O Captain!

If the highest aim of a captain was to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever.

[rcguereveries]

As Penny started out of the kitchen, she could hear Nikki talking about all the different options that one had for a beverage. The conversation was so normal, from what she was hearing, that it also struck the brunette as she stood staring at the various top-shelf liquors. She had to be grateful for her sister, even if it was her fault that they were there at all. There wasn’t a moment that passed that Nikki wasn’t trying her best to make the former hotelier, the nurse, and their tiny shipmate feel like they were one with the family that was there.  

Of course that wasn’t true. The three of them were very removed from the whole Owens clan. Penny had only been really in touch with Nikki in the last 12 months and even that was only consisting of the older Owens occasionally answering the phone when her sister called. It was her doing that she didn’t really know anything about her adoptive family, and yet it was surprisingly upsetting to be there and have to acknowledge that estrangement.  

Her hand rose to grab a glass from the shelf as she felt someone’s presence near her. She glanced over at the other, smiling gently when she realized it was Biff and let out a small snicker at the question. It was the same question she was asking herself. It would be so easy to pour some whiskey and continue the night with the assistance of the liquor, but something was telling her that she was stronger than she was before. She didn’t need the crutch of alcohol to help her- she had her chosen family with her. 

A sigh came from her lips before she opened the small fridge that was housed at the bar area and opened a sparkling water bottle, pouring the bubbling liquid into the glass she had plucked from the shelf.  

“I am... getting through.” She finally replied after returning the bottle to the fridge and taking a sip of the water. “This is a little more difficult than I realized it would be. Or at least... more upsetting and less angry.” She shrugged gently. An abundance of giggles came from behind the couch and the nurse realized that the three children were hiding behind it. “Well, one of us is having a very good time, thankfully.”  

[biff--mcintosh]

“You’re faring far better than you would have before.” Biff wasn’t only saying that for the sake of complimenting or uplifting her; Penny was still very much her stubborn and ‘tough love’ self, but a more patient and open-hearted version of herself. As surprising to her family as their current state was. “Had this celebration occurred a few years ago,” he reasoned, thinking back on the days when Scandals still stood in all of its glittery glamor, “you would have found yourself in no less than three different squabbles by now.”

Thank goodness that this Thanksgiving wasn’t playing out like all of the other stories he’d heard. Weren’t reunions often the prime times for conflicting personalities?

Yet all it took was a simple giggle, high-pitched and light-hearted, courtesy of one Jackie O., for him to be reassured. Biff caught their little girl’s blue eyes peeking out from behind the cushions, then her cousins’ gazes shortly after. He, in turn, raised a curious brow and smiled.

“If I had to wager a guess, it would be that we’ve become unwitting participants in their game. I overheard them, earlier, discussing some kind of ‘castle of mystery.’” After nodding to the girls — the reaction to which was a chorus of little squeals and footsteps away — Biff turned back to the bar and began fixing his own drink. Still water. There was no need for theatrics tonight. And yet—

“Do you wager yourself a ‘Lady of the Arcane?’” It was, of course, a tease. His easy-to-babble nature meant that was also the first one that Jackie would invite to tea parties and the like. That, however, never discouraged him from finding ways to convince Penny into joining. “I would say that you fit the role quite well. For one, you still maintain that mysterious aura about you,” not only because of how distanced she was from her family, “and dare I say that your touch is always magical.”

Okay. So maybe there was a certain flirtatiousness to his words. Subtle, but there, and coupled with the squeeze on her shoulder, he only meant to uplift her spirits. “I am also having a very pleasant time. Everyone is very friendly, although I must admit, I fear this may not be the case forever, if I do not pledge my football allegiance properly tonight.” He chuckled at the thought. “—But, that being said…” He scanned their surroundings swiftly, ensuring that no one was looking before leaning in and pressing his lips against her temple. “I am proud of you, Penny. And I am both hopeful and optimistic that you’ll find some enjoyment by the end of the night.”

Even from this spot, tucked away in the corner, he could hear a certain voice that guaranteed it: “I’m of the impression that Nikki won’t let you leave until you do.”

[rcguereveries]

Francesca peered at Biff curiously while Elena blinked at his comment. “A holiday that has a lot of involvement with pies and Apple people don’t celebrate? How odd.” The taller of the women voiced before taking another large gulp from her wine glass and subsequently turning around to refill it from the bottle on the counter behind her. A smile crossed the older woman’s face as she heard her other half speak. 

“Now, Joe, don’t get too involved! You’re going to have to get in here and work on your Surprise Casserole. That’s your area of expertise.” Francesca spoke a little louder so her husband would hear her.  

“Ugh... not the surprise casserole.” Nikki’s expression went from looking like she was ready to squeal at the displays of affection from the couple beside her to scrunched up in disgust. “We never know what he’s going to put in it and it... is literally terrifying. The first time he made it, there was spaghetti in it. Last year, it had lots of chicken and mushroom soup.”  

Penny- who had playfully rolled her eyes at Biff’s comment- now had her own features twisted. “And... Fra-Mom just lets him do that... every year?” She inquired in hushed tones back to her sister. “This really is bizarre...”  

Francesca shook her head in Biff’s direction. “Not at all, dear. You are our guest- you just enjoy this day. In fact, you need a drink.” She motioned to the pair of them. “You both do. What can I get you? We have a fully stocked bar in the sitting room, but we also have carbonated beverages in the fridge here and glasses in the shelf beside it. Make yourselves at home.”  

The comment was made so effortlessly that it stopped Penny in her tracks and rang through her ears repeatedly. “Make yourselves at home.” How ironic considering she had never actually been in this residence before. Clearing her throat, she finally spoke up.  

“I think I’ll need something stronger than a carbonated beverage. Excuse me,” she said, turning quickly and heading for the bar area.  

[biff--mcintosh]

Biff laughed off the curiosity. "I know it's strange. I had half the mind to ask my grandmother why this was the case, but—" he shook his head and shrugged, "—ah, well— I received my answer when she proved difficult to contact. The times of the year when apples are in most demand are also when we're the least likely to see one another." Buried in the thick of work— much like he often was, back when the Hotel McIntosh still stood. Had the rest of Penny's family known this, they would have thought — much like others — that workaholicism simply ran in McIntosh blood.

One had to admit, however: the Biff of today was successful in making plenty of strides since then. Sleepless nights were far apart and few, and with the good nurse's persistence, he was eating well and consistently enough to fill out his suits nicely. Those, plus other positive choices, made him stronger, and thus less likely to cave into his people-pleasing ways.

"Thank you for your kind hospitality, but I'm going to refrain from any alcoholic beverages for tonight." Besides, with the way that the bottle of wine on the counter looked, just about halfway-enjoyed, he was certain that there was enough of that circulating around.

Nikki was quick to pipe in with, "Are you sure? There's a little something for everyone. Even top shelf stuff."

Shaking his head once more, he answered, "I'm certain, thank you. To be quite honest, I don't drink very often." That probably came as little surprise to everyone. Still, he smiled back without a hint of embarrassment.

"Juice," Nikki announced. "We've got juice and even bubbly water." She looked as though she believed that the latter was the wealthy's most-popular choice, because they could afford the extra oomph. She wasn't entirely wrong, but... Well, Biff wasn't exactly like a lot of them.

"Still water is perfectly fine, but thank you again. I'll peruse the selection?" And when they waved him away, he wasted no time excusing himself properly and making his way toward the more-than-just-modest bar situated at the corner of the living room. Once he was close enough, he dropped his volume to a level where only Penny could hear. "What's your drink of choice?" Accustomed to her expertise, he took the time to scan the rest of the space for little Jackie O.. Then, he turned back and leaned a smidgen closer. "How are you faring?"

[rcguereveries]

Nikki let out a laugh at Penny’s comment before looking over at Elena and Francesca who awkwardly let out their own chuckles. “Of course they were, yes. There aren’t any strange kids around here,”  her sister said as Elena muttered something under her breath that sounded like it could have been “well, there weren’t...” But the brunette willed herself to stay ignorant to the comment- for Nikki, Jackie, and Biff’s sake, punching anyone at this affair would not have helped anything.  

However ... maybe just one pointed comment couldn’t hurt, right? 

The nurse, who had narrowed her eyes at Elena, opened her mouth to speak but paused as she heard the familiar tone of her plus one’s voice. She turned, catching sight of Biff and immediately felt herself calm down as his hand made contact with the small of her back. Whatever she had been planning to say to her former(?) stepmother went to the wayside as her brow furrowed at the man.  

“...football? You’re... huh. Okay.” Her lips curled into a smile at Biff, glancing at Francesca who waved her hand in the air.  

“Thank you, dear. It’s small, but it suits us better than anything like the Lincoln home did. Though that was all Grant’s choosing than anything else.” Elena scoffed, rolling her eyes as she took a big gulp of her wine. “That house was the worst! He refused to sell up and then he went and died so who had to deal with that mess?”  

“The lawyers, I’d assume...” Penny’s comment came flying out of her mouth before she even realized it happened, causing Nikki to snort. Elena looked very unamused by the comment and sneered in their direction before Francesca cleared her throat.  

“Well, enough talk of him now. Biff, right? The pie you brought is homemade, I assume. Apple as well... seeing as you are a McIntosh, correct? They are rather well known.”  

“And yet he’s here with us riff raff.” Penny joked under her breath, glancing over at him with a smile. “Clearly, you need to hire a new navigator.”  

[biff--mcintosh]

There were certain things that came natural to Biff: his manners, a sense of decorum, a charming smile, and a knack for polite talk. All of this was why, despite the tension that materialized in the air before him, he seemed to continue along in stride. What else could he do? No matter how involved he’d gotten over the past few years — going from a total stranger supporting a work colleague at her father's funeral to that very individual's life partner — he was still very much an outsider.

But the reminder of McIntoshes being well-known? The implication that Penny and her family were 'riff raff?' No, that wouldn't do.

"On the contrary," Biff began, shaking his head and pressing his free hand against his abdomen, "I'm quite honored to be here tonight. My family isn't accustomed to celebrating anything together." Not birthdays, familial anniversaries, and not even Christmas. "—So it's, ahm—" he let out a gentle chuckle, "—this is very much new for me."

"We're happy to have you, Biff!" The same booming voice from earlier resounded, its source standing just at the edge of the entryway. "—Not just because I'm selling you on the better team!"

As far as teams went, however, Biff knew the exact one he was proudest to belong to. His hand slid up Penny's back, until he could give her far shoulder a squeeze. "My navigator's the finest I know, and I'm grateful for her, beyond all words." If there hadn't been a small crowd just now — including very curious, very ready-to-burst-in-awe eyes from Nikki — he would have leaned over and pressed a kiss on Penny's cheek. Instead, he turned toward the Owens matriarch. "Is there anything I may assist with?"

[rcguereveries]

Joe was making his greeting to Biff, hand extended and pulling him into a hug. The man was wearing some kind of punny Thanksgiving day sweater and looked ridiculous by all accounts... but also happy. Nikki had pulled Penny into the kitchen where Elena was pouring two glass of wine- presumably for her new beau- while Francesca was looking in the oven.

If Penny didn't know any better, she would have assumed that she was having some sort of Twilight Zone-esque nightmare. This was bizarre. Her mother didn't cook, hated the kitchen, and hated Elena. The look of utter confusion must have been clear on her face, especially as Elena handed Francesca the other glass of wine and they clinked.

"Yeah... I've been finding that weird too..." Nikki muttered beside her, shrugging gently. "Mom! Look! Penny's here!"

The taller of the two ladies with their wine glasses gasped while the shorter gave a small smile. "Penelope... I'm so glad you came." Francesca, the shorter of the two, said. "I hear you're not here alone either."

Penny blinked. "No. I'm not. I have my partner, Biff, and our daughter, Jackie. I think Joe caught Biff in the living room." She glanced down to see Jackie suddenly at her legs, motioning for Penny to come down to her height so she could whisper. "Mama... I wanna play." The brunette looked next to her daughter to see two kids that looked... well, identical to each other, and maybe a year or two older than Jackie. "Are you Marlow and Blossom?" The pair nodded in unison. "Well, then, yes. Jackie, you can absolutely go play with your... cousins." She smiled at the three before they took off together.

Her lips curved into a tiny smile as she stood back up and faced the three women in the kitchen who were staring at her.

"...What? ...Those are Benji's kids, right? I didn't just send her off with two strange kids, right?"

[biff--mcintosh]

Goodness! Biff couldn't remember the last time he was held by such strong arms. Perhaps a few months ago, when he had helped Fireside's Fire Department with opening their new facility, or even the time when his father congratulated him for 'finally making it official with the hot nurse.' At any rate, the gesture was as welcome as it was appreciated, and he laughed with enthusiasm that had only grown since stepping foot in this home.

"You're just in time," Joe declared. "We were talking about the big game on Sunday. You watch football?"

Biff shook his head. "My apologies. I'm somewhat familiar, but I'm quite — as others would say — 'out of the loop.' I'm happy to listen in, however. Given that I'm fairly neutral, well," he took to his charm as easily as he did expensive suits, "perhaps I can be convinced to finally pick a team to support."

And just like that, it was as though he'd cemented his place among the men. He finished exchanging a greeting with a younger fellow named 'Jack,' when he caught wind of little Jackie O. sailing by.

"Please excuse me for a moment," Biff said, bowing to the group. He promised to return to the concept of selecting loyalty based on color later, for he had to finish introducing himself to everyone present. When he arrived at the kitchen, he found the other half of the party, including his other half.

"Hello! I hope I'm not intruding." It was a rather silly thing to say, given the celebration of it all, but he was also never anything less than polite. Pressing a palm gently at Penny's back, he explained, "I met Joe and Jack, and I thought it most proper to meet everyone before sitting in on the most important presentation of the weekend." Picking a football team. Who would've thunk it? In this moment, however, it was rinse and repeat: Biff greeted everyone, adding toward Francesca, "You have a lovely home, ma'am."

[rcguereveries]

Benji's eyes went between Biff and his hand before looking at Penny with a small snicker. He took the other's hand though and shook it. "Benji. You must be the Suit." He commented before picking up the pie that had been placed down. "I'll take this to the kitchen, no problem. Don't want the tiny ankle biters to get into it."

Her brother disappear from the foyer of the home and Penny let out a breath that she had apparently been holding since the realization that Benji was... not as Benji as he once was. After Biff helped her with her coat, her hands reached down to cover Jackie's small ears.

"What the fuck? He has... He's a... Twins?????"

The young one squirmed away from the nurse's hands just before Nikki rounded the corner.

"PENNY!!!" Immediately, she was met by her sister's arms thrown around her.

"Oh-" The older brunette stumbled slightly, thrown off-guard. She paused for a second, unsure what to do, but knew the other would not let go of her until she hugged back. Her arms wrapped around her sister gently, patting her back. "Hey Nickel."

When Nikki finally pulled back, she tapped Penny's arm. "No more Nickel, please!" She pouted jokingly. "You must be Biff!" Her arms then threw themselves around the man at the nurse's side. "Welcome! And Jackie!" She dropped down to the little one's level and waved at her, smiling big. "I'm so happy to meet you. I'm Auntie Nikki!"

A small, shy smile came across Jackie's features and she unhooked one of her arms from around Biff's legs to wave.

Penny let herself smile slightly at the sight before turning to peer around the corner towards the kitchen and dining room. She let out a sigh before feeling an arm loop through hers. "C'mon, c'mon. It will be great." The sound of her ever optimistic sister came to her side as she gently pulled her further into the house.

[biff--mcintosh]

Biff could only look back with his shoulders raised to ear-height and a his palms turned upward. "To be fair, it has been quite some time since you were in contact with everyone." He looked down toward the squirming little one, just in time to miss the flash of brown surprising them.

Ah! He kept a close eye on Jackie, ensuring that she wasn't knocked over by the energy. This must be the younger sister. And although he couldn't speak from direct, personal experience, there was satisfaction in having his reasoning be confirmed. The only surprise came from how, within five seconds, he turned from being a mere observer to a target for a hearty greeting. He let out a short laugh and reciprocated with ease. Nikki is the type of individual who makes you feel as though you've known one another for ages.

When the sisters took their leave — a generous way of describing how Nikki commandeered Penny with great ease — Biff simply placed a hand on Jackie's back and encouraged her to follow along with him.

It may have only been their first time here, but the floorplan was easy enough to navigate. It was, all things considered, a splendid home. Larger than their current accommodations back in Alaska, but smaller than some of the possibilities they discussed for the future. He knew more than most, however, that it was not a place's size that mattered as much as its energy. Right now? It was warm. Inviting... Even though he noticed a distinct lack of photos of Penny on the walls.

"Hey there!" a burly voice called out, the minute he stepped through the next doorway. This was an older gentleman, wearing simple garb and a bright smile. He wasn't the only one, however— a chorus of voices joined in, and it wasn't long before Biff was pulled into a series of introductions.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," he repeated, over and over, all while keeping an eye between Penny and Jackie. He wasn't too worried about the former, for her resilience had never known any bounds, but he was quite curious to see the youngest member of their household grow more comfortable, little by little. It helped that one of the twins stopped to give their squeaky 'hellos.'

[rcguereveries]

"Yeah... still not sure how I'll organically work in the work 'peaches' to a conversation, but I'll figure it out," Penny mumbled, glancing down at Jackie. Something within her leapt as she watched the small brunette attach herself to Biff while she outwardly let out a tiny snicker at his comments. "And if all else fails, we'll at least have some pie."

The smile that was plastered on her face faltered somewhat as the door opened and they were greeted by her older brother, Benji. The pair had never exactly been close, and it didn't change much with Grant's passing, but they did share a mutual animosity for their deceased father figure. "Pen." He said with a small head nod. "I'm kinda shocked you came. I know this wasn't really something you vibed with."

"And you did?" Her eyes rolled. "I'm shocked they're letting you answer the door. What about the shame?"

A laugh came from Benji as he stepped aside to let the trio in. "Yeah, well, turns out Mom is way more chill about that than Grant was. ...Plus, I brought a distraction. Just like you did." He motioned at Jackie vaguely and the nurse paused as she entered the residence.

"You... brought a child? Is it yours?"

He scoffed as he shut the door behind them. "Yeah, they are mine.. You think I'd just rent a kid or two to keep people out of my hair?"

All Penny could do is shrug and nod. The Benji she remembered probably would do that... but there was something different about her brother. He seemed... happy in a genuine way and more put together.

"Well, I didn't. Naomi and I have twins - Marlow and Blossom."

"Oh wow, uh.. Congrats. That's crazy." She replied with a smile, hoping the utter confusion was not painted on her face. "Well, Biff- this is Biff- and I have Jackie- that's Jackie." Penny glanced at Biff, genuinely wondering if now was the time to say 'peaches.'

[biff--mcintosh]

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Biff replied, his firm hand and warm smile coming as naturally as day. What set him apart from the typical stuffy suits was that there was an earnestness in his gestures. Especially now. Penny may have had countless reservations about today — and plenty of negative commentary through the years — but this was still something important, with people who, at one point or another, mattered.

In proper encouragement, he gave Jackie another pat, gently coaxing her into a practiced albeit still-shy greeting. It was quite precious, really. On most days she had a fire like her mother, yet to see her grow into her own personality was a spectacle in and of itself.

If Biff became the focal point of curious eyes then, he didn’t notice; he was far too engrossed in the exchange before him— and then the sudden blur of the ‘distraction’ in question. He refocused on the little one. “Would you like to join them?” And after a small nod, “After we meet everyone.”

Toward Benji, Biff raised the pie in his other hand, as pristine as his own appearance and ready for enjoyment. “Where may I place this?” But before anything else, he set down the dessert on the nearest safe surface, then tugged on the back end of Penny’s coat. “Please allow me.” His sense of proper etiquette never failed.

[biff--mcintosh]

( @rcguereveries )

With a long-perfected apple pie in one hand and a tiny tot gently clinging to his leg, Biff McIntosh was perfectly ready for his very first Thanksgiving with the wider Owens family. Possibly also the last, if he was to believe Penny’s words, but he was always the more optimistic of the two of them. Besides, the mere fact that they had made it this far — that she had accepted the invitation to begin with — must have meant well. He knew all too well that a ‘perfect family’ was a fantasy, but there was always something to be said about effort. Surely this was a good step forward.

“As a refresher,” he said, following Penny’s broad steps toward the front door, “the code word is ‘peaches.’” Even speaking it sent a shiver down his spine. Damn their fleshy rivals. “You only need to say it twice and I’ll be halfway out the door.”

It was an over-exaggeration, of course, for he had the exact kind of personality that made it nearly impossible to leave without a five-minute goodbye. Still, his reassurance and encouragement stood their ground. It stemmed in the gentle pats he gave Jackie, after adjusting his coat.

“And yourself, Miss Jackie? Are you prepared to meet your kin?” Clearly still in a sleepy daze, she burrowed further into the side of his leg. “I understand. That was quite the peaceful ride. I have no doubt, however, that you’ll find yourself plenty entertained. I have it on good word that your dearest aunt may not leave you alone all evening!”

[photografya-deactivated20230917]

[biff--mcintosh]

( @rcguereveries )

[biff--mcintosh]

andrcalabonair​

Penelope’s eyes widened as she looked over at him for a moment. “For everyone? Including the Biff McIntosh?” She paused, considering it. “…Unless you mean that party at the hotel… except that was my fault, I guess- you were just involved..” She looked away. 

She knew- the brunette knew that she had made her fair share of mistakes, no matter what the party was. It had been a while, but putting her in a party with copious amounts of alcohol.. it usually left her with very, very poor judgement. She typically didn’t regret whatever happened, but she could acknowledge that most people would find her actions rather off-putting. 

Her eyes narrowed at him, shaking her head gently at his words and following him down the path. Jackie was in awe of the whole scenery. The water glistened against the sunshine as the small boat that was at the end of dock rocked gently back and forth. 

“Well, it’s no yacht.” Penny joked before Jackie started clapping. “But Jackie seems to think it’s good.” 

“Our first-mate may be young, but she has the wisdom of an old sailor, being able to appreciate the simplicities of life.” 

Perhaps ‘simplicities’ would have been a bit much, given the facts of the situation: a hotelier-turned-mayor having a picnic with his former employee and her recently-adopted daughter. Still, Biff’s bright expression never wavered as he lifted his free hand and gave a thumbs up. 

Jackie didn’t notice; she was too preoccupied with staring in various directions. Biff couldn’t blame her. Their surroundings were quite stunning, and that short attention span in the face of beauty? Quite relatable.

“To clarify,” he started, carefully moving their belongings onto the boat, “I did mean the opening party. The ‘one time is all it takes’ comment wasn’t about you, however. I was thinking more along the lines of... Well, you and the rest of the staff witnessed me in a state of extreme inebriation a single time and, years later, I’m still being referred to as ‘Cap’n McIntosh.” When all the items were settled, he stepped in and turned so as to offer help for his companions to join him. “My interest in sailing would leave me flattered, but my memory renders me just the slightest bit embarrassed.” 

[biff--mcintosh]

andrcalabonair​

Ever since Penny had found out the truth about her past, it had become near impossible for her to want to disclose more about what growing up was like. She’d never exactly been comfortable discussing anything personal to others, but being treated as less her whole life and then finding out that she’d been adopted… still didn’t sit right with her. 

She turned to glance at Jackie in the back of the car and smiled at the young girl who was staring out the window. The brunette could not ever fathom treating Jackie as anything less than her own daughter even despite the fact that they didn’t share blood. Even if Penny had other children- ones that she physically gave birth to or shared DNA with- she still couldn’t imagine holding anything against her first child. 

“I guess,” Turning back around, her eyes caught Biff’s and she shrugged gently. “I always found Elena annoying and… well, I honestly don’t know how the hell she ended up with Grant at all. And Joe… well, he’s better than Grant ever was so, I guess he’s good for my mother… He’s always been kind.” She let out a small sigh. “Elena knows I don’t like her. Joe is… I don’t know. He gives off those cliche dad vibes. Wears weird sweaters. Tells bad jokes. But hasn’t ever been hostile.”

The brunette fell silent for the next few moments again until the car came to a stop and she noticed Biff shift in her peripheral view. Her head turned to look at him, a smile crossing her features. “High seas. I’d rather deal with this than annoying calls from Nikki for the next… forever.”

“High seas,” Biff repeated. In the moment before the light turned green and he resumed their drive, he hoped that Penny could see the depth of the support that reflected in his eyes. “I’m of the opinion that we can handle any challenge the waves bring our way— bad jokes included.”

It had been years since he learned that the topic of ‘family’ was a rather sore one for her— although at the time, he would have never anticipated that he would one day be in a far more involved position. Far, far more involved, if the boisterous presence in the second row was any indication.

One corner of his lips turned up at the thought. Despite all of the nerves that ran through him, over this dinner invitation being both unusual and significant, he could not deny either the contentment or the confidence that also filled him. He possessed a faith in Penny and in Jackie, that their qualities would well-exceed his own shortcomings. And wherever they would need him, be it as a source of encouragement, a sympathetic partner — perhaps even something decently comparable to a father figure for the younger Owens — he would do his very best.

“We could always establish some kind of, ah— perhaps some kind of ‘special code’ to use in case of emergency.” Hold on. That didn’t— “—Not, ah— not necessarily ‘emergency’ as in a life-threatening circumstances— not necessarily that, of course, but simply—” he shook his head as he wrangled with the rest of his words, “—in case you happen to find yourself needing a rapid escape. You may use me as an excuse.” 

Amid all of the thinking and the talking, he hardly realized that his hand was still atop her leg. 

[biff--mcintosh]

andrcalabonair​

“Yeah, absolutely. It happens a lot- well, actually, I don’t know how often it happens, but I’ve heard about it including police, firefighters,” Penelope paused, tapping a finger to her chin, “probably other public office officials too, yeah.” Her lips curled into a smirk as she eyed Biff. 

“I would … huh,” Penny scrunched up her features for a second, tilting her head. “I think I’d actually be torn about what I’d rather you do, honestly… I mean on the one hand- I would love to see that. On the other though… other people would see that…” She shrugged finally. “If she did ask you, you’d probably frown upon doing it anyways, wouldn’t you?” 

If he had stayed put just a second longer, there was no doubt in her mind that she would have pulled him back into the bed and tried to convince him they actually shouldn’t get up and eat at all… but of course, Biff moved. Letting out a sigh, she fell back against the pillow with a smile as he left the room. Young Nurse Owens at the hotel would have been so proud in that moment- though probably also wildly confused about how much actual emotion Present Day Penny was showing.

[END]

[biff--mcintosh]

andrcalabonair​

“Right, sorry.” Penelope shook her head gently. She never really talked about her family, so it wasn’t really a wonder that all the people involved in in wouldn’t be remembered. “Joe is my mother’s husband. My… adoptive step-father, I guess? I don’t know exactly… He’s the dude that my mother married after Grant and her got divorced.” 

Grant. The brunette couldn’t even refer to him as her father or even adoptive father anymore. There were still so many unresolved feelings within her about the whole situation. How does someone keep something like that from their child- a child that they chose to adopt- and then still actively make it known to that child that they didn’t think they were worth anything? It was far harder to forgive Grant now that he had passed than it was to… somewhat tolerate Francesca- her mother.

“I wonder if they invite his wife, Elena, over… y’know, now that he’s gone an everything.” She mumbled as she looked out the window of the car again. 

Her eyes darted back over to Biff as he drove. “Oh. …Huh.” She was actually taken by surprise by his response. For some reason, probably because she jus assumed it of most people, Penny had figured that his family went big for all the holidays. “Well, I don’t know how pleasant this will be… maybe you should have reached out to that friend again.” She tried to joke. 

“It’s not a problem,” he had reassured her quietly, because in some way, he understood. For Biff, it was easy to talk about McIntoshes at surface-level; the typical information that one could find with a quick search of their name had never been so difficult to find in the first place. Still, and despite how few in number they were, there were always topics more sensitive, details that hardly ever saw the day— how much more could the case have been for a family like Penny’s?

In between words, and when the road would permit, he made it a point to glance over to the passenger’s seat. He wished he could gauge the various thoughts and emotions that she must have found herself amid. 

“Do you, ah— do you get along with either Joe or Elena?” His voice was restrained; he cleared his throat. “I mean, ah— my apologies. I don’t mean to pry, but I— I hope that they weren’t as antagonistic toward you as...” He raised his shoulders. “I’d hope that they were decent.” I’d hope you weren’t alone, he had wanted to say — because he had always disliked the thought of her feeling any way similar to the way he had when they were younger — but he also didn’t want the questions to come off as salt in the wounds. At the next red light, he made it a point to really turn in her direction.

“A hundred different friends could invite me for a holiday dinner, but none of those invitations would be as important as yours.” He reached over and pat her thigh twice, letting his hand rest there as he added, “However. Final chance for our trusted Navigator to make their call. Shall we dare to brave the high seas or set course for an alternate direction?”

[biff--mcintosh]

andrcalabonair​

~

Penelope blinked at the concept, her features scrunching up in thought for a moment. “I mean… it’s not a terrible idea. I’d buy it.” She said before letting out a laugh. “Although, that’s probably just part of some larger fantasy of hers, honestly. I’ve only heard people do things like that for raising money… I doubt that’s her intention. She never seemed like one for … well, thinking about anyone other than herself? But like in an annoying way.” 

A sigh escaped her lips as she collapsed back onto the bed, laying flat on her back. She knew that Biff was right. Jackie wouldn’t be gone indefinitely and there were things like dinner and well, sleeping at some point so she’d be ready to work tomorrow night. 

“Yeah, yeah…” She finally said. “Give me like five minutes before I get out of here to be like a real human being again…” 

~

“They do?” he queried as he began reaching for the articles of clothing strewn across the floor. “Well, I— I suppose that would make sense. Many enjoy their calendars with puppies and kittens, so I suppose they’d enjoy other kinds of ‘eye sugar’ as well.” He was beside the doorway when he suddenly stopped and looked up. “Do you believe that Janice be serious about her plans?... Because I... Am not certain what I’d do if she were aiming for every government office to participate...”

Biff grimaced at the thought. Perhaps he’d need to make it a point to contact all of the others on the town’s council — better them than the impending storm herself — to make them aware. When he caught Penny’s expression from the corner of his eyes, his own quickly changed to one much lighter. Clumps of fabric secured in one hand, he inched toward her side of the bed. 

“Given the fact that you’re the human being I’m most fond for, yes. I certainly hope you’re not only a figment of my imagination.” A breath of amusement left him before leaned over and pressed his lips against her forehead, and when he pulled back, he stayed a mere inch apart. Another glance down her features, just to make for certain that this was no dream. “Take all of the time you need to manifest,” he quipped, with a dopey grin that he couldn’t fight, even as he finally made his way out of the door.

[kdramastuff]

[rcguereveries]

@biff–mcintosh

[littlemusings]

◆ photo credit

[biff--mcintosh]

( @andrcalabonair )

[biff--mcintosh]

andrcalabonair​

Penny nodded at his words, slightly absentmindedly until his tone changed and she looked back up at him with a rather shocked look coming across her features. “…I definitely don’t want that either…” She was going to lean in when suddenly he was out the door and she sighed deeply. This ridiculous dinner better be worth it. 

In the vehicle, the brunette listened as Jackie hummed happily, kicking her legs about. Sure, the kicks were to the back of Penny’s seat but she refrained from any complaints because well, chances were that the young child would be fast asleep by the time they left the home. …Well, not home. It was never home. The residence was a more accurate term. 

“Hm?” She glanced over at Biff. “We did… I mean, it was usually a big affair. Some work friends of Grant’s would be there… he was always networking. It didn’t really matter whether there was a “holiday” happening or not. Everything was always catered in… Joe’s better about that though. He likes to cook… from what I remember anyways…” She trailed off. “What about you? I’m sure that Thanksgiving was a thing in the McIntosh household, right?”

As he listened, he did his best to carefully run through a list of names that he ought to have remembered by now. There was: Grant Sr., patriarch and dearly(?) departed; Grant Jr., the eldest who had turned up late to the funeral; Nicole, the youngest and probably only reason why Penny had agreed to the dinner in the first place— Joe?

“Who’s, ahm— my apologies, I don’t seem to recall... Who is Joe?”

His befuddlement infused with slight panic when he realized that he couldn’t remember Penny’s stepmother’s name. He supposed that he would have to ask at one point later; road safety was still a far higher priority.

“A ‘thing?’” It took a short moment for him to get his thoughts in order. “Actually, ah— actually, no.” He felt rather sheepish answering, but reality was probably not as merry as one would have expected from a family of his standing. “My mother usually took the holiday as an opportunity to catch up on the backlog of work or, ah— or she and my father would go on a trip. My grandmother hasn’t celebrated since my great-grandfather, and, ah— ah, I suppose that it’s always been ‘just another day’ for McIntoshes.” He pursed his lips and nodded. He didn’t want the word ‘alone’ to sink in as much as it had in previous years, so he began again, “I’ve, ah— I’ve attended a family dinner once. Invitation from a friend. It was... Pleasant.”

[biff--mcintosh]

andrcalabonair​

~

“You know me… you should probably always be a little suspicious of my motives.” Penny joked, smirking at him before raising her eyebrows. “Well then… maybe Janice should be jealous…” She leaned forward a little more until Biff pulled back and she drew a breath in. “…Though I don’t know what she would take over. A flower store? She seems kinda obsessed with roses.” 

A small scoff emitted from her lips as she heard his words and shook her head. Did he really think that he had caused any more issues in her life? How could that even be possible when her life was truly a mess when he had come into her life originally? She was coarse, selfish, honestly just looking for a paycheck and yet… she’d walked away from it with so much more than just that. 

“…Any issues that might have occurred, Biff- which I honestly can’t think of any- really don’t compare to any that I’ve caused in my life to myself.” She said softly. “With me sounds better… if it’s all the same to you. I-” Her eyes darted down, feeling suddenly very aware of how light the covers felt and how bare her skin was in. Her voice was smaller- maybe smaller than it had ever been before. “I’d rather us do things together…”

~

“And possibly the fire department,” he added. “Chief Richards told me that she recently visited with a request to, ah— how do I describe— a request for a handful of firefighters to participate in some kind of photoshoot.” The tinge of vexation at his brow grew deeper as he considered, “She may be attempting to put together a, ah— a special calendar of sorts.”

Biff shook his head in disbelief. There were many things about his life that he could have never predicted: moving all the way to the other edge of the country, taking upon one of the highest responsibilities in a small town, finding himself entirely smitten with someone— having such a valuable sentiment being shared. All of it was worth every trouble, even the inconveniences like nosy neighbors. His attention shifted back when her tone diminished; he quickly wrapped his hand around hers.

“Together, then.” He squeezed and tugged gently. “But perhaps we really ought to consider getting out of bed. I know we’ve spent a fair portion of the morning demonstrating our, ah— our compatibility—” his head teetered from one side to the other as the last syllable drew out, “—our compatibility here.” If he felt any self-consciousness at the start of their conversation, all nerves were melted away now. He scooted out from beneath their covers, toward the edge of the bed. “Let’s enjoy the rest of the day.”