“Hey Aylin, look at what I got!” From his messenger bag, he pulled out a box of Valentine’s Day cards. You know, the ones where you would buy for your Elementary class and then pass them out? Yeah, he had those but make them Pokemon. “I used to love getting these and passing them out to everyone. Felt like the cool kid in class with them, still feel like the coolest kid with them now.”
I guess, thank you for shaping me into the person that I am today. During these four years, especially this last one, I’ve become someone that not only my family could be proud of, but a person who others could trust. I’ve grown up, especially a lot during my last semester. I’ve met people who won’t just be allies in the future, but genuine friends. And I even met someone important to me, something that I wasn’t expecting to happen until... I guess never. But I have someone and it’s thanks to you, Gallagher. Thank you, for everything. I’m glad that I’ve been able to attend my family’s sister school.
- Emmett Blackthorne “
With the letter in hand and lighter in the other, Emmett stood before Gillian’s statue, smiling at it. With the flick of a switch, he set ablaze to the letter, watching as his short note burned before him and Gilly. “This begins, a new era,” he said to the statue, as if she was there, as if she was listening. “For both Blackthorne and Gallagher.”
graduation & state fair
To hear his name called and his walk up to get his diploma, it was everything that Emmett was expecting. To gathering his fourth year friends to get a picture with him, a picture that would be placed in a frame next to his bed. To getting a picture with just him and Vida ( @venividavici ), that would soon become his phone background for two weeks before he changed it to just Vida. To his family, that all stood tall and proud, all eyes of the graduation attendees on the notorious family that pulled their youngest member into a huge hug. Emmett Blackthorne has become the first in their family to attend both Blackthorne and Gallagher, thus marking the start of a new era.
His family’s manor wasn’t that far from Gallagher, it was actually an hour away from Blackthorne. Driving past his old school, he remembered how as child he believed that he would go there and graduate from the place just like those before him. Now, he was happy that no one else had to be subjected to what the school had to offer, even if it pained him to admit to it. Maybe that was why his father and uncle worked hard to show him love and compassion, so that when time came for him to attend Blackthorne, that the school would affect him deeply like it did for many others. After all, Emmett was the start of a new era, history could not repeat itself.
He didn’t come home alone, there was Landon ( @specdracers ) who showed up a week later with his belongings and a huge grin on his face. His grandmother welcomed him without a problem, always loving the idea of having more grandchildren. It was always a wonder how someone like her met his grandfather, a man so emotionally unattached and distance. “Your grandfather is a good man,” she said to him once after the older man yelled at a sixteen year old Emmett for slacking during training. “He just wants what best for you. And unfortunately, how he shows that isn’t in the best way.” Even she was aware of the cycle that his grandfather was forced into, how the older man was trapped and couldn’t his way out. Or maybe he did find an opening and it was his grandmother, the first person to show him compassion and to give him a chance. A tunnel that would lead him to freedom.
Landon’s stay was appreciated in the household. The two boys played video games, hung out outside of the manor, helped his grandmother cook, trained with his uncle, and played D&D. An activity that was kept under wraps after a year of playing, it was now known to at least seven people. Four out of the seven he didn’t even tell himself! Despite not knowing how to play, Landon fit right into the group. From his grandmother’s pleas for not attacking murderous trees, his uncle wanting to fight the murderous trees, his grandfather’s grunts, and his mother’s snide comments. This was the side of the Blackthorne family that people didn’t get to see unless they were trustworthy enough, and his friend fit into the category of being trustworthy.
Of course, he couldn’t forget about Vida. The pair who texted every single day, FaceTime until late at night, and who made plans to meet before Berlin. Trips were made to see each other, to hold on and act as if this was their first time in a relationship. To the many pictures that he constantly took of her, kisses left on top of her knuckles, kisses that turned into more in the back of his car, and then quickly having to get themselves back together before heading back inside. It was then that his hand would find it’s way to hers, fingers locking together to show that he wasn’t leaving her, that he was here to stay. Maybe he realized it before, months before the beginning of their relationship, that Vida made him feel safe and at peace. That being with her was the best thing that could’ve happened for him and when it did, he was set for life.
To spend time with his two faves, Emmett tugged the two into his car and drove the trio to the state fair. It had been years since he last attended so it was the perfect to come back. With someone who represented his new allies and the other who represented a future full of happiness, this was a new era. They played games and won prizes. ate a lot of food, got on a few rides, and even got on a ferris wheel cart. The three walked around as if they were normal civilians, that they weren’t hiding the fact that in less than a month, they were heading to Berlin for more training. As if the didn’t know how to break a person’s arm or know how to hot wire a car. No, they were just three young adults enjoying themselves and their youth. Something that they deserve to have; peace.
This was his last semester before adulthood truly began. Berlin was his last chance to see his friends before he had to say goodbye to them for whoever knows how long. For now, he was going to bask in his youth, in the fun, in a life that he has known for so long before he had to grow up. And honestly, he was happy to be the person that he was today.
birthday trip to greece
After seeing Landon off, Emmett was back to being the only grandchild within his family’s home. It was then that his stomach churned with having to tell his family the truth about his future, a decision that he made for himself just a few weeks ago. It was nerves that ate away at him, telling him that he needed to say something or else he would forever be deemed a coward. A cowardly Blackthorne, the first of his family. And maybe he was acting cowardly as he sat at the dinner table, silent despite the words sitting at the tip of his tongue. No matter how much he wanted to say it or how close to the edge the words were, nothing was said as he heard those words from his grandfather. “One day, you will be the next leader of our family and you will continue to uphold family traditions.” He felt like shit after that.
The best part about time before Berlin was the planned birthday trip for Vida, since her birthday was the week prior to their internship. The couple decided that spending time together in Greece would be a lot of fun, a week with just them and no interruptions. So, they packed up for both Greece and Berlin, saying bye to their families a week earlier than expected. It felt like they were on their honeymoon trip, going to Europe together and being in love. Was he in love with Vida? Honestly, Emmett wasn’t sure. Love has always seemed like something that he would never experience. While his parents were able to find each other and were so deeply in love, the concept never seemed like something he could obtain. But then he met Vida and like, really met her. Not just someone from another well off family who he knew of. But as an actual person who he could open up in front of and be himself, his true self. It was… nice.
When they arrived, of course they went straight to the hotel and fell asleep due to their long flight. But as soon as they woke up, that was when the fun began. Sight seeing, shopping, going to different restaurants, taking pictures together, making out, having sex, and just that couple shit. With her hand in his, Emmett felt so safe and on cloud nine. Being able to walk and talk like normal people, well, rich normal people, was out of the ordinary for them. No need to look over their backs or having to worry about watching someone, they were two young adults enjoying their “honeymoon” together.
At night, the duo tried to stay up as late as possible. Because as soon as they fell asleep and woke up, they were one day closer to going back to their regular lives. That shouldn’t have been a problem but Emmett found himself loving this side of them, not wanting to let it go. But alas, they only had two more days left before having to fly off to Berlin. Don’t worry, those days were spent accordingly with romantic dinners and him being the biggest simp out there.
During their last night in Greece while Vida was sleeping soundly, Emmett got out of bed and picked up his phone, heading straight for the balcony. Well, this was his moment to finally say something. Clicking on the name of his desire on his phone and placing it up against his ear, he stood there, waiting for the other person to answer.
“Emmett,” came his grandfather’s voice. “Why are you calling me so early in the morning?”
He swallowed his spit, trying to figure out the right words to say. “I, um—”
“Is everything alright in Greece? No one has attacked you?”
“No, sir.”
“Has the Torres girl done anything to you?”
“No sir and her name is Vida.”
“Then what is the problem?”
Once again, silence took over, his nerves from just a week ago making an appearance. He was never the nervous type, whenever he was, it was rare and only during such crucial moments of his life. Such as anything that had to do with grandfather’s genuine approval. And this very moment, was probably the most that has ever been nervous. “Grandfather,” he began, finally finding something to say. “I haven’t been honest with you or anyone in our family really.” Or even with himself for that matter.
“Well, what is it? We both know that I—”
“I have decided to work elsewhere instead of with the family.” Silence on the other line as Emmett just let the words out and free. “I know that I’ve been training for this day and that everyone has been looking forward to it, but I just want—”
“Emmett…”
“— to try something out on my own without my name—”
“Emmett…”
“— being the reason why I got a job and because my family—”
“Ji-Hun.”
Emmett froze at the sound of the Korean name that his mother’s family gave him. It was only ever used by his mother, her side of the family, and sometimes his grandfather. But only when his grandfather was being serious (honestly, when wasn’t he serious?). “How long have you wanted to say this?”
“I’ve had these thoughts for a few months now,” he answered honestly, back leaning up a against the wall. “Didn’t really give into the thoughts until last week. And I wanted to tell all of you, I really did, but… I don’t know, the fear of disappointing you just took over.”
“Disappointing— why would you think that you would do that?” Once again, he was silent, not sure of the right words to say. It was his grandfather’s sigh that filled in the space. “Ji-Hun, I am not disappointed in you because you want to do other work, but I am disappointed in you for keeping it a secret for so long. We’ve raised you better than this.”
It was during this that the act of smoking seemed appropriate, as it would fit the mood and settle his nerves. “I know and I’m sorry. I just didn’t know how to bring it up without feeling like a traitor to the family,” he said, expecting to have the older man stop him but was met with silence on the other line. “You’ve been preparing me every single day since I was child to work in the family business, it’s my destiny to work with everyone.” There was a hard ‘but’ that could be felt at this point. “And don’t get me wrong, I’ve been waiting for this day to come because I’ve wanted to be just like you, I wanted to make you out of everyone proud of me. But I wasn’t doing it because I wanted to. Or maybe I was doing it for myself but as the years went by... it just didn’t feel right anymore. I want to do something for myself, no one else. I’m not doing this for you, grandfather, I’m doing this for myself.”
There was silence for a few seconds, but it felt like hours had gone by. Until his grandfather finally spoke up and he... was so understanding. It was a shock, listening to the older man tell him that it was okay, that Emmett was okay and that he wasn’t a disappointment. This was his way of breaking the cycle, the never ending cycle of forcing someone to do what the family believes to be right. Maybe it was his because of his father and uncle’s influence, the two older man wanting Emmett to live a life different from their own. Or maybe it was his grandmother who didn’t like Blackthorne’s influence over her husband and sons. Or maybe, deep down, his grandfather has always wanted to break away. He just never had the chance to do so. Not until the birth of his grandchild, that was when he knew, that this could all end.
From there, his grandfather asked him questions. Where did he want to work (”MI6, going there with Vida.”), is he prepared to work from the bottom up (”Of course, I can do anything, I’m a Blackthorne of course.”), and his plans with Vida (”You’ve been spending a lot of time with her.” This was the first time that he has heard his grandfather tease him.). The call lasted for an hour, the two opening up to each other for the first time in forever. Genuinely listening and expressing their feelings, laughing with one another, joking, JOKING with each other. Who would’ve thought that the head of the Blackthorne family could joke around, Emmett didn’t.
It was his grandfather who had to end the call, realizing that it was nearing almost two in the morning for Emmett (fun fact: he is NOT a night owl, he only stays up if he’s going out.). Just before ending the phone call, his grandfather said one last thing, switching over to English. “I love you, Ji-Hun, and remember, I’m always proud of you.”
A line that Emmett has grown up saying for years and years saying, but hearing it from his grandfather made him emotional. A single tear fell down his cheeks, followed by a chuckle. “I love you too, grandfather.” With that, the two hung up, leaving him alone at night. Alone where he let more stray tears fall, a smile on his face. It was then that a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders, something that he has been struggling with for some time now. Once all of the tears had fallen, he went back inside to a still sleeping Vida.
Getting into the bed, he pulled the other into him, the two molding together. All was well with him as he laid beside someone who reminded him of home and a family that was supporting him in his decision.
It was Emmett Blackthorne who was the beginning of a new era for both Blackthorne and Gallagher.
You thought Sunny was broke? Homie, have you MET Jerome? Jerome Zimmerman who spends all of his money on video games instead of saving it? Yeah, sorry to his friends, none of you got gifts from him LOL. Instead, he sent out Christmas cards of him with his parents hat the older woman made without his knowing. So you’re welcome Max ( @brandtmax ), Aidan ( @itsaidanblack ), Seb ( @oofsebastian ), Aylin ( @ofaylin ), Reese ( @reeselowrey ), and Wilder ( @wildandwilder ). It’s a picture that the two took when Jerome was five and wore an elf costume AGIOAGJA. Ella ( @itsellataylor ), you got a pair of ballet shoes from your Auntie Tanya, Jerome just put his name down on it.
Let’s see... Well, Jerome is spending his Christmas in Miami with his mom and Tom. It’s their first family vacation together in years and he hates it here.
The whole time, his parents are just acting all lovey dovey and shit like that and like, homie isn’t too happy. Most of the time, he spends it texting Max and checking on Ella. Maybe he should’ve taken up Max’s offer, especially because she’s spending it alone. But his mom wouldn’t be on that so he goes against it.
Miami is fun and honestly, he’s having a good time. At least Tom is trying and it seems genuine. He’s just... scared of getting hurt again. It’s only one late night conversation with just the two of them and he decides, okay, maybe I’ll give this guy a chance.
And the trip is better, in a way. Everyone feels lighter around each other and there are more smiles. In this very moment, it all feels good, as if nothing can go wrong. And nothing does on this trip, Jerome just hopes that it remains that way from ‘till forever.
The last time he really had a chance to talk to her, it was about their parents and Yugioh. After the whole thing with her and Seb, he wasn’t sure if she wanted to talk to him. Because it was because of the other that the two even started talking, would it be awkward? Or maybe she didn’t want to ever speak to him? That would suck because he liked talking to her. His nerves were eating away at him, telling him that Aylin for sure did not want to talk to him and that she for sure didn’t want to be his friend anymore. But despite the screaming in his head, Jerome still walked over to her, tray in his hands as he gave her an awkward smile. “H-hey,” he croaked. “Do you mind if I sit here with you?” @ofaylin
“Listen, if I stutter while trying to talk in German, I’m gonna need you to mind your business,” he joked, a smile on his face as he lightly nudged his friend. “Just know that it’s because of my anxiety.” @ofaylin
Jerome’s private snap dedicated to all Berlin things. This includes going to bars with friends, doing weird things, office shenanigans, and milkshake runs. Stay tune folks for this wild adventure with Jerome Zimmerman.
ft. @itsellataylor, ft. @brandtmax, ft. @gregcollins, ft. @oofsebastian, ft. @itsaidanblack, ft. @reeselowrey, ft. @willoww-est, ft. @ofaylin, ft. @elisaspar
