Gus Griswald

After all these years, I still am going to the bathroom at the absolutely wrong times.

[patheticlittlepushoverkid]

girlwhorunswithfists:

Spinelli shook her head as she paced back and forth in Gus’ apartment. Her eyes stung, and her body was shaking. She had never felt so small, and so stupid. Her whole being was screaming for some type of interaction, even just a hand on her shoulder, but she couldn’t stomach the thought of that. So she continued to pace.

“Why the fuck would she text me saying he failed if nothing happened?!” Spinelli spat with venom. “She always does this. She does this to every guy I’m with, I can never be happy with someone. She had the nerve to bring up TJ!” Spinelli had to stop herself from kicking something over. Wiping the corners of her eyes she let Gus have a look at her knuckles. She had forgotten about that pain.

“What if something was just about to happen? I don’t think she’d sleep with your... with Flynn.” Gus suggested. He was convinced Gretchen wouldn’t stab her best friend in the back like this. After all, this was Gretchen. Gretchen was too sweet. She wouldn’t just sleep with Spinelli’s guy... hopefully.

Gus disappeared for a second, only to get the bandages he always had flying around somewhere in case his training left him bruised again. As careful as possible he took care of her wounds. He didn’t want to hurt her any more. Flynn and Gretchen had obviously done it enough for the day - Gus looked up into Spinelli’s face - or for the week. “She does it for you. Girls always stick together, right? She just wants to protect you. She’s only not doing a very good job at it right now.” 

[patheticlittlepushoverkid]

girlwhorunswithfists:

Spinelli had never been so angry at Gretchen in her whole life. Every part of her body was screaming, her eyes burnt with hot water, and her fists were bloodied and shaking. She may have punched a hole in the wall, or at least tried to. At least Flynn would see it when he walked in. Spinelli had given Vito extra food, and whispered to him to shit all over Flynn’s things. That would work, wouldn’t it? It wouldn’t be enough, but it would be a start.

Reaching Gus’ apartment, Spinelli didn’t even bother knocking on the door. She just tried the handle, and stormed in as she looked around for another of her best friends. Once she spotted him, she slammed the phone down in front of him. “There. They’re all there! How could she fucking do that to me?!” Spinelli turned away as she covered her face. She had never really cried in front of anyone, except T.J, but it seemed as though Gus was going to make that list now.

The second his eyes laid on the first of Spinelli’s messages, he knew he’d have to face a hurrican of anger coming right towards him. Of course, it wasn’t directed at him, but he assumed that the wrong words could quickly change that. Quietly he stared down at the explanation what Gretchen had apparently done, and only looked up when Spinelli stormed into his apartment.

He replaced the phone in his hands with hers to see what she was talking about. Quickly he scrolled through the messages, ignoring the way it made his shoulders sink and planted a lump in his throat. “Did you talk to Flynn yet?” Gus asked, pushing himself off the sofa to walk over to his best friend. “Maybe... I mean, if Gretchen doesn’t remember, we can’t tell for sure if something happened.” Carefully he reached out for her hands to look at the bruises and almost - just almost - the words ‘You should let Gretchen take care of that’ slipped off his tongue.

[patheticlittlepushoverkid]

Text -> Gus

Spinelli: gretchen did one of her fucking tests again and im pretty sure she fucked flynn

Spinelli: can i come over or do you have her crying into her medical kit over there?

Gus: I don't. I haven't heard of her for a bit... Or about what she did.

Gus: Did she really do that?

Gus: Yeah, you can come over!

[patheticlittlepushoverkid]

deputyxwoody:

Woody nodded his head at the other guys words and smiled. “They really are. I have never understood why people were scared of them, but I suppose I could kind of see how. Mainly because of their size.” 

"I’d guess it’s not all about the size. The strength counts as well. People don’t usually like things that could kill you, simply because they felt like kicking.”

[patheticlittlepushoverkid]

anabelle-reid:

“Ah, I’ve never been drunk so i wouldn’t speak from experiencee. I just love to watch and laugh.”

“You’ve never been drunk before? Wow. That’s... impressive. Don’t you have the kind of friends who’re dragging you along?”

[patheticlittlepushoverkid]

“Did you know that less than 28 percent of Americans between the ages of 17-23 are qualified for military service?” Gus asked as he snapped out of his thoughts, turning to look at the person close to him. “That’s only about 1-in-4. If one belonged to those... you wouldn’t want to give up on it, would you? Is there something more important that could actually make you drop out, ignore the honor, stop fighting?”

[patheticlittlepushoverkid]

anabelle-reid:

“Oh but drunk dancing is terribly funny to watch.”

“To watch, yes. But not really to look back on it if you’ve been the one dancing... which I may or may not have been before.”

[patheticlittlepushoverkid]

deputyxwoody:

Woody wasn’t sure why the guy in front of him was asking him about his length at the circus, but he didn’t know why anyone did anything in this place. “I was here before the fall, but I haven’t been here my whole life. No.” He told him. “Do you like horses?” 

Gus nodded slowly. It was the answer he had been hoping for. It was impossible for Woody to have been a part of the army then and know about the situation Gus was in. “I’ve never seen them as close until the circus,” Gus explained, “I’ve always liked them though. They’re quite calming, if they’re treated right.”

[patheticlittlepushoverkid]

anabelle-reid:

“I can dance a little, as much as most people can. I’m certainly no professional. That’d be funny!”

“I like your optimism when you say most people,” Gus chuckled to himself, “Whenever I see a dance floor people are either standing around it or move as though to show everyone how intoxicated they are.”

[patheticlittlepushoverkid]

theprince-isdrowning:

“Same here. Fortunately only good people around so far. Still, I’m not really sure how would I deal with someone not nice, specially in a place so far away from home where everything is so different”, he chuckled. “So… what is like to live in here?”

“Where’s your home?” Gus asked curiously, lifitng his shoulders slightly at the expressed worry, “You can always leave a conversation if a person is too much to handle or simply not react to their hurtful words. I’ve heard it’s like having siblings - Not that I’d know how it’s like to have siblings - but they get bored if you don’t react.” A smile spread over his lips. "I like it. It’s fun and exciting. There’s something new around ever corner. It’s much more interesting than any town I ever lived in.”

[patheticlittlepushoverkid]

deputyxwoody:

Seeing the man straighten up, Woody chuckled a little, shaking his head. “Calm down there solider. I’m not gonna yell at you or anything.” He joked, unknowing of the man in front of hims past. “Sean Pride, but everyone calls me Woody.” He replied. “I work out here. Next question is, what are you doing here?” 

Soldier?! As soon as the word was spoken out aloud Gus could feel his muscles tensing and reflexively he stepped back slightly. Did he know? The name didn’t seem familiar to Gus. “Have you always been in the circus?” he asked suspiciously. “Came to look at the horses.”

[patheticlittlepushoverkid]

gretchen-p:

Gretchen couldn’t help but give him a skeptical look. The description he gave her was that of a person she thought he would have stayed away from. “The potential of an Ashley? I’m not sure if I quite like the sound of that. But if you think she’s nice enough, I’ll give her a chance.” She had had a friend in college that was much like the Ashley’s they’d grown up with, except much less snobby, so maybe this Daria woman wouldn’t be so bad. Gretchen couldn’t find herself too invested in the conversation, though, too concerned with whatever was on Gus’ mind. She’d gotten good at reading people over the years, but she never was able to get a proper read on her best friends. She liked letting them have their secrets anyway. But she could tell that this was really bothering him, whatever it was. She squeezed his hand gently, trying to reassure him that she was there for him, whatever it was that bothered him so much. The new tone of his voice caught her attention, and as he moved closer, things started to click into place. Her breath caught in her throat, but she didn’t move away. Did she even want to? No, she didn’t think so. His lips were soft on her cheek, and she felt a smile tug at her own. His words were like a jolt of electricity making everything painfully clear. There was so much she wanted to say, so much she could say, but every time she tried to say it, nothing came out. She was caught between wanting to just kiss him herself and running. If he was trying to charm her and sweep her off her feet, it was working. “Makes you wonder doesn’t it? If you should take advantage of the time you’re given,” she mused aloud in response to his words, and she hoped he would take the hint.

It wasn’t the best way to advertise a person. Gus had to give her that, but what better people were there to compare Daria to? She even had yelled at him annoyedly within the first few seconds they met, and she dressed like one of them. Like the world was a catwalk. “She is.” After he kissed her cheek, he didn’t pull away immediately. He was expecting, hoping, begging and fearing for a reaction. It only wasn’t coming. She didn’t push him away, which was good. But she didn’t say anything either. Gus took one deep breath, her familiar scent filling his lunges and giving him the bravery to do what he was most scared of right now: Pull back and look into her eyes. Gus could feel his heart beat quickly and his chest moved under his heavy breaths. It was the good kind. It reminded him of the way you felt after finishing a marathon, after not getting caught for mischief as a child, after having an intense make out session or in this case, it was the way he felt after seeing this look in his best friend’s eyes. The one he’d never have imagined to see. He felt fucking brilliant, and his words only seemed to make it better. Did she just...? Slowly as if to test her, Gus lifted the hand which was still holding hers, bringing it up to his neck and only letting it go to rest his hand on her waist. His gaze never left hers. He was looking for a sign that she wasn’t alright with this, practically asking for permission for his every move. When she truly didn’t seem unwilling to touch him, he pulled her closer up against his form, his arm wrapping around her waist and one hand moving up to rest on her neck. “I can’t believe you basically just said yolo,” he whispered with a smile in his voice and before she could answer he pressed his lips onto hers and kissed her. He kissed her like he’d never have a chance to kiss her again.

[patheticlittlepushoverkid]

theprince-isdrowning:

“I think it was your arrival. Max loves meeting new people”, he explained. “Nice to meet you, Gus. With all the fame this place has I was afraid of bumping into someone less friendly”, he chuckled as he grabbed another suitcase.

Gus smiled, looking back down at the pet at the explanation. There they had something in common. “Stories about the circus are often exaggerated. I’ve only met very nice people so far. I believe in people being friendly to you if you’re friendly to them.” It was one of the reason why he’d never been good at fighting in wars.

[patheticlittlepushoverkid]

anabelle-reid:

“Yeah, there’s sashay which is a flaunty show I believe. I could just slip into the ensemble, to see what’d happen.”

“Can you dance then? Uh! Can you imagine how great it would be if you ruined the performance by making it ten times better?”

[patheticlittlepushoverkid]

deputyxwoody:

Woody was sitting in the barn, trying to plan out some new ideas for the show when he heard a sudden noise out in the barn. He rose from his desk and walked out into the main area before looking around. “Who’s out there?” He called to the unknown figure. 

Gus had just been getting a look at the horses. He had always found the present of them calming. Oddly enough. When someone called, he automatically straightened up, his senses preparing for an attack as the military had taught him. “Gus Griswald. Who are you?”

[patheticlittlepushoverkid]

gretchen-p:

“Oh! Well that’s awful sweet of you to come check up on me.” She didn’t question it, even if she did wonder why he and Spinelli were talking about her. It made her curious to say the least. But it wasn’t her business, and she’d stay out of it..or at least try to. Gretchen laughed lightly and waved off his comment. “I don’t mind the slow days, really. Usually I can dip out and get some food or something for everyone when it’s slow, so it’s not so bad. Definitely could be worse.” She watched him fidget for a while, the questions running through her mind. Most of them just came back to why he was acting so weird. She’d seen him nervous and unsure before, but this was a whole different level of it. When he mentioned meeting someone, she perked up. “That’s wonderful. I love that we’re still getting new people. Did you catch her name by any chance?” Gretchen felt a small shock run through her as he reached for her hand, glancing down at them. Because of it, she took a small step forward, so neither of them had to reach so far, and she looked up to study his expression. “You’re too kind to me, Gus. If anyone asked me, I’d say you were the best friend anyone could ask for.”

In response, Gus only nodded. He’d need to tell Spinelli to shut her mouth about it only being half the truth. He smiled, nodding yet again as a sign of him actually listening to her. “Of course, I do.” Gus wouldn’t just forget her name. Not with him being the new kid without name far too often in his life. “Daria. She’s perfectly dressed and styled. I’m sure you’ll notice her. Just look for someone with Ashley potential.” A faint smile grew on his lips as she did not pull her hand away. The simple touch was already helping to sooth his nerves at least a little bit. They were best friends, goddammit! They had gone through up and downs since elementary school. This should be easy! Go for it! Gus’s eyes met hers, but he quickly let his gaze drop to their hands. His determination vanished. What kind of kiss should he go for? Spinelli wanted him to go full kiss. The original dare creator wanted him to kiss her on the lips as well. Heck, Gus himself wanted to grab her and press his lips onto hers. It seemed so perfect in his imagination. With him literally sweeping her off her feet, them looking deeply into each other’s eyes before sharing a kiss, which would make the world around them shine brighter. The only problem was the possibility of Gretchen not wanting it and as a result, him undoubtfully hating himself for forcing her into such awkard situation. Uuuugh... Okay. Man up, Gus Griswald! "I’m not too kind," he replied. His voice taking a new, much softer tone, and he leaned closer to her. His heart was beating fast in his chest, his hands were officially wet and cold as ice and yet only one thought crossed his mind, before he cautiously placed a kiss on her cheek: “You’ve just no idea how often I thought I’d never see you again.”

[patheticlittlepushoverkid]

gretchen-p:

If he wasn’t here because he was hurt, why was he here? Sure they were friends, but recently they’d all kind of kept to themselves, something Gretchen had been trying to fix, especially with Spinelli, but still, this was strange, right? At his reply, she smiled once again. “Kind of? Weren’t planning on stopping in for a quick chat, then?” she asked, her voice soft but teasing. She nodded her head at his question, wondering just what this was all about. He seemed…off. Like something was bothering him. “Yeah, never better, just another day here, kind of slow if you ask me. So I’m thankful for the company.” She couldn’t stand not knowing what it was that was bothering him. Something kept nagging at her to ask again, but she didn’t want to push him away. “Anything interesting happen today?” she asked instead, hoping that question would get a little more of an answer out of him.

“No, I did! Spinelli and I talked about a.... aaah... stuff and your name came up and I figured I didn’t see you for a while, so I came here.” There was no doubt: Gus had found the most complicated way of telling someone he missed them, and the worst part? It wasn’t even half as much of a lie as it started to be.  “That’s good though... If no one got hurt, I mean. Not that your day was boring.” Nervously, Gus crossed his arms in front of his chest. Two seconds passed and with the sudden thought that it’d look too defensive he pushed his hands in his pockets instead. “No... No...” He hadn’t thought this through. The realisation hit him just now; at a time in which he wasn’t able to change anything anymore. He had wasted so many thoughts on how she’d react to the kiss, that he never actually planned how he’d do it. How did you start something like this? “Actually, yes! I met someone completely new to the circus. She’s nice and she’s lacking friends, so I told her off you, because you know...” Hesitating he reached for her hand, smiling at her in a still friendly way, while a panicked voice inside his head started screaming. “You’re the best friend anyone could have.”