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upsidedior · 7 months

Text

Reunion

Paper. Paperwork EVERYWHERE.

He hadn't been back in his office for more than a day for a break when he got the call he was needed to come back urgently to sign off on new recruits. The tall male Shaelek sat in the office chair staring at the names on the list of newest cadets most foreign to him but a few sounded familiar. There were old names of families who answered the call to serve and some new, new species and yet for a moment the older Shaelek had to pause... Never in his life would he think he'd be back working in the Federation military authorizing the recruits sign ons. Things were different now; he was older had a more established career, gave lectures about Earth studies and his time on the planet, even got to personally toss Hamsterviel into a high security prison! The most satisfying day of his life... It had been a few years since his time on earth. Actually it had been over a decade if he calculated right.

Gantu, now Admiral of the Galactic Federation Armada, sat behind the floating desk with a heavy sigh, signing away each and every cadets' life to be brought aboard and serve within the military. Funny, he never imagined he'd survive this long in his military career to be the one signing paperwork. He always thought he was too reckless and would probably go out in a dogfight. Go out with a big bang, not become his old commander refered to as "ye ol war vet." Name after name, he assigned each and every one to various positions and stations, and as he went down the list, Gantu caught a name which was different than the others....

".....Cadet #626.... Lilo Pelekani...."

It took him a few minutes to make any connection. Li...lo... Lilo.... Lilo.... Why did that name ring a bell? Gantu paused saying the name out loud, "Lilo..." His blue eyes searching for the holoscreen button to activate. Blitznak it, he'd activate it the other way. "Computer, activate holoscreen. Search database of a ...Lilo Pelekani..." In a whirl of noises the information downloaded and the projection appeared in front of him. The screen appeared on top of the floating desk, levitating before him and the image of an earth female made him do a double take.

She was older. Her feminine features soft as her body had grown filling out her curves custom to earth females. Her picture shown a bright dazzling smile; The same big brown eyes, her black hair was longer same dark skin he remembered from her youth as the image of the little earth child who used to call him a "big dummy" stares back at him. SHE WAS OLDER?!?! BLITZNAK HOW OLD DID HE BECOME!?!? Gantu dropped the pen as the synapses made the connection.

COSMIC BLITZNAKING DAMNIT!!! IS SHE IN THE FEDERATION BUILDING!?!?

He was standing now the chair almost toppling behind him, "Locate cadet 626!" He should've known she would be associated with that number! The computer produced a list of scheduled times for courses, his hand already dialing the line to the Galley to reach its Chief of staff. "Location: main Galley." The computer voiced it's answer as Gantu made a sprint run darting out of his office. She was in the main cafeteria galley, he almost broke into a run redialing the comlink to his Chief of Staff Galley Officer Reuben over and over again until he heard the ormer experiment's voice on the other end.

"What's the emer---"

"Meet me outside the galley NOW!"

He was passing through hallways following the routes through the massive buildings to get to the main Galley. He finally got the outside of the food court where he met the little beige alien standing before the doors. Reuben, formally known as 625, was standing in his uniform with a bewildered expression on his face, his tiny hand pointing in a direction towards a figure sitting in the galley. She was human, her long black hair down against her back wearing the standard female federation uniform of grey top and skirt with the Turo mark on the belt. She was sitting alone at a table with a hot drink in her hands. If he could read her right, her heart rate was calm, but there was a nervousness about her. She looked around unsure of the surroundings... and Gantu couldn't help but empathize with that. Her gaze was back at her mug taking a drink. It was then Reuben peered up at him as Gantu took one more look at the woman.

"....is that...?" All Gantu could do was nod and took a deep breath. "Feel old yet, fishlegs?"

".... ancient. You?" He felt the chuckle escape himself as Reuben looked back at the woman seated some distance away in the Galley, replying,

"At least I don't look it."

The woman who called him the "Big Dummy" sat in silence as the throng of aliens bustled about, some stopping to stare at her and others rushing past not passing a blitz where she was there or not. Gantu felt his blood pressure rise with every alien passing the earthling a nasty look, Reuben was already pestering him to walk over there and reconnect. But.... maybe.... Later would be bes---

He caught her heart rhythm jumping to a fast pace.

A group of males had suddenly descended upon the table, Lilo seemed surprised her big brown eyes peering up at all of them surround her. The males, some bigger others smaller, hunched around her like predators scouting out their prey, one touching her hair, the others kissing the woman's hand as they introduced themselves. One male alien happened to be too closely eyeing up her leg for Gantu's taste. Oh Blitznak... He knew where this was heading... Damn kids thinking with the wrong head!

It was that moment Lilo had stared to look around the table and around at the other aliens like she was internally screaming for help. And their gazes connected. Gantu caught the wave of emotions in the little earthling's brown eyes: panic to shock to sudden relief.... It was all the signal he needed And Gantu pushed the doors open each one banged against the walls. The galley hall went silent. Thousands of aliens, from all ranks, stood straight saluting the Admiral as he entered inside the Galley. "At ease," his voice commanded as the thousands of aliens waited for orders. The Shaelek made a line for the table where Lilo sat still surrounded by the young dumb and full of.... Spunk men, each cadet staring wide eyed as he approached. The boys standing taller and giving the salute.

"Cadet 626, I have been looking for you. You are to report to my office this instant. You, gentleman, have delayed the Cadet for her meeting," Gantu lowered his gaze to the tallest alien's eye level. "Drop. And give me 50. Now."

A ringing SIR, YES SIR! rang through the Galley as all the boys harassing Lilo dropped to the ground and started their push ups. She was staring up at him with her big brown eyes, standing to follow after him as Gantu caught another younger Shaelek walking over to stand before him, "Shall we demand 100, Admiral?" This caused him to chuckle,

"Whatever you see fit, Captain."

And he turned around making his way out the Galley, Lilo trailing behind him to catch up.

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They hadn't said a word still. Well he hadn't, 625 well Reuben, had PLENTY to say as he walked side by side with the little earthling he called Tyke. As all three of them walked the long distance to his office, Reuben talked about their previous missions, how he introduced sandwiches into the federation, Gantu's promotion to Admiral of all of the Galactic Federation Armada, and of course all the gossip which made Gantus roll his eyes. They reached his office, finally, Gantu held the door open until both of them were inside taking seats from across the floating desk. Lilo's image still up on the holoscreen, the Shaelek was still silent as he sat from across the earthling and his galley officer. His blue eyes searched for the keypad, typing a code onto the desk and a lock hissed from the right side of his desk. He reached for the contents within the drawer, pulling out a large glass bottle with a very worn out label. It appeared to have never been opened.

"I had been... saving this for a very long time." Gantu placed the bottle upon the desk, his eyes scanning the earthling who clung to his every word. Her bright brown eyes seemed to take him in, all of him, Reuben, the whole office...

"... I can't believe you found me..." Her voice sounded... Young but mature alot like her older sister's.

"I can't believe you're here!" Came the voice of 625, he was bursting in his seat. "What brought you here?! When did you enlist?! Where's 626? Which floor is your room!? I can't wait to bunk with ya!"

"Reuben!" Gantu's voice rose to ring in the little genetic mutant as both of them stared at the little earth girl. "Let the earth girl breathe, and I'm sure she'll answer us." It was then Lilo Pelekani sat upright in her chair and crossed her legs.

"Thank you, Admiral, but I'm not a little girl anymore..." Was her heart racing slightly? Embarrassment came over him,

"My apologies, earth woman." How could he have made that blunder? "I guess it's been so long since we've crossed paths I still see you as that little child running around, chasing after dangerous experiments." Lilo's brown eyes blinked rapidly as she gazed up at him.

"I've missed seeing you guys, sandwich boi and big dummy. " She was giggling, Lilo's hands placed within her lap. "I'm just so relieved you're here." Gantu leaned forward on the desk hearing the old nickname, an almost playful scowl crossed his face. She was smiling back at him.

"Still a child I see, huh little tyke?"

"Are they calling you Admiral Blowhard yet?"

"Not yet, primitive earth punk. Still taking in suggestions."

"Captain Catfish?"

"That's Admiral Blowhard Catfish to you, and don't forget it, you little pain in the ass."

There was a silence between them before all three beings within his office burst out laughing. Blitznak, how long had it been since he belly ached laughed like all this? Gantu had his face against his desk laughing before pulling himself back to sit properly in his chair; Reuben was sideways his arm on Lilo and she slumped back still laughing as she wiped her eyes. Blitznak it was good to laugh.

Lilo collected herself, sitting up in her seat drying her eyes. "I was never a pain in the ass! That was Stitch!" Gantu did a quick wipe of his eye before grabbing unopened bottle on his desk, he was actually smiling as memories filled his mind of those years stuck on the mudball. He twisted the cap open letting the grain alcohol breathe.

"You were lucky you were a cute kid. Naming all those experiments like pets, always calling me names, foiling my plans to catch said experiments, and my absolute favorite..." Gantu was pouring the alcohol into three separate glasses, two small one large for himself, as he placed the drinks in front of the others. "...breaking my karaoke machine."

"I swear I never did that!" Lilo protested as she took the glass 625 handed to her, the three beings clinking each other's drinks.

"Don't care, little earth punk, you still owe me one. Drink, that's an order." And down the hatch the golden grain alcohol went. It burned the back of his throat. Whooo blitznak, that was strong!

"Now tell me, Cadet, why are you here?" Lilo began to fill in all details of her life since Gantu and Reuben went back into space.... blitz had time passed quickly.

"How is your sister? She ever marry that other human male who used to follow her around like a lost pup?" Gantu asked sitting back in the office chair, an almost knowing smile spread across his lips. "She had to have. The guy was practically part of your Ohana?" He noticed Lilo smile brightly.

"They did, I'm actually an auntie to 3 little kiddos!" Reuben almost jumped from his seat.

"Seriously! 3 little ones? You hear that, Gantu? I can pass my sandwich recipes down finally!"

"Please," Gantu himself was now leaning over the desk looking right at Lilo, "Please tell me if those kids are giving 626 a run for his money."

"Between time with me and Stitch, and uncle Jumba and aunt Pleakley, everyone is normally too tired to do anything, honestly." Lilo fixed her bangs and took another sip of the drink, "Oh yeah, all the kids chase Stitch day in and day out. He's back on Kauai helping while I'm up here for basic." Gantu leaned back lifting his drink to the ceiling,

"Paybacks a bitch, trog." He chuckled downing the last of the drink.

"What about yourself? Are you with anyone? And younglings?" The beige experiment clapped hoping for more little ones to pass things down to. Gantu noticed a slight flush of rose around the earthling's nose and cheeks, she looked almost mortified at being asked.

"No! No, no I'm not--nope! No kids from me.... Yet...." Lilo answered quickly. The Shaelek reached for the bottle quickly refilling the young woman's glass, delicately he poured a generous amount.

"Reuben asks the most invasive questions, doesn't he?" Lilo was almost downing it to which Gantu barked a laughed. "Easy there, Cadet, save some for the next wave of embarrassment."

"So my cuz isn't up here with you?" Reuben asked her his eyes scanning Lilo over. Even Gantu raised an eyebrow at that.

"Yeah," Lilo was sitting back against the seat her brown eyes cast down at the drink in her hand. He could hear her heartbeats quickening again, an almost sullen emotion emanating from her. "He stayed behind to help with the Ohana, the kids would be heartbroken with out him there... And you know, we keep the other experiments in line..." She glanced at Reuben for a moment. "Guess I'm alone up here."

"No you're not." It was instant. The moment the woman spoke, it was as if she was that little earth girl sitting in the seat before him. He could see the scared little child within her and something pulled at him. Gantu leaned forward and typed a few codes into the keyscreen. Certain images of Cadet 626 flashed upon the holoscreen, check marks turned from red to green, and with a few more key stokes Lilo's image had disappeared from under a rather stern looking lieutenant of a canine alien species to another screen popping up, one where Gantu's own image was placed on top.

"Well would you look at that? I filled that personal assistant position that's been vacant for years." The Shaelek placed both arms on the desk, his blue eyes studying Lilo as she took in all the information before her. "Personal assistants follow high ranking officers at all times, including missions. Unless deemed too dangerous. And they pay well too." He gave her a wink to which Lilo brought her hands to her mouth, a small smile began to spread. "Oh, and when you're not by my side, you are to be with Reuben. Blitznak knows he won't leave your alone..."

"You got that right, tyke! We have so much gossip to discuss!" The beige experiment placed his hand on the little earth girl... woman's arm, gently rubbing it. "You're not alone anymore, were technically Ohana anyway!" Lilo was wrapping her arms around Reuben holding onto him tightly, her watery brown eyes peering up back at Gantu... Ah blitznak, earthling ocular orbs were weapons by themselves!

"How can I ever thank you?" He heard Lilo ask him as she wiped her own eyes on her sleeve. Gantu paused for a moment feeling a smirk spread across his face.

"Replace the karaoke machine." He felt the laugh escape him as he stood carrying himself around the floating office desk, his position now in front of the earth woman hugging onto Reuben for dear life. "I'm kidding, you don't have to do that! But I only ask you follow one rule; you are to never put yourself in danger. Am I clear, Cadet?"

"Yes, Admiral,"

"I mean it, Lilo." His voice was stern as he pointed a finger at her. "When you are not at my side working, you are to be with Reuben. I don't want you alone at any time. You're the first Human to be here, and with that comes a certain amount of.... Unwanted attention." His backside was leaning against the desk both hands now planted on the top. He could see her shift uncomfortably in her seat, the memory of the jarheads in the Galley fresh in her mind. "If the boys get too rowdy, just holler and let them know old Gantu will rip their throats out... Or girls whatever you're into." It was the soft smile and wet eyes that did him in, as Lilo stood with her arms outstretched.

"No. No! I don't do-- Ah blitznak..." She was already hugging his leg tightly. Damn blitznaking kids making him go soft! Gantu leaned over his large hand patting her gently. "You'll be alright, kiddo, I promise."

"We gotta do sandwiches tonight! What will it be?! Ham? Turkey? Bologna? Classic PBJ? You name it, and old Reuben will make it!" The little earth woman's attention to his galley officer, both expressing excitement about the endless possibilities of sandwiches (...great....), The Shaelek paused to note how seemingly right it felt for Lilo to be here. He could see it... One day she would be sitting on the council or captain of her own ship... Blitznak, he could even see her wearing the same uniform as he one day, Admiral of the Galactic Armada, commanding the entire fleet... She was meant to be up here among the stars...

A ping notification went off on his wrist com, his blue eyes took note to the name across the screen. He let the visitor access clearance to walk in. With a slight hiss of the door opening, the visitor walked in his vision glued to the clipboard in his hands. He was a tall Shaelek, deep shade of purple with a lighter shade for his underbelly, well built for his age and rank, and he was wearing the traditional Captain's uniform; black flightsuit with long sleeves and red stripes along the sides. He was younger with only a few minor brawl marks on his fresh face. Upon his head were those aviator sunglasses Gantu gifted him when the young one became Captain of his own ship; his bright green eyes finally looked up and gave a salute... He was the spitting image of Gantu's late brother....

"Admiral, here are the blueprints for the new BRB 12,000 you requested." The younger Captain's voice was deep but still held a hint of youth to it, "There's 170 pages of illustration alone."

"At ease, Captain." Gantu watched the younger man relax handing over the stack of papers.

"It's going to be one hell of a construction job, sir. Hey Reuben! We making that beer battered sand--" The Shaelek Captain was making his way over to beige experiment waving at him...and paused... Stopped in mid sentence.... and Gantu took note the Captain's bright green eyes honed in on the earth woman standing. Reuben was already taking a few steps back to where Gantu stood, both men glanced at one another and back to the young ones before them. He could hear the pulse race within her, ah blitznak.... Was this....??? Gantu noticed Lilo was locked in gaze with the Shaelek staring back at her. Both seemed surprised at each others existence; there was a soft red color upon her cheeks as Lilo brought a hand fix a strand of hair behind her ear. The dark purple Shaelek with green eyes was the first to make a move. "......A-And H--Hel-Hello... To you too, miss...."

"L-Lilo. Im Lilo..."

"Ox. My name's O-Oximus..." Gantu watched the interaction unfold the young Captain bending down to observe the earthling before him. "You're Human... My apologies, I never met a.... Li-Lilo before..." It was then Oximus gazed up at him and Reuben, his bright green eyes wide, "Wait ..... Is she...??" A chuckle escaped Gantu as he nodded.

"Yes, she is. Lilo," he addressed her, "this is my nephew, Oximus." It dawned on him that Lilo didn't know he had other members of his family here on Turo... "Ox, this is the legendary little earth girl, who captured and tamed experiment 626 along with the other 625 experiments and assisted me in the arrest and detainment of Dr Hamsterviel, and..."

"She's the one you tripped over and fell off a cliff landing on your ass!!" Ox suddenly became animated as Reuben burst out laughing. "You're a blitznaking legend here! Did you actually get stuck with my uncle on some island with an experiment that shot flames at you guys?! And one that sank boats?! And one that stole everyone's socks?!"

"Oh that was Splodeyhead!" Lilo laughed, "there are tons of stories I can share, and a few of when Gantu caught some." He caught her brown eyes peering up at him and he had to shrug.

"If you insist."

"That's amazing," Oximus was standing now his hands behind his back. "The legendary Lilo here on Turo in the Galactic Federation. All the cousins back home will be jealous I got to meet you first." He said with a laugh to which Lilo widened her eyes. "We've been told stories from uncle Gantu all about his time on your planet... Is it true you humans strip bare and bake in the sun on the beach?"

"Guilty..." Lilo giggled as a soft rose color flushed against her cheeks, her eyes darted to the floor for a moment.

"I need to hear your side of the time you threw bird legs at my uncle's ship at the primitive earth festival." Ox was smiling brightly as Gantu felt the groan escape him.

"It took months to get the smell of earth fowl out, and so much grease stuck to the windshield..." both youngsters were staring at him now as the older Shaelek let out a sigh. "The festival had good ale though." Lilo happened to fall into a giggle spasm as she fixed her skirt.

"That was with Tank, and I'd be happy to tell you that story."

"Fantastic," Ox was now giving his uncle a look, and cleared his throat, "I'd like to make a request, Admiral, to borrow the human to join me as I retrieve the rest of the BRB 12,000 reports for you." Gantu studied the two for a moment, he could hear Lilo's heart beat faster at the mention of joining his nephew. There was an almost excited air around her and it caused the older Shaelek to ponder something...

"Request granted, Captain. The Cadet is my personal assistant and will have to learn the records hall after all. Be back at 1900 hours." Before he or Reuben could get another word it, both Ox and Lilo had given the salute to him and made their way to the door both exiting. Gantu stood in silence watching the figures walk down the hallway both talking animatedly.... He felt his mind swimming.

His hand reached for the bottle and his empty glass, and Gantu poured himself and Reuben a generous amount. When the little experiment gave him a look, he knew what the other was thinking ...

"So much for keeping herself out of trouble.." the old admiral spoke.

"More like she's found a permanent bodyguard...." Reuben said before he took a sip. "You think they'll want sandwiches at their wedding?" Gantu took a big gulp of the drink before glancing down at his friend.

"............... Probably."

"You're drinking that pretty fast there, bud..." Reuben was scrunching his nose up at him and Gantu shrugged.

"The realization just hit of Jumba and Pleakley might become in laws... One big blended ohana as Lilo would say." The Shaelek had to sign, he should be used to it by now.

"Yeah I mean, this kinda funs in the family... So when are you telling the tyke you married a human a couple years ago?" Reuben raised a brow with an almost playful sneer. To this Gantu barked a laugh placing his drink down and gave his friend a knowing smile.

"When Ox and Lilo both are granted leave for a weekend, and come for a BBQ... Then they'll meet Rachel." Reuben gave a quick pat on his friends leg,

"Your wife needs to give me that recipe for pulled swine meat sandwich, it's been years she has to give it up!"

"Blitznaking hell no, that's why I married her!" Gantu laughed pushing himself away from the desk looking at his wrist communicator; another ping notification. He noticed the time as a smirk spread on his lips. "I'm leaving early, are you alright with making sure those kids don't get into any trouble tonight?" Reuben quirked a brow bringing his face to a dead pan expression.

"I babysat you for 3 years, I think I can handle those two. Now go," the beige experiment started to shoo at him, "I'll watch the kids and make sure they behave! Tell your wife she owes me." Gantu was already grabbing his bag from his desk, the black sling over his shoulder as he looked back at his old friend.

"Have Ox put the reports on my desk, tell Lilo I'll see her tomorrow morning at 800 hours. Don't keep them out too late, 625." The scowl from Reuben was worth it. "Aloha~"

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His personal cruiser finally arrived out to a plot of land outside the bustling megacity of Turo. This place was far away from the chaos, a slice of tranquility if you will where every weekend time stood still. The house was not like the modern architecture of Turo, it was more Earthlike and homely he had come to like. For over a few acres tall grass grew fenced in around their property where a few bizarre looking illegal genetic experimentations who clung to his wife came to live out their mischievous Lives...His wife called it a ranch, he called it home.

As he made his way up the path to the earthling style home, Gantu could see the human sitting on the large porch; she was laying on the large wicker couch, three large critters laid around her in a protective cocoon. His blue eyes caught the floating lanterns' light luminating her long auburn hair in messy tressels around her, her back leaning against one reptilian experiment dozing off, her pale legs stretched resting on one of the marine experiments snoring away, her beautiful green eyes gazing deeply into the novel she held on her hand... The other hand gently stroking the green canine sock stealer's fur as it munched on one of her socks....

He reached the bottom step to the porch when 4 pairs of eyes peered up at him, the bright emerald orbs of the human he made a vow to a few years ago gazing up at him with excitement. They were his favorite. He watched his wife sit up, her dazzling smile always made his pulse skip a beat...

Gantu had to smirk... Boy would she get a kick out of this!

"Guess who finally enlisted." He could see the wheels in Rachel's mind turning as he climbed the porch steps tossing his bag to the floor and sitting next to her. He had to lift the marine critter like experiment so he could actually sit... the experiment stretched and curled back onto a ball on his lap. "Let's just say, I'm officially Old as Blitz now." Rachel's green eyes went wide at the realization and a huge smile spread on her lips.

"When is she coming for dinner?! You need to find out her favorite food so I can have it ready for her! And don't say sandwiches," Gantu rolled his eyes as his human partner stood pushing the marine experiment off his lap. "She's getting a proper Earth dinner, one that reminds--"

"Her of home." Gantu finished the sentence smirking at his wife. "I think she'll appreciate that very much." Rachel raised a brow an almost knowing smile spread on the soft petals of her lips.

"Maybe your nephew should stop by, you know, someone closer to her age to talk to?" He couldn't contain the laugh that escaped him, his hand rubbing his snout before he peered down at Rachel's inquisitive look.

"OH they met, right in my office!" His wife's stunned expression made Gantu laugh harder as he used his finger to check the air. "Beat you to it babe, completely by accident. Reuben's babysitting them so they don't get into trouble."

"You left the laziest experiment to watch your daredevil nephew and the experiment chasing earth girl?" His wife put her hands on her hips, "The Federation doesn't stand a chance!"

"No, I suppose it doesn't." Gantu let out a chuckle, his arm already around his human wife, "But, it got me out of work early to see you." Rachel's emerald eyes connected with his and they softened. Her smile spreading wider as she leaned her entire body against him.

"Want to sit out here for a while and watch the stars, hun?" The twilight was making her eyes sparkle and it made his heart skip a beat.

"For you," the Shaelek leaned down his snout touching the top of the earthling's head gently taking in her scent, "Always."

And they did, both sitting on their porch a bunch of illegal genetic experiments who needed a home huddled around them.... both watching the night skies and talking about their day. There was one thing for sure, Gantu was most certain.... this weekend was going to be one fun reunion.

#im trash #captain gantu #lilo and stitch au #gantu #lilo pelekai #alien shark dad #experiment 625 #625 you hilarious #totally see the father-daughter-ship of these two

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babydollmarauders · 9 months

Text

FIGHT — JACK HUGHES

part of the el!hughes au

summary: y/n (lovie) and jack get into their biggest fight yet

warnings: fighting, mention of bad parents (lovie’s)

my head slumps on the back of the couch as Eleanor’s cries pierce my eardrums.

“El, baby, c’mon.” i groan out.

my recently turned one year old is sprawled out on the apartment floor, throwing a fit over something of which i have no idea.

i tried to pick her up, but she just kept pushing my hands away, screaming ‘mama! no! mama, no! no, mama!’

it’s been two weeks of this, and i have a sneaking suspicion that her constant sour mood has been all because of the particular absence of her favorite person. Jack.

it’s been two weeks of early wake-ups and late nights. two weeks of El having meltdowns if i mess up even one thing, like giving her cheetos in a bowl instead of her snack cup, or suggesting Moana instead of watching Lilo & Stitch for the billionth time, or reading her the wrong book at bed time. it’s been two weeks of sleep regression, no naps, and her throwing her food every chance she gets. two weeks of her screaming if i try and leave the room, but screaming if i try and pick her up as well. two weeks of bags under my eyes, messy buns because my hair is horribly greasy, and surviving purely on coffee.

i’m tired. my feet hurt because every time i sit, El screams at me. my head hurts from her screaming. and now my stomach cramps because i, of course, both started my period, and have not had a moment to eat all day. i’ve broken down in tears nearly every night once i finally get El to sleep, because i don’t know how much more of this i can take.

tears well up in my eyes at this very moment, and it takes everything in me to hold back my own screams. not necessarily directed at my daughter, but just in frustration. i can’t think clearly. it’s nearing midnight and i’ve tried everything to get her to sleep, but she just keeps fighting it.

i know she’s tired, just like i am. she’s been up since five in the morning, which means so have i.

“i give up.” i cry out, burying my face in my hands, weeping into them in frustration and exhaustion. “i get it, El. you want your father. i know. please, i know.”

El’s cries pause and i peek through my fingers to see her watching me with a tilted head, before she bursts back into tears.

i steel my spine, wiping my own tears, and strengthening myself. i rise from the couch, scooping my daughter up, despite her smacks to my chest and pulls on my now-falling-out bun, and shuffle towards her bedroom.

going for the last ditch effort, i grab the hidden pacifier in her top dresser drawer, and pop it into her mouth before turning on the white noise machine in the corner and placing her in her crib.

i gaze down at her, watching as she yawns, tears still slipping from her eyes. her eyelids flutter closed before she pries them back open and stares back at me.

“Eleanor Elizabeth Hughes, you have to sleep.” i scold in a whisper.

retreating from the room, closing the door and listening for her wails; i nearly cry in relief when nothing comes. nothing but silence and the sound of the white noise.

my feet pad across the wooden floors as i walk to the kitchen, keeping an ear out for El’s possible whines. too drained to make myself anything sustainable, i settle for a yogurt cup and a cheese stick. bringing my snacks with me into Jack and i’s bedroom, i settle under the blankets.

i have no energy to put into paying attention to a show or movie, and not nearly enough to read a book; so i sit in silence, staring at the wall as i eat.

placing the now empty yogurt cup on my nightstand, i pick at the cheese stick, lost in thought.

i’m struggling.

i feel like a single parent half the time.

i’m not sure how actual single parents do it. the ones who have to work and take care of their children. because parenting in and of itself is a full time job.

i know it’s not fair of me to think so little of myself, but i can’t help feeling like a horrible mother. she never wants me anymore; only ever yearning for Jack.

and i get it. i yearn for him too when he’s gone.

but can’t she be happy with me?

i miss the sound of the front door shutting; too deep in my own head. too far gone in my own thoughts.

but i do hear the not-so-hushed whispers of my husband and his brother as they venture farther into the apartment.

i hear the ‘goodnight.’ from Luke before his bedroom door shuts. i hear the nursery door opening, the white noise from the room getting louder. and then a few minutes later, i hear the nursery door click shut and the sound of my husbands footsteps getting closer down the hall before our bedroom door opens.

my cheese stick is long gone, and my fingers now settle for playing with each other. my nails picking at the others as i still sit in a catatonic state of exhaustion; staring at the wall in front of me.

Jack lets out a breath of surprise when he notices i’m awake in the dim lighting of the bedside lamp.

“hey, lovie.” he leans down, his fists pressing down on the mattress top, and lays a swift kiss on my cheek before rising back up to his full height.

i glance over as he throws Eleanor’s pacifier onto his nightstand.

“i thought we agreed no more pacifiers when she turned one? she hasn’t had one in the past month.” he huffs, stripping his shirt off and throwing it towards the hamper in the corner of the bedroom, narrowly missing by an inch. he eyes the shirt for a millisecond before shrugging and repeating the process with his pants, this time making it in the hamper.

“yeah, well, you weren’t here to attend to her screams and i was.” i retort.

“so you resorted to the paci?” he questions, pulling a pair of flannel pajama pants out of his dresser drawer.

“stop mom-shaming me.” i snap, scooting down and flopping onto my side, my back facing Jack.

“lovie.” he sighs. the bed dips as he sits behind me. “that’s not what i was doing.”

“yes. you were.” i accuse. “you’re saying i’m a bad mom for giving my daughter what she needed in order to fall asleep.”

i turn in the bed to look up at him and he parts his lips to speak, but i keep going.

“but you weren’t here, Jack. you didn’t hear her cries, or have to try every trick in the book to calm her down. you weren’t awake with her for nineteen hours with no nap only to still have her fight bed time. so, yes, i resorted to the pacifier. and ya know what? it worked.”

“i get that you’re in a bad mood, but why are you taking it out on me? i wasn’t even here for you to get angry at me.” he remarks.

“i’m not.” i deny, closing my eyes and hoping he’ll take it as a sign to just let me sleep.

“you are.” he grunts. “and it makes me feel like i’m the bad guy for doing my job.”

“well, i wouldn't have to do this all alone if it weren't for your fucking job.” i know as soon as i say it that my words were uncalled for. but, before i can take them back, Jack stands from the bed, making my eyes fly open to look at him.

“do i not help when i’m home? i’m so sorry that me providing for our family is so hard for you.” he sneers. his sarcasm is not appreciated, and i sit up in the bed in anger. “i’m so sorry that you have to be a mother, while i’m gone making money so that you don’t have to work.”

i shuffle onto my knees on the bed, glaring daggers at my husband.

“when have i ever complained about being a mother? and when have i ever said that i don’t want to work? i never asked to stay at home! but it’s what i do, because not both of us can work without putting El in daycare. which you said you didn’t want to do.”

my finger juts at my chest before poking his. my words harsh in delivery, but quiet in attempt to not disturb the sleeping baby down the hall.

“i never once complained about being a mother. i love her.” i continue.

“are you implying that i don’t love her?” Jack fumes.

“i never said that!” i cry. “you’re putting words into my mouth!”

“i’m just trying to provide for us!” our attempted quiet is long forgotten now, and i can only hope that the white noise in El’s room is enough to mask our argument.

“you think i don’t know that?” i exclaim, he opens his mouth but i don’t let him get a word in. “i’m just saying that you don’t understand how exhausting it is being a single parent half the fucking hockey season! you leave and play games and go out to fucking bars to celebrate wins and i stay here and take care of our daughter, who for the past two weeks, only wanted you!”

Jack throws his hands up in the air, huffing in anger.

“well, i can’t help that! i get that it’s hard, but you’d think you’d be a bit more grateful. it’s part of my job to leave, y/n!”

of everything he’s said, it’s those words that cut me the deepest. and what hurts the most, as small as it may seem, is that within all of our fights, big or small, throughout our entire six years together, never once has he called me by my name while we fought.

it’s always ‘lovie’.

but suddenly, i’m ‘y/n’.

i lower myself onto my butt on the mattress. tears are streaming down my cheeks and i try to wipe them away before Jack can see them.

“now you’re gonna cry?” he lowers himself onto the bed and i push myself off of it in order to gain distance, now standing a couple feet away.

“i quit.” my voice is quiet and surrendered, my words sheltered. i watch as his face drops, lips parting in shock.

“what?” he mumbles, his eyes softening.

i shake my head, letting my tears flow freely now as i round the bed and i head toward the cracked open door.

“where are you going?” he questions, his tone still holding a dash of anger.

“to sleep in Luke’s room.” i reply. he calls after me but his words fall on deaf ears.

i need space.

i don’t bother knocking on Luke’s door, opening it to find him just now sitting down in bed, his hair wet and leftover steam drifting from his en-suite bathroom.

his head snaps over to the door as i close it, and at the sight of my tears, he pats the bed beside him.

a sob racks my chest as i crawl into bed with the boy i look at as a brother. he pulls me into his side, no words spoken between us as he rubs a hand over my hair, letting me cry into his chest and soak his plain white t-shirt.

a muffled cry escapes my lips and he squeezes me tighter, pressing a kiss to my scalp. nothing needs to be said, no words needed to be shared, just quiet shushes and his hand rubbing up and down my back, the other still holding my head tight to his chest in grounding.

i’m not sure how long passes before i cry myself to sleep, Jack’s words echoing on a loop inside my head.

‘you’d think you’d be a bit more grateful.’

***

i’m unsure what time it is when i awake, but Luke is gone from the bed, and the sun peeks through the bedroom window.

i know Luke and Jack have the day off, so if Luke is already up, then i must have slept in later than i usually do.

despite the apparent long sleep, i don’t feel as well rested as i should. my eyes flutter shut for a few moments, but at the sound of the familiar squeal of excitement from my daughter, drifting in through the crack in the door, my eyes fly back open.

i kick my legs free from the tangle of blankets and throw them over the side of the bed, peeling my tired body up off the mattress. i rub my eyes as i walk over to Luke’s bathroom, ignoring the mess amongst the counter and looking in the mirror.

my eyes are still red and puffy from crying, and i turn on the faucet, cupping my hands under the cold running water and splashing it on my face before drying it with the hand towel that’s thrown haphazardly on the counter.

exiting the bathroom and bedroom, i’m immediately met with the sight of El’s smiling face bounding down the hall. her chubby little legs wobble as she runs.

“mama! dada!” she squeals, motioning behind her. a grin overtakes my lips at her excitement.

“yeah? is dada home?” i ask with a laugh as she runs smack into my legs, reaching up with grabby hands.

my heart melts in my chest. for the first time in two weeks, she wants me.

“mama! dada!” she repeats as i hoist her up, lifting her above my head and rejoicing in her giggles.

my eyes are all too soon drawn to my husband at the end of the hall. he stands leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, a faint smile on his lips while my own falls at the sight of him.

our fight replays in my mind; flashes of his red face and his defensive stance. echoes of his harsh tone and his cruel words.

Jack approaches us, leaning down to press a kiss to my lips, but i shift my face, his lips landing on my cheek instead. pulling back, his face falls, hurt shining in his eyes. it hurts me to see him upset, but i can’t bring myself to feel too bad, as i, too, am hurting.

i maneuver around him, padding down the hallway with El in my arms, making my way to the open layout of the living room and kitchen.

Luke is sat on the couch, eyes on his phone while Lilo & Stitch plays on the tv, and i flop down beside him. El crawls into his lap, pushing his phone out of the way and pushing her smiling face into his line of sight. i watch his eyes light up, sliding his phone into his pocket and tickling her sides.

a laugh escapes my lips as he lifts El upside down in front of his face, making her giggle contagiously. but once again, my lips fall back straight as Jack enters the room again.

the day continues like this, living amicably with Jack, but not happily. as the day goes on, the more i reflect on our fight the night prior, and the worse i feel. i was in the wrong. i knew that last night and i know it now.

i know leaving El is hard for him, just as taking care of her without him is hard for me. but my guilt doesn’t erase his words.

i know he didn’t mean it, just as he knows that i didn’t mean mine, but it still hurts. he cut deep. he accused me of being ungrateful, the very same thing he knows my parents called me when i told them i was moving out.

‘you’re so ungrateful. we offered you to keep living with us even after your graduation, and you’d rather move out with your unstable little boyfriend than live with the people who raised you. well, don’t come crawling back to us, we don’t take ungrateful children.’

a lump grows in my throat as i compare the fights. it’s nine at night and Jack is in El’s room, putting her to sleep, Luke long having retired to his own bedroom, leaving me alone on the couch. my knees are pulled up to my chest, my arms hugging them tight, as tears stream down my cheeks.

a small part of me tells me i should apologize. i know if i do, he will too. he already seems to want to move past it.

but the larger part of me says to wait. to let him apologize to me. to make him acknowledge that we fought. instead of brushing past it like it never happened.

Jack strides into the living room, child free, and it’s the first time we’ve really been alone together all day.

i avoid his gaze, rather wiping my tears and averting my eyes to the television, which still plays the credits of The Little Mermaid from our before bedtime movie.

he sighs, taking a seat on the opposite side of the couch. his hand reaches out to graze my leg and i flinch at the soft touch. the larger part of me wins and i rise from the couch, stalking off to our bedroom and away from him.

i quickly change into my pajamas, hoping to be out of the bedroom before he comes in, but i’m not so lucky.

he enters the room as i’m pulling my t-shirt over my head. my t-shirt. not his. he notices this change quickly and shakes his head.

he stands silently, his back leaning against the now closed door as i pull on sweatpants, watching my every move.

i move to the en-suite bathroom when i’m done. making quick work of washing my face and brushing my teeth. when i finally finish with my nightly routine, i head back out to the still blocked bedroom door.

Jack eyes me up and down, and a quick wetting of his lips tells me he’s horny, but i laugh inside at the thought.

does me angry and upset, turn him on? does he really think he has any chance of getting lucky tonight when he hasn’t even apologized?

“can you move?” i huff, crossing my arms.

“where are you going now?” he questions, shaking his head.

“Luke’s room. again.”

“you know we have a bed, right? the one you were in last night before you left me alone in here.” his words twist my heart, but i stand my ground.

“oh, you mean the same bed i was sitting in when you implied that i’m ungrateful and selfish?” i mock, tilting my head.

“lovie.” his tone is defensive enough to let me know that he doesn’t plan on apologizing tonight, so rather than waiting and hoping for Jack to move, i push him aside lightly with my shoulder and slip through the door.

i knock lightly on Luke’s door and it doesn’t take long for him to open it, letting me slip through into the room.

“you guys are still fighting?” Luke asks, shutting the door and walking over to sit on his bed.

“i promise, this is the last time i’ll sleep in your room. if we’re still fighting tomorrow night, i’ll sleep on the couch.” i assure him, crawling up the bed and laying on my side, facing him.

“i don’t have a problem with you sleeping in here, lovie.” he sighs, laying down on his side so that we lay face to face. “i’ve just never seen you guys fight like this, ya know? you guys are usually so in love, it just scares me to see you fight. i want the best for both of you.”

my eyes soften and i raise my hand, running it softly through Luke’s unruly curls.

“Lukey, i’m still madly in love with your brother. one fight isn’t gonna change that.” i tell him. “he said some things that hurt me. i said things that i’m sure hurt him too. but we’ll get through this. we love each other.”

i speak with assurance, but at this point, i’m not sure if i’m reassuring Luke, or myself.

“you should go to sleep, bubs. you have practice in the morning.” i press a kiss to Luke’s forehead before he turns his bedside lamp off and flops down on his side, his back now facing me.

i follow suit, my back facing Luke as i close my eyes and let myself drift to sleep.

***

i’m woken up by little hands smacking my cheeks, immediately followed by the sound of my husbands whispers.

“oh no, El, we don’t smack mommy. we’re gentle.” he tells her softly, and soon after, i feel her open mouth press against my cheek; her version of a kiss.

my eyes flutter open and i’m met by the smiling face of my daughter. she’s held hovering above me by Jack, who seems worried for my reaction.

“hi, baby!” i coo, a smile stretching over my lips as i take her from him. “good morning, beautiful!”

“mama!” she cheers, followed by a steady stream of babbling.

“she woke up a couple hours ago. she was looking for you.” Jack tells me. “i just changed her diaper, and she already ate breakfast, but i noticed she’s been chewing on everything this morning, so i threw a couple of her teething toys in the freezer and she’ll probably want a popsicle soon to sooth her gums.”

i look up at him and nod, acknowledging that i heard him, before i sit up and lay El down on the bed, tickling her tummy and listening to her joyous giggles fill the room.

“Luke and i are off to practice, we’re running late.” he runs his hand over El’s hair, leaning down and kissing her forehead before turning to look at me again. “Luke said he wants to take El to the park after we get back. he said for me to ask you if you can have her dressed and her diaper bag ready for when he and i get back.”

“yeah, i can do that.” i reply and he nods, pushing off the bed and laying a kiss on my own forehead before he leaves the room.

i heave out a sigh, looking down at El, who’s already looking up at me.

“you wanna go take a shower with mommy?” i baby talk, pasting a smile back on my face. she smiles right back, grabbing at my shirt. “yeah, you do. you love showers, don’t you? my little water baby.”

El is all dressed and ready to go when Jack and Luke arrive home, while i stick the last snack into her diaper bag.

“hey, lovie.” Luke chimes, throwing an arm around my shoulder and squeezing my head into his chest. “she ready?”

“mhm! she should be good to go.” i confirm as i push out of his hold, stuffing the bag into his arms instead. “you have the stroller, right?”

“yeah, i’m taking Jack’s car and it’s already in the trunk.” he confirms, slinging the diaper bag over his shoulder and scooping his niece up from where she was already staring up at him by his legs.

“alright, say bye-bye to mommy and daddy!” Luke sings out, waving to us. El copies him, waving her entire arm about in order to wave goodbye, and with that, they’re out the door; leaving Jack and i in silence.

i busy myself by picking up the toys strewn about the living room floor, while Jack unloads the dishwasher. but tension lingers in the air.

maybe i should just apologize.

i hate this feeling.

i hate not being cuddled up with him right now.

we usually spend any El free hours curled up in our bed. napping, watching a movie, talking, or just taking part in general bedroom activities.

but instead, we’re across the room from each other, doing daily household chores and trying hard to avoid the screaming silence between us.

i drop a barbie into the toy box and stand up straight, looking towards my husband, who’s already staring at me with gentle eyes.

“i’m sorry.” i sigh, squeezing my eyes shut, holding my hands to my face. “i hate fighting.”

his hurried footsteps click against the wooden floors, stopping when he gets in front of me. his hands come up to mine, delicately pulling them away from my face before his arms encircle my waist.

“i hate it too.” he whispers, and i know his words hold a double meaning. he hates fighting and he hates leaving.

“i shouldn’t have said the things that i did. i shouldn’t have taken my bad mood out on you.” i let my head bob forward, my forehead laying against his chest. “i was tired, and i was angry at the situation, but not at you. never at you. you’re providing for our family, and i’m so glad that you get to do that by doing something you love.”

he kisses the top of my head, his lips lingering on my scalp.

“i’m sorry too.” he mumbles against me.

“i’m sorry for making it seem like i was mom-shaming you, i should’ve chosen my words more carefully. i’m sorry for making you feel bad. i’m sorry for accusing you of saying i don’t love her, i know that’s not what you were saying. and most of all, i’m sorry for implying that you were ungrateful. you’re not. i know you’re not. i should’ve never implied that you were.

“you’re an amazing mom, lovie. the best i could’ve ever hoped for El. i should’ve been more understanding about how hard it is for you to take care of her alone while i’m gone.”

i peer up at him, my chin still resting on his chest, and give him a pointed look.

“and i’m sorry for not calling you ‘lovie’.” he huffs out through a laugh. the corners of my mouth quirk up and i pull his head down to push our lips together.

my whole body melts even further into his, finally at peace for the first time in over two weeks.

#el!hughes au #jack hughes #jack hughes x reader #jack hughes imagine #jack hughes fic #jack hughes blurb #nhl fic #nhl blurb #nhl imagine #faithlynn’s writings <3

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