “no one steps out of line or goes rogue because an opportunity arises. We have to play this safe. We need to be tactical in our approach. Even if it takes weeks, months, hell, even a year or more before we see some action, then we will be patient. The Bowery King, John, maybe even Winston if the old man doesn't become a snake, all of us know the best thing to do is hit the Table when they are at their most vulnerable. When that happens….it will break before our eyes.”
Seven Hours Later….
John looked lifeless as he laid on the cold ground. Who could blame him really after he fell over ten stories while hitting obstacles that broke his fall. Not even five minutes after he landed a white van pulled up in the narrow alley, Harvard and Yale hopping out from the back to drag the man into the vehicle. Before they could close the doors a gray pit bull jumped in, licking John’s face. Recognizing the dog as the one Y/n warned them about, they shut the doors and yelled for Coyote to start driving.
When they got to meet up point, John was handed off to one of the Bowery King’s surviving men, wheeling John into the underground tunnel they had all taken up camp. Coyote ditched the van with all three sneaking into the tunnel, careful for prying eyes. Once in the tunnel they got to work with half of the Daggers while the other half accompanied Domino where the King was located. Like the Top Gun boss, the King had stitches on his face and neck. His cuts were smaller than the one she received, but enough to do damage.
“How you doing, John?” He asked from his throne. John’s dog made himself comfortable on the couch. Off to the side, barely seen with the limited light stood Rooster, Hangman, Payback, Fritz, and Phoenix. “You look as bad as I feel,” he started to laugh the same way he did over the phone, setting down his orange soda, “Johnny, Johnny, Johnny. Raise a hand if you can hear me, John.”
With a tremor, John lifted his left hand to raise his index and middle fingers, making the King go, “Oh shit. They took a finger. Ain’t that a bitch?” His laugh increased in volume when John maneuvered the hand to show only his middle finger. The rumble of his chest from laughing made the King groan from the pain of his injuries there.
“Oh John. Fucking. Wick. So, the old boy keeps his hotel and you take the fall. Can’t say I blame him I would’ve done the same thing if I was in his shoes,” he pauses to inhale as he moves to stand from his throne, “But this High Table shit. Seven cuts. You should see what they did to your cousin. In fact, she’s right here.” A cane is in his hands when he begins to move closer to John.
The heels of Y/n’s boots echo, the light hitting her stitched face when she comes to stand beside the King. “Damn,” she mutters with a grimace. “That fall sure did a number on you, Johnny boy.” John doesn’t look at her, he keeps his head down the entire time. “Who would’ve thought we’d end up here? I was hoping to be rid of ya after last week. Funny how fate works.”
The Bowery King chuckles, focusing back on John. “Under the table is where shit gets done. And they about to find out if you cut a king, you better cut him to the quick. So,” he lowers himself to the ground, holding onto his cane. “Let me ask you, John, how you feel?” John pants, face still hidden by his raggedy hair. The King speaks with menace, “‘Cause I am really. Pissed. Off. Are you pissed off, Dom?”
Y/n crouches down, elbows resting on her hips as her one eye stares down on her bloodied cousin. Her tone is the same as the King’s, “I’m really fucking pissed off. You pissed, John?”
“Hmm?” The King awaits his answer, hands shaking from how angry he was. “Are you?”
The fallen man finally starts to move, the two watching closely as he holds himself up on his hands. When he turns to face them, they finally see his bruised face, but they are more drawn to his eyes. He’s absolutely pissed the fuck off.
“Yeah.”
………………
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bklynmusicnerd · 9 months
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Shits on fire again in the Sprina fandom. I tell you just seeing Esme’s face in the previews just sets people off especially when we haven’t seen the chick in ages, we’ve had a Sprina drought and we know Spencer and Trina will be on Monday which probably means she’ll be involved somehow. I think fans patience level with this show is running low again. I say again because this same frustration was expressed when it took decades to get a kiss. Then once we got the kiss it took a minute for the second kiss, then another minute for them to be an official couple. Unsurprisingly they are taking their sweet time with the ILYs and love scenes for them. I’m telling you the most ill advised thing to have in watching this show is expectations 😬
There's a good chance that I just won't be able to answer the rest of these GH asks, and that's because where I think things are headed with this story are very dark and draining. But as someone who survived the Abbie Mills fiasco and was an Iris West Defense Squad member, I do feel like I owe it to those of you who are sticking around to give a little bit of a heads up.
This week's episodes were basically the beginning of a sharp pivot in the story. Trina and Spencer acting either ott or ooc, put into contrived positions that they would never organically be in. And as important as it is to love both sides of your pairing, I need people to really focus in on the positioning of Trina in what is supposed to be her love story. She is being pushed to the side, her connection with and understanding of Spencer is being undermined.
They are trying to lay the groundwork for her to be contrasted with the girl who drugged her. Once again positioned as a romantic rival with Esme, except the optics are more offensive this time because this is now a girl that has fucked Spencer's father raw (with the lasting evidence in the form of an unnecessary baby), revenge porn'ed his friends and drugged and framed Trina. You will never see Dex confiding in another girl besides Joss with his shirt off. This is treatment being exclusively reserved for Trina.
And it becomes a question of, is the rest of the story of Trina and Spencer going to be one where she is degraded, put in positions of being humiliated, established as the perpetual loser? Because if that's the case then what you are dealing with is an Abbie Mills situation. Where tptb both exploit the hype for a black female lead in the center of a narrative and then chip away at her power bit by bit until she is literally shoved in the corner, or in Abbie's case, killed off.
And if that's where things are headed with Trina, which I sadly think is the case. If they have made a calculus that the Esme agenda is more important than anything else, then the fans that intend to stick around are probably going to have to mobilize. Be it some form of "Trina Robinson Deserves Better" or a Trina Robinson Defense Squad.
The same energy that was put into endless free promotion for that show in the name of Sprina, will need to be used to call those in power out (Valentini, Chris & Dan, Korte) for the bait and switch game they are playing. It is actually bigger than Sprina, this is about what they intend to do with Trina, the black heroine that they have been using for positive mainstream promotion for a year. Cause right now the writing is hinting at a weird resentment for the character and her popularity. And when it comes to black female characters, popularity is never the shield people think it is:
I am linking this article again to put in the main tag because I think it is very relevant to the situation that is occurring on GH right now. And in a lot of ways the GH situation is worse because NAC as TA's co-lead has been unwavering in his support of the Trina/Spencer story, he constantly reiterates how central Spencer's love of Trina is to his interpretation of the character.
So if that's still not enough, if there is still a backstage agenda to undermine this popular story? Then, if you are still invested in this, it might be time for not-so-friendly mobilization, with plainspoken language about what's being portrayed on screen (misogynoir, racist optics, white woman victimhood above all).
I'm not saying it will lead to a guaranteed course correct, you can't force them to tell a story they don't want to tell. But at the very least, you can make sure they don't feel overly comfortable doing TA dirty for the rest of her contract.
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pynkhues · 1 year
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Okay here is my argument for Kim Possible being satire so sorry for how wordy this is in advance. This is based off of the four techniques of satire being exaggeration, incongruity, role reversal and parody. I think Kim Possible uses exaggeration, parody and a little role reversal within those.
Kim Possible would be parody of most superhero shows with slight role reversal in the parody. Most superhero shows with teenagers have them being much more adult than the average teenager. Kim Possible is very rooted in her being a regular teenage girl. Her power is that she’s an insanely good cheerleader and smart which is implied to be a genetic gift from her neurosurgeon mom and rocket scientist dad. Typically these teenagers are plagued by emotional turmoil by feeling the weight of saving the world, often in secret, while a running joke on the show is Kim seeming to find the insane things she does not a big deal or emotionally damaging. Kim relies on emotional support from her parents and talks out problems with them. She doesn’t keep it a secret and asks for understanding from her family, friends and squad when saving the world interferes with her life. She attends school which also never seems to actually happen in superhero shows. Kim isn’t treated any differently by her peers and is even consistently fighting to be seen as cool by Bonnie. She doesn’t fit the weird nerd (Spiderman comes to mind) or effortlessly always on trend (Alisha from Misfits) that teenage superheros often seem archtyped into.
There’s also an episode where Ron gets studied bc they think his “Ronness”is the key to Kim’s success. They don’t believe that Kim could just be that competent without a secret advantage which they first think is Ron and later Rufus. It shows that adult professionals are literally more willing to believe in the skills of a naked mole rat than a woman.
They also exaggerate the typical male/female hero dynamics with Kim and Ron’s relationship, as discussed earlier. I think their relationship really showcases how often we force women into being the mature ones by making her so competent and him so goofy. However, they also subvert this by having Ron be genuinely emotionally supportive and intelligent. There’s episodes where he encourages Kim to be more authentic to herself. He also never belittles her achievements and is truly her loudest and proudest supporter. He frequently sincerely compliments her. He listens to her issues and is emotionally vulnerable with her. There is some role reversal here with Ron almost playing a typical damsel in distress by needing saving from Kim, being her biggest hype man and by being the person that in many ways keeps Kim grounded. I think the episode where Ron moves to Norway shows how much Kim depends on him to meet her emotional needs and without him doing so she’s unable to focus as completely on the mission at hand.
Anyways. I may be completely wrong or off base. I’m in no way an expert on heroes, narratives, gender, satire, tv or even Kim Possible. Just some high thoughts that I really hope somebody out there will enjoy, lol! Very sorry if this was dumb or disappointing but I love your blog so much and always enjoy your takes on everything. 🤍
(x)
It's not dumb or disappointing at all, anon! I loved this analysis, and particularly loved the way you unpacked a range of superhero tropes and looked at how Kim Possible subverts them. You're really making me want to rewatch the show, haha.
It's an interesting one to look at too, because there have been a lot of superhero parodies and satires out there, but they tend to lean hard into a really mean humour. Like stripping the polish from characters like Superman and Batman can only be done through exploring the toxicity of fame and power, and I love your point about how in many ways Kim Possible does it by instead exploring the space for emotional vulnerability and honesty in a way that most traditional superhero narratives eschew. It makes it feel a lot more unique and in many ways more original than shows that have even come after it, and it'd be a really interesting exercise to compare it broadly to other parodies.
Thanks for sharing!
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