When Steve was younger (like 7/8) his father used to take him and Olivia to Pine Barrens because Steve wanted to try and find the Jersey Devil.
Like, they’d just get in the car and drive and Steve probably had a notebook where he wrote all about the Jersey Devil, and they probably took a disposable camera and would photograph the “evidence” and stick the photos in his book.
In his heart he knew it was just a myth; but nothing was more exciting to him than throwing a waterproof jacket on over his pyjamas and climbing in the backseat of the car next to Olivia with a wind-up flashlight, even though he had school the next day.
And Olivia would point out footprints and broken branches and trampled undergrowth, and Steve would write it all down frantically and take pictures while Olivia held the flashlight so you could actually see the photos that he was taking.
And him and Olivia stood back to back with linked arms, listening to the sounds of the night echo around them.
And one of them (usually Steve) would get spooked by something and they’d run back to the car where their dad was waiting and Steve would fall asleep with his notebook tucked to his chest and his head on Olivia’s shoulder.
A Letter For Claudia [Claudia (knockkn0ck) and Liv]
knockkn0ck Dear Claudia, Right now you don't know who I am. You've heard my name, seen my face. But as far as you know, I shouldn't be here anymore. But I found a way. Finally, I did. Seems someone rang a bell. Honestly, I think it was you. And I want to thank you for it. More even: I want to thank you for everything you did, do and will do for your partner. He means more to me than you can imagine right now. I'd also like to thank you in person. And I also need your help. I have a decision to make and I think you're the right one to ask in this case. I know this sounds strange, but it's about Steve. It's a decision I can't make alone, but I don't want him to know it just yet. I hope to meet you in the park in Univille as soon as you can come. I'll be there. Keep The Faith, L.
25 Days of Fic - 6: Angel (Warehouse 13, Claudia + Jinks)
25 Days of Ficmas - Day 6: Angel
Fandom: Warehouse 13
Pairings: Claudia + (Steve) Jinks
Rating: K/G
Words: 839
Summary: Olivia Jinks gets her wings.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters nor anything else related to the show.
There were worse places that Claudia could be stuck for Christmas than in New Jersey with Steve and his mom, like at the Warehouse, but she had really been looking forward to seeing Joshua again (and under non-chaotic circumstances). She cursed the grounding of all flights and what she had deemed a "freak" blizzard.
Olivia Jinks felt for the living girl, she really did, but her family needed Claudia more than Claudia's brother did right now. She needed Claudia there. Even with occasionally being around them, Olivia still missed Steve and their mom; checking in and watching over them wasn't the same as them knowing she was present. And while they were happy, happier than they'd been in a long time, it still wasn't really Christmas for them, or for her.
Claudia's attention was guided by Olivia to the angel tree topper sitting in a box on the fireplace mantle; a star adorned the top of the tree.
"What up with that?" Claudia asked, walking over to inspect the angel.
Steve followed her over to the fireplace and picked up the box. "This, this was Liv's favorite decoration. When we were kids, Olivia called dibs on it; she was gonna take it with her when she got her own place and had her own tree. She always put this angel on the tree, always. After she was killed...we just didn't feel right putting it on the tree."
Claudia mentally kicked herself. "I always seem to bring up your most painful memories."
"It's not painful," he assured her, setting the box back. "It's..."
Olivia brushed her fingers over the box's cellophane window then dropped her hand down to urge her brother's hand back to the box. "It's okay, Stevie. Angel can't spread her wings if you keep her boxed up."
Steve opened the box and gently removed the angel, handling it carefully. "I miss seeing it on the tree. I think..."
Olivia gave a sad yet hopeful grin, placing a reassuring hand on top of Steve's shoulder. "That's right."
Steve touched his shoulder and looked up at the star then back down at the angel, swallowing. He nodded his head. "I think that Liv would want it on the tree again."
Claudia smiled. "I think she would too."
Steve held the angel out to Claudia. "You should do the honor."
She shook her head, pushing Steve's hand away. "No, Steve, I don't think that I should. Your family, your traditions, your tree."
"Yeah, but having you around, it's like still having part of Olivia around. She would want you to do it. I'm pretty sure she'd be really upset if it were anyone else."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive."
Claudia carefully took the angel from Steve, holding it with both hands. She waited as Steve reached up and removed the star from the top of the tree.
"Is there a step ladder or chair that I can stand on? That's really not within my reach and Artie confiscated all my favorite toys except for my Farnsworth and Tesla before we left."
Steve shrugged. "Yeah, we can just move the coffee table over and I can spot you." He glanced into the foyer to make sure his mom wasn't coming before confiding in Claudia, "That was Liv's preferred method. Well, only because neither of us knew how to do any cheerleadering lifts."
Claudia snorted as she and Steve moved the coffee table in front of the tree. The sadness left Olivia's smile as she watched Claudia step onto the table, Steve behind her, spotting her. Olivia hopped up onto the table and placed her hand on the angel as Claudia carefully placed the topper onto the tree. Olivia nodded, satisfied as Claudia made sure the angel was straight and stable then they both hopped down.
The tree shook slightly and a bell ornament jingled. Olivia laughed.
Every time a bell rings...
There was a curious look in Steve's eyes as he and Claudia gazed up at the angel. He cocked his head to the side then looked down. "You know, this may sound weird, but it almost feels like Olivia's here."
Claudia shook her head. "That doesn't sound weird. And maybe she is. I mean, if people's essences can be imbued in the artifacts they create, then why can't their spirits stay with us or at least come and visit every once in a blue moon?"
"Yeah, I guess you're right," Steve said, smiling at her.
Olivia leaned between them. "Merry Christmas."
Steve and Claudia spun around, and Steve could have sworn that he caught a glimpse of Olivia's reflection in the glass of the French doors.
"Claudia, did you--"
"I didn't say anything." She sounded just a little freaked out.
"Did you hear--"
"Something? Maybe. Did you?"
"Yeah."
The bell on the tree jingled again and Steve turned back around, looked up at the angel, and smiled.
Now it was starting to feel like Christmas in the Jinks house again, Olivia thought as she examined her new pair of wings.
