Hang Your Halo

Six

I be thinking about what life could be, imagined it was only you and me.  Woke up from the longest dream, baby now you got me on my knees
Heatwaves x Glass Animals & iann dior

Jake

"Damn Seresin!  Looks like you constantly asking her to marry you finally paid off!" Rooster cackles from beside me.  Once his laughter dies down, he leans over and whispers "you're so fucked."  As if I didn't already know. Beckham's eyes are as big as dinner plates and I'm sure my expression matches hers.  We quickly recover, and to try to ease the awkwardness between us, I look up and plaster on what Beckham has coined my playboy smirk.  "The Lord has answered my prayers!  I get to lock you down, short stack!  I promise to not leave the toilet seat up and to put my dirty clothes in the hamper" I say as I toss my arm over the back of Beck's chair.  "And I promise to not smother you with a pillow when you snore or kick you in the head when you inevitably do both the things you promised not to do" she quips.  My breath stalls in my chest at the thought of her sleeping next to me every night.  Now don't get me wrong, we've fallen asleep next to each other plenty of times.  But those times were in an airplane, on a couch, or on separate cots in the field.  All accompanied by other people as well.  I am, indeed, so fucked.  She'll most likely sleep in a different room, but the thought of sharing a bed has me all kinds of torn up right now.  What the fuck is wrong with me?!

Rooster has called me out many times about how Beckham and I are basically a couple who doesn't have sex because of how close we are.  I've always denied it, swearing I only see her as my partner.  Which isn't a lie, it's hard to picture her as anything else when she's constantly keeping my ass in check.  Admittedly, I'm a marshmallow when it comes to her.   I'd do anything to keep her safe and she definitely brings out a softer side I didn't know I had.  I'm still pretty much a dick to everyone else though.  But, that's strictly because she's the only person who has put up with my shit and hasn't run for the hills.  I've never had the trust I do with her in another partner, so I do what I can to keep her around. 

At least that's what I tell myself. 

Maverick dismisses us for the day, and we all agree to meet up at Beckham's house later.  She's the only one who doesn't have to live on base, since she bought a house here with her inheritance after her parents passed.  The crew has spent plenty of nights here in the past, it's much better than on base housing.  Per tradition, I stop by the commissary to get all the protein that I'll be grilling later.  Beckham has yet to bake anything that doesn't melt in your mouth, so she's in charge of dessert. Phoenix and Rooster take care of sides, and the rest of the boys bring booze and whatever snacks their hearts desire.  Before heading to Beck's, I need to make a pit stop. 

I pull into the parking lot of The Hard Deck, quickly putting the truck in park and hop out.  I'm about 90% sure Penny is expecting me since the front door is unlocked.  My suspicions are confirmed when I hear her from behind the bar.  "I was wondering when you'd be by.  Mav's not allowed to give me many details, but I do know what the next year entails for you.  How can I help?"

I drop onto a stool at the bar and think for a second.  "I could really use an Aunt Pen pep talk," I joke.  She smiles softly back at me.  "In all seriousness, I'm most scared of her getting hurt.  Whether it be by me or one of the assholes we're going after, I'm not exactly sure.  I care more about her than I'm willing to admit, I don't know what I'd do without her." I confess.  "Honestly kid, the fact that you're this concerned is enough for me.  I trust you with her, and that's saying something.  You two remind me a lot of me and Pete, so I'm gonna leave you with  this one nugget of advice.  Communicate, don't let there be any misunderstandings ok?  If you want to stay friends, make sure you make it known.  If you feel like you want to explore whatever you have, make it known.  Just bring my girl back safe, ok?"  She reaches out and pats the top of my hand.  "Get out of here and spend time with your friends. We love you guys" she says, turning to disappear through the door to the back.  "Love you too, Pen!" I holler after her. 

I decide to send Beckham a text to see if she needs anything before I head over there.

Me: you need anything before I head your way tiny?

Short Stack: if you ~happen~ to stop anywhere on your way here, I'd be super appreciative if you'd grab me some more Vanilla Coke Zero. I shamefully ran out and forgot to restock 😭

Me: you got it, be there shortly.  Cool if I shower there?

Short Stack: yep!  Don't need you stinking up my guest bed 🤪

Me: 🙄 lies, my sweat smells sexy

Short Stack: whatever helps you sleep at night, flyboy.

Me: see ya soon wifey 😉

Short Stack: is it too early to ask for a divorce?

Me: sorry, my spicy little nugget.  For better or worse!

Short Stack: Jesus help me

I couldn't let her off that easy, right?