another thing i wanted to point out after i rewatched hoppers— they gave titus/robot jerry WAYYY more chest hair than jerry actually has, which is funny because the scientists literally have access to seeing how much chest hair jerry has, with him only being in his undershirt.
i noticed this even before i was able to rewatch it and get screenshots of both jerry and titus’ chests but my only thought now is. did titus like… request that??? because we see how much he cares about his ‘plumage’ so it isn’t like a crazy concept 😭 of all things he could have enhanced about jerry he wanted the chest hair to be thicker and that’s so funny to me
fun fact i vividly remember seeing this movie in theaters when i was around 11/12 and this man was literally the gateway to me liking men with long hair
Summary: You are one semester away from getting hired on full-time at Beaverton University. That’s when a meeting with the staff reveals that they are looking to cut your program. If you do not raise the money in time, you will have to move for work. In the chaos of it all, you find yourself falling for the guy you consider an enemy to nature. Perhaps he isn’t as bad as he seems.
CW: 18+, f!reader, reader is best friends with Mabel, flirting, secret relationship, makeout, nipple play, kinda body worship, oral f!receiving, p in v, biting, hickeys, creampie
a/n: am I slowly branching into writing for more animated characters? Yes I am. also before anyone says something about how many times I used ‘—‘ in this, I don’t a.i. generate anything I write, it’s just really easy to type it on an iPhone and I like the way it looks better than just a dash I got long winded with this one yall
word count: 16.7k
title track 🎶🦫
~~~
The wood of the handmade sign in your hand was slowly rubbing your skin raw. Drowned out by the loud yelling of your friend to your side as she argued with the man who dared continue on ridding the beauty of nature. His big project for the beltway was on the back burner for now. Animals still remained in the river below where he needed to expand, so this was his next idea.
It seemed like the two of you were the only people in the town who cared about wildlife. Everyone else was more concerned with their own convenience to care about the natural habitats that would get destroyed. So the two of you made it your duty to protest every one of Beaverton’s new projects that jeopardized that. This time, it was a lake right outside of Beaverton University. A place you had grown fond of with how often you spent time at the university. It was like a second home to you due to the demanding hours of your job. The easiest place to go relax and calm yourself after a stressful day, or even just enjoy your lunch break at.
“There are fish in this lake, Jerry! You’re going to destroy their home,” Mabel extended her arms out to point at the body of water.
“Mabel, I’ve already told you we have plans to rehome all the fish in a bigger lake outside of town. The people want the parking garage!” Jerry gestured back.
It went like this every time. Back and forth. Mabel and Jerry often talking over each other. Shouting to try and get their point across. Often ending with the two of you being escorted off the premises, a little harder to do since construction had not began.
“But this is their home! Plus there’s plenty of parking on the other side of the building. Why do you even need to build a whole garage?” Mabel stomped her foot and questioned him with a raised brow.
“Mabel, it’s a pond! Come on, don’t you think the fish will be happier in some giant lake somewhere else? Everyone wants convenience. It cuts the walk time to the center of campus by six minutes. Those numbers add up,” Jerry pointed to his watch.
After hours of protesting, the sun had began setting. Mabel and Jerry had worn themselves out bickering. So the mayor had retreated, making Mabel celebrate a little. Jumping up and down while hooting and hollering. High fiving you harder than you were prepared for. Bending down to grab a rock and skipping it across the lake. She was thrilled. Her energy was contagious. That was until you looked at the time.
“I feel like we should do something to celebrate!” Mabel chuckled with excitement.
“You know I’d love to, maybe we should save it for if he actually cancels the project,” you said, already setting the alarms on your phone for the morning.
Mabel tapped her chin with her finger. Staring up at the sky and thinking with a hum, “Fair. We could still hangout if you want!”
You sucked your teeth, “Mabel, I’ve got work in the morning and it’s late. How about tomorrow evening you swing by my place? We can watch a movie and order pizza?”
“Sounds like a plan. See you tomorrow, teach,” she smiled with a finger gun. Dropping her skateboard on the ground and riding away. The informal nickname making you laugh as you waved to her. She was your best friend. Pretty much your only real friend. Since moving to Beaverton almost two years ago, you had been so involved with work there was no time to meet people. Acquainted with some of the professors at Beaverton University, but you were still quite a bit younger than all of them. And just old enough to be considered “old” to the students. A strange point in your life all together.
You walked back to your car parked on the other side of campus. Throwing the sign you had hand painted in the backseat. Driving home listening to the pop radio station. Not really paying attention to it as the same song that always played came on again. Passing the city and all its lights, you approached your suburban neighborhood. The house you rented nestled nicely between two almost identical to it. It was a mundane life, but one you cherished. Happy to keep your head up. A career you loved, a friendly neighborhood, and a nice outdoors within reach. Despite the loneliness dedicating yourself to a career brought with it, you would not change it.
Stretching as you got out of the car. Walking up the small sidewalk path from the driveway, your automatic lights turned on to illuminate the way. Unlocking the door, the familiar warmth of home greeted you. You tossed your keys into the little ceramic bowl on the table next to the door. Letting out a sigh that quickly shifted into a yawn. Slipping your shoes off, you headed toward your bathroom. Changing into the pajamas you had shedded this morning. Going ahead and brushing your teeth just in case you got too sleepy. Walking back to flop onto your couch and turn the TV on. Mindlessly clicking through all the local channels, deciding to watch the late night news. Halfway dozing as you tried to unwind. The news anchors went on about some local tragedies; house fires, car accidents, the usual. Catching your attention when they started talking about the expansion on the beltway. Expressing that most of the locals looked forward to it, but the project’s hiatus continued. Finally, some good news.
Quickly ruined when they cut to commercial break. Mayor Jerry’s face overtook your entire screen. Explaining his plans for construction and campaigning his reelection. Audibly scoffing, you turned the screen off. Deciding to call it for the night.
~
You woke up to the sound of your phone vibrating on your nightstand. Sunlight peaking in through your blinds. Dragging yourself out of bed, you got ready for the day ahead. Classes spread out throughout the day. Actually being given the opportunity to lead one by a coworker. Helping you gain experience for the solo position you would be taking in the autumn.
Stepping outside, you locked your front door. Warmth from the already risen sun dancing across your skin. Birds chirping and bees rubbing against the flowers in your garden. Deciding it would be nice to ride your bike today. Giving you the opportunity to clear your rapid running mind before the meeting with the dean today. Everyone had to attend, it was typical for the end of the year. Usually just laying out the plans for the next semester. Hopefully he would show you to the room that you would get to claim as your own. The sun warmed your skin as it rose higher into the sky. Giving you optimism for the future.
Locking your bike to the rack, you headed inside. Classes you were assisting with practically speeding past you. The one you got to teach yourself went well. Thoroughly enjoying your day at the university. So when it was time for the big meeting at the end of it, your anxieties had mostly vanished. Walking down the halls with Dr. Sam and her team. Papers from the class you taught held tightly in your hands. Some others you had agreed to grade for your fellow professors mixed in. Not counting the books and folders you needed to store. You really needed to remember your book bag. Many professors were already gathered inside the room. Most of the seats filled, except the front row. Which is where the four of you ended up. Everyone’s posture changing when the Dean’s voice cut from the back of the room.
His presentation was typical. Discussing highs of the semester. Reminiscing on events and victories of the teams and clubs. It was not of much interest to you. Focused solely on what he ended with. Your brain hyperactive as anticipation made your leg shake. He would welcome you as a member of the staff finally. Thrilled beyond words.
“As many of you may know, Beaverton University has seen a decline in new enrollment over the last few years. And because of that, we are now experiencing some rather unfortunate budget cuts,” the dean began, adjusting the glasses on the tip of his nose, “We have made the difficult decision to cut some programs from our roster. Those programs are as follows: Introduction to Theater, all Russian language courses including Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced, and Conservation Biology.”
Your heart sank.
The words came out so casually from him, but it was uprooting every aspect of your life in an instant. Feeling the world close in around you as your heartbeat sped up. Hands shaking so much you had to clasp them in between your thighs. All other words drowned out by the ringing in your ears. Refusing to meet the eyes of your fellow teachers who had just received the same news. Knowing how devastating this was.
Only brought back to reality by him dismissing everyone. Looking to the door and catching the theater teacher storming out, followed closely by the foreign language professor. Everyone else staggering and talking. No urgency from them. Their jobs were secured. Dr. Sam’s hand on your shoulder followed by an apology the only thing you could focus on. Nodding silently as she left.
You stood and walked to the front of the room where the dean still resided. Face red as you questioned him, “You’re cutting my program? Y-You told me I’d have a position here in the Fall. You promised!”
“Miss Y/L/N, there are certain things out of my control. I understand you are upset, but I cannot keep funding programs that have a low attendance rate,” he tried to dismiss you.
“You didn’t even give my program a chance,” you rebutted.
“I’m sorry, but unless you can get the money required for the course before the end of this semester, there is nothing I can do,” he said hoping to discourage you.
Your eyes widened, “Get the money? You’re saying if I can come up with it myself, you’ll give me a chance?”
He scoffed, “Yes. But I don’t imagine you will be able to raise that kind of money in six weeks, Miss. And I don’t see anyone jumping to fund wildlife conservation.”
You nodded, “Get me a number. I’m going to try my hardest, sir. This school is important to me.”
A loud sigh from him. Shaking his head and beginning to leave the room, “I’ll draft up an email. Don’t get your hopes up, Miss Y/L/N.”
But he did not know you. He had no idea of what you were capable of when you put your mind to it. There were things you could accomplish that others would call impossible. This was just your next project.
Yet as you left the room, a certain dread found its way into your stomach. Wrapping itself tightly in your intestines and spreading through your veins. How in the world were you supposed to make that kind of money in such a short amount of time? Hands tightening around the stack in them as you tried to calm down. Maybe staying late and alone would help. You could hide in the labs until you were done. Walking down the hall, you pondered. Everything. Your decision to move to Beaverton. The fact you would likely be out of a job in the next few weeks. Now of all times? When you were only a semester away from being hired full-time? The universe had a way of playing tricks on you. It was disheartening in a way you were not prepared for.
Crashing into someone took your mind off it. Fumbling the stack of books and folders you needed to take to the lab. Scattering all across the linoleum floor, and yourself caught on your hands and knees. Wincing at the scuff that began burning on your knees. You pushed yourself back so that you were not in such a compromised position. Sighing loudly and cursing softly under your breath. Embarrassment creeped its way into the back of your throat.
“Woah-ho-ho! Sorry about that,” a familiar voice sounded from above you. Only making this moment worse as you looked up at the suited man. Trademark smile and greying black locks. Registering who he was at the same time he registered you, “Oh! You’re Mabel’s friend from the protest. Y/N, right?”
You patted off your clothes as you stood, “In the flesh. Now, what’s the Mayor of Beaverton doing at a college campus? There’s not any wildlife here for you to run away, unless you count the frat down the road.”
Which made him laugh. Shaking his head as he spoke, “No, no. I’m not here for any new expansions to the ever growing highway. Just here to make sure I’m appealing to the younger demographic. Gotta campaign if I want to get reelected.”
You nodded, reaching down to start collecting your things scattered between you, “Right. You better hope Mabel doesn’t catch wind. She’ll make sure and scare off any potential voters for you.”
Jerry took a knee. Reaching for the last book you needed and offering it out to you. Soft eyes and a smile. Kindness came naturally from him, despite the differing opinions you had on natural habitats. Chuckling at your comment, “That Mabel. She sure is… something.”
You began to take the book from him, “Yeah, I think she’s always been that way. To hear her grandma talk atleast. She used to get caught trying to free the class pets when she was a kid!”
It had both of you laughing. Sharing in an emotion you never expected to with him. Having viewed him as your enemy this whole time. With all the construction and renovations you had become aware of. The town that used to inhabit so much wildlife, seemingly having vanished. Maybe he was not some supervillain like you had envisioned.
“Her determination is admirable, I’ll give her that,” Jerry said. Both of you standing to your full heights. Your paperwork and books tucked beneath your arm. Jerry’s hands on his hips, “Seems like you have the same determination.”
You chuckled off the compliment. Running your hand up and down your arm trying to collect your thoughts. Feeling the soft flicker of something in your stomach. Chalking it up to some mild anxiety that talking to him one on one gave you.
You stepped back, “Well, I’ve gotta get these papers graded. It was, uh, good talking to you, Mayor Jerry.”
“Actually just Jerry is fine,” he waved you off, “And I was hoping you could maybe show me to the courtyard?”
It stopped you in the tracks, “Oh! Of course I can.”
Waving for him to follow beside you. Walking in a silence that made your skin crawl. For the most part, you were socially checked out for the day. Drained and ready to go home, but you wanted to make an impression on the school. Needing to prove to them your program was still worth funding. That people cared about wildlife conservation.
“So, how did you and Mabel meet?” he nonchalantly asked.
Casualty catching you off guard. Curious to why he would care about the finer details of you and Mabel’s relationship. He is a man of the people, so maybe this was his version of small talk. So you obliged, “I started interning here last year. She was in the biology class I was observing. One day, we were starting the dissection section of the teaching. She came in with a big sign protesting us cutting into the animals’ bodies. Even though the animals were dead, she cared. I think that’s incredible. So I introduced myself to her after the class was dismissed. Told her I thought what she stood for was pretty cool, and we’ve been friends ever since. I spend a lot of time with her and her grandma. She’s sick, so Mabel takes care of her.”
You had been talking for so long, you did not even notice his eyes on you. Blinking to refocus on him beside you. Embarrassment of your oversharing painting your face. Trying to laugh it off, “She’s like my only friend. I’m really busy with work and stuff. I love Beaverton, I just don’t have the time to explore. Married to the job, y’know?”
Immediately realizing how bad that sounded. If you could put your own foot in your mouth, you did already. Kicking yourself mentally as you stared forward and chewed the inside of your cheek.
“I totally get it. Being the mayor is a full time job. Twenty-four seven, three sixty-five. Having to solve everyone’s problems. Trying to make everyone happy. I don’t have time to socialize for real. And my mom’s my best friend,” Jerry said with a laugh.
He was empathizing with you. Genuinely understanding your struggle in a way many people could not. Your chest suddenly felt warm when you looked back to him. His eyes closed and nose scrunched as he laughed. Beginning to view him as company rather than a bother. Catching yourself smiling at him while he was not looking.
His brown eyes opened to ask you more questions, “What’re you looking to teach?”
“My focus is Wildlife Conservation. Animals need all the help they can get, you know? For now, I’m helping out the agriculture and physical world concepts professors. Occasionally dabbling with the biology teacher,” you wiggled your fingers at him to emphasize your point, “They’re all great. Just… having my own space would be even better.”
As you gushed about your potential career, the same sadness could not help but find its way back into your mind. Realizing that there was a good chance none of those things you said would be true after the following weeks. But there was no need to dump that on the mayor out of nowhere.
“That’s amazing,” Jerry smiled, hooded eyes looking you up and down. Catching him in the act. His face running pink when he realized what he was doing. Something was different here. Something he could not pinpoint. Deviating immediately to a joke, “G-Guess that means you’re not my biggest fan then?”
You chuckled, “It’s not you, it’s the things you keep building. I guess I thought you were some evil guy all this time, but this… this has been nice.”
He playfully elbowed you in the side, “You think I’m nice?”
Blowing a raspberry as you rolled your eyes. Over exaggerating your fake laugh as you continued forward. Stopping in front of the doors to the courtyard, you looked up at him. Pursing your lips and raising an eyebrow. Pointing a finger at him, “You’re good at that, you know?”
“It’s how I keep getting reelected,” he smirked, straightening his suit jacket with confidence. Both of you laughing again. Strangely comforting. Feeling like maybe you had finally found another friend who could understand you.
You sighed, gesturing to the door outside, “Here’s your stop, Mr. Mayor. Have fun getting those new votes.”
“Does that mean you’re my first new vote?” he had a ‘Vote 4 Jerry’ sticker pinched between two fingers. The cocky smile written across his face had you smiling back. He was good, and he knew that.
“Not a chance,” you grinned, snatching the campaign sticker from him. Tucking it into one of your folders and walking away from him. Not knowing that his eyes lingered on you until you were out of his sight.
Problems feeling lighter even if for a moment. Feeling like there was a jump to your step as you headed to the lab. Flicking the fluorescent lights on in the empty room. Taking a seat at one of the taller tables, giving you better space to spread everything out. Typically, you liked taking a data sample of which question was most commonly missed. That way you knew what part of the lesson plan you needed to improve.
You chewed the eraser on your pencil as you painstakingly read through one of the quizzes. Vibration from your phone caught your attention. Mabel’s name followed by a green recycle and paw print emoji popped up with a message next to it, “RED ALERT: JERRY IS IN THE COURTYARD RIGHT NOW!!¡!¡!!”
Smiling at your screen, you took it in your hand and began typing, “Grading papers, good luck.”
Which she almost instantly replied with a frowny face. Following it shortly with, “Extra cheese on the pizza. Thinking that new movie about the animal cops for tonight. Can’t wait!”
Smiling as you typed back a pizza and cheese emoji. Having to refocus so you would get done before it was time to hangout. Making it halfway through all the quizzes. Grades varying, but not a failure yet. It made you hopeful that your teaching style worked.
But
You had to think of a way to raise some money. There had to be something to get the people interested. A concert? You didn’t know anyone who played, so finding someone would be difficult. Plus having to pay them would be pointless. A silent auction? No, you didn’t have anything to offer. You spun around in your chair tapping your pen to your chin as you thought. Staring at the walls as they spun around you hoping for inspiration to strike. That’s when you noticed the blue orb drawn on the next Saturday of your calendar. That’s it! An Earth day celebration. You could invite local vendors and small business owners. Maybe even get some of the food trucks out to draw a crowd. Put a donation jar at every table so maybe they could raise some money for you while making money for themselves. You could make cute earth themed decorations and pass out some grow your own seed kits to the kids. Maybe even ask the agricultural teacher if she could bring one of her horses for the kids to ride. It was perfect. All you had to do was put it all together within the next two weeks.
Not a lot of time.
You began frantically texting Mabel. Spilling everything out for her. Suddenly stopping before you hit send. Thumb shaking above your phone screen. You could not tell her. There was no way. Her plate was already full. School and having to care for her elderly grandmother. What kind of friend would you be to put more stress onto her? So you deleted the message. It would be easier to discuss in person anyway. Tell her it would just be a fun way to raise some money for your department. No need to add the bit about budget cuts.
You would raise this money on your own. And if you couldn’t, you would have to leave Beaverton.
Finishing up all your work, you hurried home. Making sure to send Mabel a text as you left. Peddling fast, enjoying the night breeze on your face. A million different ideas running through your mind. You would make this work. Somehow.
Once you got home, Mabel was already waiting for you. Sitting on your steps scrolling through her phone. Face lighting up when she saw you. Waving with her entire arm until you joined her. Unlocking your door, Mabel chanted, “Movie night! Movie night!”
A whole pizza and half a movie later, the two of you were sat on opposite ends of your couch. Only halfway paying attention to the unfortunately predictable plot of the movie you had chosen. A twist villain? Who could’ve guessed.
“Oh, I had something I wanted to talk to you about,” you casually said.
“Shoot,” Mabel pointed a finger gun at you.
“I’m going to put together an Earth Day Celebration in a few weeks. Thinking the Saturday after next. I wanna fundraise some money for the department,” you said, knowingly withholding the true reason.
Mabel sat up, “Oh yeah? What’re we talking here? Bake sale? Silent auction?”
“More like a big festival. Pony rides, bounce houses, vendors and food trucks. I want to bring the community together for something that matters, plus put some money into BU’s pocket, y’know?”
“Dude. That sounds awesome! How can I help?” Mabel’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
You went on to explain your grand plan and how exactly you would need her assistance. Decorations, flyer designs, marketing; it was all vital to the success of this. Even if Mabel only thought it was for extra money. Guilt dared to wrap its arms around you, but truth be told you were too distracted by all the planning.
~
And for the next week, you spent every free moment you had preparing for the Earth Day Celebration. Posting it in all the local groups on every social media site. Getting the proper approval to have it on campus. Reaching out to local vendors. Making decorations. It was all coming together in a way you were not expecting. Even if you had drained yourself to make it happen.
It was only a few days away now. Having lost sleep and being so preoccupied, the days had blended together. Standing outside the school with Mabel now. The sun beginning to set already. Stacks of flyers in both your arms, you planned.
“Okay, I’ve got these things plastered all over campus. No body is walking around without seeing one. As for the rest, I’ll take these to the people near my house,” zooming onto the top down view of her home on the digital map, “And you can take the ones near yours. Door to door salesmen may have went out of style, but you and I are bringing it back.”
You laughed, “People might think we’re Mormons.”
“Well, we are spreading the good word. I guess,” Mabel joked. Tucking the flyers away into her backpack, she dropped her skateboard on the ground. Pointing back at you, “Text me when you make it home!”
“I will!” you waved as she rode off. Tucking your own flyers into your book bag. Tightening the strap around your body as you took off on your bike. Spending more time then you’d like to admit passing out flyers to every single person that would come to the door on your way.
Your eyes were growing heavier with each new house. Walking your bike beside you, typically leaving it at the fence of each home. Knocking, encouraging citizens to come down and raise money for the university. Explaining how fun of an event it would be for families of any shape and size. Thanking each person and telling them you could not wait to see them Saturday.
Feeling the way your words slowly began slurring together, you decided to call it quits after the next few houses. Wanting to finish off this block of housing. You could always wake up early tomorrow to tape them on people’s mailboxes if you had to. Dragging yourself up the sidewalk to your next stop. Ringing the doorbell, you laid your eyes closed.
You held out the flyer before the door even fully opened. Beginning your rehearsed monologue without looking up, “Good evening. We’re hosting an Earth Day festival at Beaverton University this Saturday. Proceeds will go directly into continuing the funding of the Wildlife Conservation program. We would love for you to come out and join us—“
“Y/N?”
You stopped speaking entirely. Eyes going wide as you looked up to meet the eyes of the homeowner. Jerry. In a white robe with a ‘J’ embroidered on it. Clearly settled in for the evening.
“Mayor Jerry! Oh my God, I’m so sorry. I didn’t even realize this was your house,” you straightened your posture and hugged the flyers to your chest. Forcing a smile that was definitely not hiding your discomfort.
He chuckled, “That’s okay.”
“It’s late. I really do apologize for bothering y—“
Cutting you off by stepping out of his house and onto the welcome mat. Extending his hand to accept one of the flyers, “You’re not a bother. Let me take a look at that.”
Hesitantly, you handed over one of the papers. Standing awkwardly as he hummed to himself while reading it. Curious eyes glimpsing at the black chest hair that peaked from beneath his robe. Causing heat to rise to your face as you forced your eyes down to the sidewalk. Noticing his house slippers. This guy really took his relaxation seriously.
“Fundraiser, eh?” Jerry’s eyes lifted from the page to your face.
“Y-Yeah. Um, there’s some budget cuts going on. An-And we need to raise the money ourselves or— Ugh. That’s not important. It’s a fundraiser for Earth Day. There’ll be games and food and a market with local vendors,” you looked at him with contorted eyebrows. Words pouring from your mouth like vomit after one of the spinny rides at the carnival. Closing your eyes and attempting to compose yourself. Pushing your formal voice, “It’s really late. I’m so sorry, I really shouldn’t be out knocking on people’s doors. Especially the Mayor’s. I’m sure you’re getting ready for bed.”
“I actually just helped mom to bed. Would you want to come inside? We can discuss it more,” he pointed over his shoulder with his thumb.
Your face bled instantly. Breaking a sweat at the invitation. Mouth falling wide enough that you could have caught flies in it. Stammering as you tried to speak, “I-I wouldn’t wa-want to impose—“
“You aren’t. Now come on, I’ll make some hot cocoa,” he stepped to the side to let you walk inside. Gesturing with an outstretched hand towards the entrance.
There was no way you were about to do this.
Yet your legs were already moving and the smell of some perfumey candle was taking over your senses. Before you knew it, you were sat at his dining table. Your items placed on the table and your hands folded in your lap. Jerry across the room from you heating up the hot chocolate. You looked around the open floor plan. Seeing all the pictures of all the years of his life plastered on the walls. An only child. A debate captain. Beaverton University graduate. The first election he won, back when his hair was still mostly black. Watching him grow up as your eyes scanned each framed photo. Humanizing him to you.
“So,” Jerry began over to the table with two mugs between his fingers. Sitting one gently in front of you then taking the seat beside you, “Budget cuts at Beaverton University?”
You stared down at the marshmallows floating in the hot liquid. Perfectly covering the top with an even number. Still way too hot to drink, you began, “Yeah. Not everything can get funded every year, and this year Wildlife Conservation happened to be on the chopping block. We had a meeting last week and it felt like a ton of bricks dropped on me. They told me if I wanted to stay, I’d need to find someone to fund it or raise the money myself.”
Jerry looked at the flyer as he took a sip of his own, “Hmp. I see.”
“It’s not like anyone is jumping to fund a niche subject, you know? And the community loves a get together, so I’m hoping to raise enough that I get hired for the next semester. Cause if not, I don’t know what I’ll do. I’d have to move all over again. Find another job to student teach at. I… I don’t want to start over,” you sighed, resting on your elbow and pinching the skin above your nose.
You were unsure why you felt the need to share this with him. Maybe it was the crush you had began harboring after last week’s encounter, or the stress of planning all this. Regardless, you felt hopeless. Tears dared to well up in your eyes as you looked at the wood of his table. Pulling your lip between your teeth to stop yourself.
“And you put all this together in a week?” Jerry asked.
You nodded, struggling to meet his eyes.
“That’s incredible. This is something to be proud of, Y/N,” he said. Genuinely complimenting you in a way you had not heard in a long time. A soft sense of pride making its way into your stomach. Giving him a closed mouth smile. Finally reaching for your hot chocolate and taking a sip.
Jerry’s fingers tapped on the tabletop. Thought clear behind his eyes before saying, “I could give you the money.”
You choked. Covering your mouth with your hand as you tried to force the rest of the liquid in your mouth down. Coughing to clear your throat of what had gotten caught. Looking over at him wide eyed, “Wh-what? No, I can’t—“
“It would be a donation, of course. Specifically to your program so it doesn’t get cut,” he continued as if he had no second thought about it.
Embarrassment bubbled in your throat, leading to an accidental outburst, “NO.”
You stood up with your hands planted firmly on the table. Breathing heavily and blinking rapidly. Cups rattling and some liquid spilling out of yours. The silence was deafening. Closing your eyes and trying to regain composure. Running a hand down your face and exhaling, “I am so sorry.”
Jerry stood silently. Waiting for him to kick you out. To scold you for behaving so rudely. Just to reinforce all the things you were feeling about yourself. You made a fool of yourself. His footsteps across the floor echoed in your ears. Knowing he must have been seething beneath the surface.
But when he returned, he had a paper towel in his hand. Cleaning the spill off the table. Delicate movements showing that he was not upset nor angry. You were taken aback by his kindness. Part of you still believing he was hiding a part of him. The part that would shout or degrade. Even if everything else proved differently.
“So… why don’t you want me to just give you the money?” his voice was steady.
You took your seat once more. Stiffening your posture and folding your hands neatly together. Breathing out, “I don’t want charity.”
“Gotta feel like you earned it?”
Your eyes widened as you looked at him. A sly smile thrown at you now. You nodded with blushed cheeks.
“I totally get it. Feels better if you know you’ve worked hard for it,” Jerry walked over and threw away the paper towel. Rejoining you at the table and leaning on one of his arms. Looking deeply into your eyes, “It seems like you have a great plan. This event is sure to be the talk of the town. And I will make sure I am there to support you.”
You chuckled under your breath, “I’m sure you have more important things to do than come to an Earth Day festival.”
“I think helping you stay here is important,” Jerry said it as easy as breathing. His hand reaching for yours as he said it. Resting atop yours against the table. His touch ignited your skin. Intimate in a way that some would consider innocent, but it had you a flustered mess.
You blew your breath out in a soft laugh, “Why’re you being so nice to me?”
“Because I like you,” Jerry said matter of factly. Face going blood red when he realized how that sounded. His eyes went wide and he cleared his throat, “I mean— a-after our chat the other day, of course. You were nice to me, too. And I consider you a friend.”
Your eyebrows wrinkled up your forehead, “Hmp. A friend. I never expected to be friends with the Mayor.”
Jerry smiled. Laughing as he tried to calm his thumping heart. Embarrassed, but still charming. Making a fool of himself like he used to when he was a high schooler. Never the best with intimate conversations or feelings. Sometimes saying things bluntly or too casually. Your smile back at him eased his discomfort, “Does it make you feel special?”
He was teasing you. Shimmying his shoulders and flattening a hand to his chest waiting for your response. Clearly determined to keep that smile on your face.
You giggled, “You’re ridiculous.”
Exploding in laughter. Having found someone that matched your sillier side. Maybe you were developing a crush on him.
“Look, I’m going to give you my personal cellphone number. If you ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to text or call me,” Jerry got up and opened a drawer. Pulling out a pad of paper and a pen. Both which had his campaign imagery all over them. Ripping it and giving it to you with his name and number neatly printed across it. You smiled as you tucked it into your pocket. Taking the pen from him and writing your own name and number on the paper.
You stood, collecting your things, “Thank you for inviting me inside. Hopefully I haven’t overstayed my welcome.”
“Of course not,” Jerry smiled. The two of you walking to the door together. He opened it for you, taking his place in the entryway as you stepped out onto the porch. Dull glow from the porch light the only thing illuminating your face. Turning to wave goodbye to him for the night. He pointed at you, “Text me when you get home, okay?”
“I will,” you grinned. Unintentionally skipping back to your bike. Fueled by your feelings for him. It was like a second wind that helped get you home. Keeping your promise to let him know you were home. Scrolling to see Mabel had texted you well over an hour ago that she had made it home herself. Had you seriously spent that much time with Jerry?
Once you were through your threshold, it was like you got punched by a wave of sleepiness. Your body barely allowing you to drag yourself to your bed. Having severely overdone it the last few days.
But it would all be worth it.
~
As the next few days continued, you would get the occasional text from Jerry. Taking pictures of flowers in his garden, or birds on his fence posts. And you would do the same. Staying up later than you meant to texting back and forth some questions and answers. Learning about each other. Swiftly morphing into a phone call after he helped his mother to bed every night. Liking the sound of his voice as he grew sleepy, when it was more gruff and low. And maybe he had let it slip once that he liked hearing your voice before bed. Which maybe made you stay up later than normal replaying the words in your head. In the short time you had each other’s numbers, you had developed a routine of sorts. One that made butterflies flap around your stomach.
It was the night before the festival. Having already got several of the more outdoor friendly decorations set up at the venue. Jittering with excitement as you and Mabel finished things up in your home. Standing up on the step ladder, Mabel stretched to add the final lettering to your arched decoration. A cute display explaining what the Wildlife Conservation program was all about. Something you hoped would make students show an interest in the program, possibly helping your chances of success.
This was going to work.
Mabel’s phone had her playlist going as you folded some craft paper into flowers and other shapes. Attaching them to a makeshift paper chain that you could hang from one side to the other.
Your phone buzzed. Ignoring it at first until two more notifications followed. Deciding to check it. Jerry’s name. He had sent a picture of the banner for the festival on campus. Following it with a selfie of him pointing at it, and a message, “It’s almost time!”
Smiling without realizing, it caught Mabel’s attention, “Who’s that?”
Stuttering out a lie, “J-Just one of the vendors asking something silly.”
Quickly typing a reply to Jerry with maybe too many emojis and sitting your phone back down. Clicking the ringer off on the side as you did so.
“Everyone seems really excited for tomorrow,” Mabel smiled, cutting out another letter for the display.
You finished the final staple in your paper chain, “I sure hope so. I’m pretty excited myself.”
“Yeah, I’m really sorry I won’t be able to come help out. Grams has got plans, and you know how I have to look out for her,” Mabel said as she stretched to reach the top of the arch.
“It’s no problem. I’m just happy you’re helping me now,” you braced the bottom of the step ladder when it started to wobble. Both of you laughing at the fall she almost took, “Besides, some students in the agricultural club offered to set up first thing in the morning. The Ag professor will be bringing one of her ponies for kids to ride, so she’ll be there too.”
“It’s great you’re doing all this as a fundraiser. Beaverton University’s about to get one hell of a teacher,” Mabel said.
Deep down you wanted to tell her the truth. Your stomach flipped when she said those words. It was the first thing you had blatantly kept from her. But you would never forgive yourself if you put that stress on her. You could handle it.
Sighing, “Right.”
Once things were finished, you and Mabel rode together to drop off the final pieces. Leaving them in the lab on campus so it would be easy to access tomorrow. Taking her home right after so she did not have to skateboard home in the dark so late. Thanking her over and over for all the help she had provided. Which she waved off with a “what are friends for?” Telling you she would most likely swing by Sunday morning to talk about how it goes. Wishing you all the best, she went inside. Waving from inside the car, you promised to tell her how everything goes.
The preppy beat of a new pop song played over your radio. Somehow fading out when your phone lit up in your passenger seat. One of Jerry’s selfies you had set as his contact photo taking over the whole screen. Sliding it to answer, it took over the radio of your vehicle, “Hi, Jerry.”
“Hey. How’re you doing tonight?”
“I just dropped Mabel off at her house. We finally got all the display finished and dropped off at the university. Heading home now,” you said as your eyes stayed on the road.
“That’s great! I can’t wait to see it tomorrow,” his smile was audible.
Continuing the casual conversation until you pulled into your driveway. Taking your phone in hand, you tucked it between your shoulder and ear. Fumbling with your keys as you unlocked your door. Laughing at a joke he made. He had a serious dad energy for a guy without kids. It was charming. It was late, so you decided to get ready for bed. Carrying your phone around on speaker. Doing your nightly routine while talking to him. It was almost like he was here with you.
Snuggled in bed, you had your phone lying on your nightstand. Listening to him talk about some awkward interaction he had once. Barely able to pay attention as you drifted off. His voice was so calming, it put you to sleep. Feeling safe with him talking to you.
“Y/N…?” his voice trailed off in your mind.
Half delirious, “Yeah?”
You could hear him chuckle at your sleepy voice, “You’re falling asleep on me.”
“Nah,” you replied in a whine.
His chuckling continued, “Get some rest. You’ve got a big day tomorrow. Goodnight, sweetheart.”
You grunted in disapproval, “But I wanna keep talking to you.”
“We can tomorrow, I promise,” Jerry cooed.
“Hmp,” you huffed, “Okay, since you promise. Goodnight.”
Hardly remembering setting your alarm or hanging up. You were asleep quicker than you could finish the sentence.
~
Although things were not supposed to start until ten , you were wide awake at six. Excited for the day ahead of you. You got dressed in your overalls and a custom tie dyed and painted t-shirt. Wanting to really look nice for the event. Doing your hair and makeup the way you liked. It was like you were on cloud nine as you left home. Biking to campus, you began to set everything the rest of the way up. Finishing your display in just enough time for the vendors to begin showing up. You helped them where needed, whether it be setting up tents or unfolding tables. Whatever they needed, you were their go-to girl. Losing yourself in helping everyone, you barely noticed the time.
You finished helping the final vendor when you waved them goodbye. Heading to the front of the event so you could see how many people had began coming in. Passing many people on your way. Smiling and thanking people for coming by. Filled with hope that this was working out. Once you were at the front, you noticed a large crowd surrounding one area.
The object of their attention coming into view.
You were shocked beyond words at the sight. A dunk tank with none other than Jerry sat inside. Wearing swimming trunks and a ‘Vote 4 Jerry’ t-shirt. Banners with his campaign imagery all around it. This time with little drawings of Earth and people holding hands around it. Keeping to the theme of the festival. Surrounded by people, all waiting their turn to try and sink the mayor. Walking over, you tried to blend in with the crowd. Watching as he laughed and agged people along. Pointing and joking with all the citizens. Hair still in place, meaning no one had sunk him yet. He looked happy. Really in his element.
Your attention got grabbed by the table in front of the display. A younger guy smiling and thanking people. Handing them tickets, then directing them to the end of the line. You noticed a cash box in front of him. Finally taking the time to read the sign: “$1 a throw.” They had not been registered for the event to your knowledge. Maybe this was just an excuse for him to campaign. Steal the crowd he knew would already be here. It made your stomach twist with anger. Deciding to march up to the table for answers.
Greeted by the man’s wide smile, “Hi! Interested in trying to dunk Mayor Jerry? A dollar gets you one of these to throw at him.”
Following his hand to the heavy red bag laid on the table.
“Of course, this one’s just for display. We have a whole bucket of ‘em over at the front. What do you say?” his chipper attitude dulled the frustrated that wanted to seep out.
“I’m actually the person who put the festival together. I wasn’t aware that you guys would be here today,” you gestured towards his t-shirt that matched Jerry’s, “Are you guys just wanting to be where the people are? Makes it easier to raise money, I suppose.”
“Yeah, it was kinda last minute. Jerry called me the other night and asked me to find him a dunk tank before Saturday. I apologize, I was under the impression Jerry got it all approved. He said he wanted to help raise money for the Earth Day Celebration,” the young man said.
Twisted anger quickly morphed into butterflies flapping around your insides. He set all this up last minute for the event. For you. If cartoonish hearts could have appeared over your head right now, you imagined they would have. Fawning as you looked back to Jerry. Sat up high in the tank and shrugging as another person missed the target. Even after you had declined his charity the other night, he still found a way to help you.
“It’s no problem,” you said to him, “Have fun, if you guys need anything let me know. Tell Jerry Y/N says ‘thank you’.”
Continuing on to make sure everything was running as smoothly as possible. Stopping by each station and booth and vendor to ask if there was anything you could do to help them. Finding it easy to talk to people when you were like this. Liking the casual conversations and learning about the local businesses around Beaverton. Trying samples of many products the people offered.
Finding yourself standing off to the side watching the agriculture teacher walk the horse while a kid gleefully smiled on its back. Excited to see so many happy faces all around you.
“Y/N!” you heard your voice called from behind. Turning to see Jerry waving at you. Hair disheveled and t-shirt sticking to his chest. Showcasing his thick chest hair and soft tummy. Taking your breath away in an instant. Unable to stop yourself from smiling like a girl seeing her crush. Waving back at him as he finally caught up with you.
“H-Hey! Looks like someone finally got you,” you laughed. Trying your hardest to keep your eyes on his face. But he looked so good. You could not stop yourself from glancing up and down his body.
Jerry belly laughed. Looking down at himself as he spoke, “Believe it or not, one of the tee ball boys sunk me. First one of the day, seemed to make everyone really happy. Even if I look like this now.”
“I think you look really good,” you flattened your hand against his arm. Eyes fixated on his chest hair you could see through the wet fabric. Realizing suddenly how forward your compliment came off. Looking up to his face that was now flushed red. His lips parted like he wanted to say something but could not muster it. In a panic, you removed your hand from his arm. Folding both arms behind your back and laughing awkwardly. Pushing up on your toes and rocking to try and buy time as you thought of something to say.
Jerry leaned forward, slipping his hand around yours as he spoke, “You look stunning today.”
Turning your head to meet his eyes as he slowly pulled away. Eyebrows arching up your forehead as you processed the compliment. Understanding he whispered so no rumors got spread around the smaller town. Wanting to keep things private to the public. If there even was something to keep.
“Mayor Jerry!” someone called out to him. Breaking you both away from the moment. His hand releasing yours as he turned. Jerry plastering his best picture worthy smile and greeting the person. He was extremely friendly with all citizens. Knowing everyone was a potential voter, but also being raised right. He was a real man. One who cared and loved his work.
You patted Jerry on the shoulder to get his attention, “I’ll see you around, Jerry.”
“Hey, come by the dunk tank and we can talk some more. Okay?” he said flattening his own hand to yours.
Blush painted your face as you looked between his brown eyes. Blinking as you refocused, “Yeah. I’ll try.”
The rest of the event went on without a hitch. People filled the space. Vendors sold out of things. Families laughing and enjoying their time together. It went better than you could have ever imagined. Even getting to introduce yourself to some new people. Taking a portion of your time to try and sink Jerry. Who, of course, antagonized you with each failed attempt. After four throws, you finally hit the bullseye. Watching him go under the water and come up laughing. Lying to yourself about the way it made your insides knot together. Especially when he ran a hand through his wet hair and winked at you. Unprepared for the blatant flirting going on between you.
After closing ceremonies, you went around collecting the donation jars from each booth. Thanking each person for coming out and helping raise money. Overcome with gratitude for everyone. Having all the money in one place, it was finally time to count. Meeting up with Dr. Sam in front of the back doors to the building. She had agreed to count it all for you, with the assistance of her two teammates of course. Handing over the box, you thanked her again, “I can’t express how grateful I am you offered to count this for me, Dr. Sam.”
“Of course, Y/L/N. I was not going to be much help decorating or hosting a booth. This is the least I can do for you. Those of us who care about wildlife have to stick together,” she smiled widely at you.
“Thanks again. I’ve gotta get back and start taking everything down and cleaning up,” you waved as you began back to the area the festival was held.
She waved, calling out to you, “I’ll call you tomorrow and let you know!”
Things were looking up for you. The day had been a roaring success. People from all over Beaverton had came by to enjoy festivities. Feeling like a strong community. It reminded you why you loved this place so much. Even if you were not as involved as some, it felt like you belonged. Catching yourself humming one of the songs from the radio as you bagged trash and recyclables. Making sure to leave the place as clean as before the event was set up. Moon and stars overhead reminding you how much time you had spent here today. Wiping the sweat off your head when you threw the last bag into its bin. Deciding to walk to your favorite place on campus and savor the calm night.
You sat on the edge of the bank. Feet dangling barely above the water. It was still. The breeze rattling the trees a little, and the occasional frog jumping into it. You would miss this when it was inevitably drained. Enjoying it for now.
Footsteps approached from behind. Looking over your shoulder to see Jerry. Clothes changed, wearing his typical suit minus the jacket. A tie with spring colors popping against the white button down. Back to his usual put together self. Smiling as he sat down beside you, mimicking your position. Greeting him with a smile that he returned. Surprising you that he was still around. You could have sworn he had left with the crowd. Wondering when he had gotten into something more formal.
Silence other than the crickets singing. It was comforting. To be able to sit with someone without needing to force a conversation. Letting the other’s company be enough.
“It’s beautiful here,” Jerry said after a moment.
“It is,” you sighed, “This is where I go when I need to clear my head. It’s too bad the parking garage is going here.”
Jerry’s eyes went wide. The genuine hurt in your voice had his chest tightening. Looking across the lake to the tree-line. Seeing the way the night sky reflected against the perfect water. Catching the ripple of small frogs returning home. Never considering how much building new things took away from the life that already existed in these areas. His main concern was making life easier for the citizens of Beaverton, more convenient.
Realizing what you said as his silence rang in your ears. Looking up at him and holding your hands out in front of you, “I-I didn’t mean— Sorry.”
“No, it’s okay. I understand,” Jerry smiled, waving you off. Immediately pivoting the conversation, “Things went good today.”
You breathed out. All the money would be finalized tomorrow. Telling you whether or not you hit your goal. Anxiety of it all still heavy in your stomach. Resting your hands on the soft grass helped regulate it. Glancing over at Jerry who was still fixated on the lake.
“Thank you,” you said lowly. Looking down to hide your vulnerability, “For doing this today. You were a hit, as always. I really love this town and I want to stay here.”
“I’ll do whatever I can to make sure you get to,” his hand reached for yours. A soft smile overtaking his face as he looked at you. Thumb rubbing against the top of your hand as he held it in his. Blushing as you met his eyes. This was becoming more than kindness. You could feel it in the way he spoke. His eyes telling you that this meant something to him.
The two of you looked in each other’s eyes. Noticing when his eyes dipped down to your lips, then instantly back to yours. Both of you leaning in without thinking. Interlocking lips. It felt like magic. Sparking something deep inside you.
Breaking away, the corner of his mouth curved with a smile. Taking your hand in his, “I want to take you on a date. Wherever you want. Just a… real date.”
You were blushing like an idiot. Embarrassed and feeling a little guilty. Of all the people to fall head over heels for, you chose the guy who was more concerned with innovation than conservation. You smiled, “Oh, I don’t know when I’ll have time—“
“We can go right now,” Jerry suggested.
“But what about your mom?”
“I already had one of the care takers come for the night. My whole evening was dedicated to you, so why not continue?” he grinned, squeezing your hand.
If there was one thing you knew about him, he was persistent. It was attractive. Especially with how persistent he was about you. Still smiling you looked up at the sky. Rolling around ideas in your head.
“So? Where does my lady want to go?” Jerry fluttered his lashes and raised a brow. Putting on a bit of a posh voice as a joke.
You met his eye, “You know, I haven’t really got to explore Beaverton very much. How about you take me to your favorite place?”
Jerry stiffened his posture. Blinking rapidly as a surprised look took him over. While a man of the people, not many cared to get to know him. Yet you continued wanting to learn more about him each time you interacted. It made him feel special. His heart skipping a beat, “M-My favorite place?”
You nodded, “Mmhmp.”
Smiling widely, he stood up, “Okay. I can do that.”
Helping you up to your feet, Jerry guided you both to where he had parked. Derailing a little to go grab your bike. Putting it in the back of his car. You chatted the entire way to the old diner right inside town. A place that was basically frozen in the 1950s aesthetically. When you walked in, the woman behind the counter recognized him. Taking the two of you over to a booth that Jerry claimed was his. Making the waitress laugh. The menu was simple. Opting to let Jerry recommend what was good. He ordered a burger and fries with milkshakes for the two of you. Listening to him talk about how this place was where his mom always took him when he was younger. Claiming it had not changed throughout his life, and that it was just as good as the first time. Learning more about one another over the course of the dinner. Jerry asked about where you came from and about the types of things you enjoyed. A genuine interest in you as a person. There was no denying how your attraction for him was blossoming. He was dreamy.
Time flew by, accidentally staying up until the restaurant closed. Noticing the generous tip Jerry left. He held your hand as he walked you both back to his car. Kindness was so deeply woven into him, there was no faking it. His mother had raised him right. This was more than a crush.
The car ride back was filled with laughter. Sharing funny stories from childhood and college days. Bonding over some more nerdy passions you both shared. His love for horses making you smile. His car pulled into your driveway. Hopping out, he walked around the car to open your door for you. Then getting your bicycle out of the back of his car, walking it up to rest against your garage door. Coming back and offering you a hand as you stepped up. More gentlemanly than anyone had ever treated you. He extended his arm out to you, interlocking them. Walking you up the concrete sidewalk to your front doorstep. He released you once you were both upon the stoop, but his hand found itself wrapping his fingers through yours. You stood facing him with your back to the door.
“Tonight was incredible,” you swooned.
His hooded eyes looked down at you. Definitely proud of himself for getting a younger woman on a date with him. Smiling somewhat cockily, “I’m glad I got to take you out. I really like you, Y/N.”
You tucked your hair behind your ear as you grew flustered, “I like you too, Jerry.”
He smiled widely. Sensing some mischief forming behind his eyes, “Like me enough to vote for me?”
You rolled your eyes with a playful smile, “I don’t know about that.”
Jerry clinched his free hand over his chest. Faking like you had punched him right through it. Face contorting as he winced. Groaning in pain, “Ouch!”
You both erupted in laughter. Playful banter too natural between you. You were unsure of when it happened, but you were falling hard for him. Growing beyond a crush or fling. Something in you longed for him. His presence had you letting walls down and feeling emotions you had no clue you could.
In the midst of laughing, your hand had cupped your mouth and your eyes had closed. When you reopened them you caught his eyes watching you. Entranced by how carelessly you laughed. A smile that had your heart leaping out of your chest. Like he was thinking all the same things about you.
“You’re beautiful, Y/N,” he said deeply. Making sure you understood how much he meant it.
“Thank you,” you said back. Feeling this conversation coming to its end sooner than you wished. Swallowing before speaking once more, “I guess this is goodnight?”
Jerry brought your hand to his lips, kissing it tenderly, “I guess so. Goodnight, Y/N.”
“Goodnight,” you whispered. Waving a little awkwardly with the hand he had just kissed. Both of you smiling, even if you did not want the night to end. Watching him begin back to his car with his hands tucked into his pant pockets. Turning to unlock the door, you could not help yourself.
“Jerry,” you stopped him, “Do you want to come inside?”
You swayed back and forth chewing on your lip. Watching his eyes rake all the way down your body then back up to your face. Taking a hand from his pocket and flattening it against his hair, he sighed. The breath quickly morphed into a smile. Taking long strides to rejoin you, his hands slipping onto your hips immediately. Lips interlocking faster than you could comprehend it. Kissing like two starved animals. Your hand tangled in the back of his perfectly laid locks. Jerry lifted one hand to reach behind you for the doorknob. Pushing it the rest of the way open and guiding the two of you backward into your home.
Breathing heavily between kisses, Jerry kicked the door closed behind him. Hands coming up to cup both sides of your face as he deepened the kiss. Backing you into the wall with a soft thud. Teeth bumping momentarily, tongues exploring each other’s mouths.
Jerry was panting as he spoke between kisses, “Where’s your bedroom?”
Giggling at his eagerness. You twisted his tie around your hand and slowly began leading him down the hall. His face flooded red as he followed your lead. Entranced by you entirely. Trying to focus despite all the blood rushing to his groin. Walking into the mostly dark room, you clicked on a lamp so the two of you could see each other better. Standing directly beside your bed frame, you stopped. Loosening his tie and dropping it to the floor, you made quick work of the buttons down his chest. Taking them one by one until the thin cotton fabric was hanging off his shoulders. Leaving him in the tank top beneath.
“I haven’t done this in a… a long time,” Jerry admitted when your hands flattened against his stomach. Curving along the expanse of it until you were untucking it from his pants. Making him all too flustered.
“That’s okay. We can take our time,” you smiled, fingertips barely touching his skin beneath his shirt. A tease of thick hair leading down his entire body. Every touch was molten. Sending your body into overdrive.
Assisting you in pulling the shirt over his head, Jerry admitted, “That’s the thing… I don’t know if I can take my time. Especially with a woman as beautiful as you. With your hands all over me and all.”
It made you blush brightly. Understanding what exactly he was alluding to. The outline of his hardening cock against the slacks he wore helping paint a picture. You would be lying if it did not make you want to see more. Undoing his belt, you began shoving his pants down his legs. Allowing them to pool at his ankles, leaving him in only his boxers. Cock print clear through the fabric. Gawking at him without thinking.
Guiding your eyes back up to his face, Jerry clicked his tongue, “My eyes are up here.”
You giggled. Playfully shrugging your shoulders and wrapping your arms around his neck. Kissing him once more. Hand framing his jaw as it traveled down his torso to feel his chest hair. Masculine in a way you had no clue turned you on.
“You’re making me feel underdressed here,” Jerry grinned widely. Pulling back just enough to let his eyes stare at your chest. Looking back up at you for permission. A not so subtle hint.
Taking your own shirt in hands, you pulled it over your head. Dropping it with his own clothing. Leaving you in only your bra. Biting your lip as you took his hands and guided them around your back. Encouraging him to undo the garment. Lips interlocking as he did so. Letting it slide off your arms and into the floor, Jerry went wide eyed at your bare chest. A large hand immediately cupping one of them. Rubbing his thumb across the nipple to make it pebble up. Earning a gasp from you. Dipping down to capture your nipple between his lips, he flicked it with his tongue. His hand matching the movement with his fingers. Nails digging into his shoulders, you tried to stabilize yourself. Overcome with arousal as he continued on your chest.
Jerry looked at you with sex drunk eyes. Needy by nature, he began kissing down your neck. Traveling down your body leaving kisses in his path. He began to undo the button of your pants, dragging them down your legs. Guiding you out of them one foot at a time. His hands splayed on the back of your thighs as he knelt before you. Looking up at you through hooded eyes. You were shaking with anticipation. Not expecting to see him this desperate. Your heart was racing as you tenderly threaded a hand through his hair. Petting against the salt and pepper locks, Jerry let out a small noise.
Planting soft kisses against the fronts of your thighs, Jerry ventured until his lips met the hem of your panties. Swallowing against his watering mouth, he kissed against them. Hooking his hands in the curve of your knees to guide you onto the edge of the mattress. Spreading your legs as you scooted back just enough, he took his place between them. Curling a finger around your panties, he pulled them off your body. Leaving you completely revealed for him. His eyes fixated on your entrance as he breathed lowly. A smile creeping across his face when he noticed how slick you already were for him. Placing both your legs over his shoulders, he became eye to eye with your core.
Diving forward, Jerry licked a stripe up your core. Swirling his tongue around your clit before pulling back to look up at your face. Mouth agape with the moan that had rolled through you. Eyebrows upturned as you met his eyes. Needing more right away.
Jerry knew exactly what that look meant. Returning to your entrance, his tongue worked magic. Lapping into you with obscene sounds. His thick fingers digging into the meat of your thighs. Your head was thrown back as you called out to him. Back arching to meet his movements. He was almost too good at this. Steadily getting you closer to your high.
Then you felt a finger begin to caress your entrance. Sliding it inside and curving it. Pumping it perfectly. Your hands flew to his hair. Tightly tangling your fingers through his dark locks as you whined. Thrusting to meet his finger over and over. The knot inside you begging to be released.
“I can feel how close you are,” Jerry huffed almost out of breath, “Let me have it.”
Desperation on his tone making your head dizzy. Only a few more movements and you were seeing stars. Calling out his name as he latched onto your clit. Continuing to suck and flick the bulb as you rode your high. His finger pumping to meet the spasming of your walls.
A wicked smile planted across his face when you looked down to him. Chin glistening. Removing his finger from your core, he used the back of his hand to wipe his mouth. Crawling up to hover above you. Pinned between his arms.
You tugged him down onto the mattress by his shoulders. Gleeful laughter coming from him as he fell beside you. Intently watching you get up on your knees and straddle his lap. Cock twitching at the sight. Hands ghosting up your legs as he grinned up at you. Hooking a finger around the band of his boxers, you dragged them down slowly. Firstly revealing his dark pubic hair that was nicely trimmed, then the beginning of his shaft. Allowing his erection to spring free as you removed the fabric fully.
Wrapping your hand around the base, you stroked him a few times. Loving how his face contorted in satisfaction. Biting your lip when you thumbed at the tip. Hips jumping at it. Not wanting to tease him any longer, you lined him up with your entrance. His hands grabbed your hips as he looked up at you wide eyed. Sinking slowly onto the tip. Eyes rolling back into his head, he groaned at the sensation. Taking your time to slide him fully inside until your hips were flush.
Trying to keep himself together, Jerry kept his eyes closed. Eyebrows knitted together in thought as he breathed with parted lips. Adam’s apple jumping as he swallowed harshly. Focusing on the feeling of your walls encapsulating his length. Still sensitive from the orgasm he had given you, the occasional pulse had him aching for more.
Raising up on your knees and dropping down on him one more time, Jerry let your name out as a moan. Fingertips digging into the meat of your hips. You leaned down to place a kiss on his throat. Kissing down to his shoulder. Biting the flesh and soft sucking. Rolling your hips as you did so. Leaving a purple mark that could be easily hidden by his clothes. Prominent enough that he would see it when he looked in the mirror.
Jerry’s heavy lidded eyes opened so he could watch you. Words struggling to form, he was able to say, “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
And he meant it. Your already flushed face somehow reheated. Leaning down again, you kissed him. Continuing to ride him. He was losing himself with each lewd sound. Clapping of skin. His hand tangled in the back of your hair, holding your lips to him.
“Wh-Where can I cum?”
“Inside,” you breathed.
Smiling widely between kisses, Jerry’s hand went down to the base of your back. Holding you still as his body jerked upward. Spilling his seed deep inside you. Cock twitching with each rope of cum. Grunting and groaning in pure bliss. You swore Jerry had never looked sexier.
Staying still for a moment before rolling off of him onto the mattress beside him. Jerry wrapped his arm around you, pulling you into his side. You flattened a hand against his chest as you nuzzled into him. Hearts still racing, lungs burning from how out of breath you both were. A soft sweat glistening across both your bodies. It brought you peace to be here with him. A calmness you had not felt in a long time.
A soft kiss was planted on your head. His hand joining yours on his chest. Fingers intertwining, his cheek rested against your head. Legs tangled together so that you could be as close as possible. Bare and vulnerable together. Maybe this was what real couples did.
“I’ve had the best day with you, Y/N. There’s something special about you. I don’t… don’t believe in soulmates or anything like that. But you’ve taken a place dear in my heart. I want to spend my time getting to know you,” Jerry admitted lowly.
Hiding your face into his hairy chest, you were blushing brightly. You had not had a long term relationship since right out of high school. Even then, you did not feel this connection with them. Jerry was different. Like he saw you for all you were. Accepting each piece as a whole. Caring about you. It made things so natural.
“Me too, Jerry. I’m glad we started seeing each other,” you mumbled.
Shifting so the two of you could share a quick peck on the lips. Not much more of a conversation was had. Both of you falling asleep comfortably together.
~
Jerry was still asleep when you woke up. Having rolled around throughout the night, his arm was tossed across your body. Spooning comfortably. You decided it would be nice to surprise him with breakfast. Quietly and slowly sneaking out of bed, you went into your bathroom. Getting dressed in some casual clothing and heading into the kitchen.
The loud knock on your door made you jump. Walking over and looking through the peephole, your heart dropped. It was Mabel. Hands tucked into her pockets as she stomped her foot impatiently.
This was bad. Really bad. Of all the times for her to show up at your home. She chose the one time Jerry happened to be here. Making as loud of a noise as possible. Fearing she would wake him in the other room if she continued.
You cracked the door open before she could knock again, “Hey, Mabel.”
“Y/N!” her excitement clear from the smile on her face, “I’ve got great news!”
She pushed past you without a second thought. Even as you tried to stop her from advancing, she was already inside. Panic was slowly setting in as you questioned her, “What news?”
“I was coming to talk to you about how the fundraiser went, but there’s something even better. LOOK—“ she extended her phone screen out to you with an article opened that you could barely read, “Mayor Jerry is canceling his stupid parking garage!”
“What?” you questioned under your breath, taking Mabel’s phone from her. Your eyes skimmed the article now that they could focus.
“Yeah! You know that lake on the outskirts of campus? They were gonna drain it and level it, but apparently he called it off last night,” Mabel explained as she flopped onto your couch.
“That’s awesome!” you smiled.
That’s when it hit you. You were there with him last night. It was where he had kissed you, then asked you out. The place you had told him was your favorite spot. Where you went to unwind.
Had he done this for you?
You heard movement in your room. Swearing your heart stopped beating. A lump formed in your throat as you glanced back to Mabel. She had not heard it.
Thank god…
“Uh… Mabel, look, I’ve got some things I really need to do this morning. Is there anyway you could come back later?”
Mabel scrolled through her phone, “Ah, come on, teach. What do you gotta do? I can help!”
“T-This isn’t something you can help with. Please, we can go get lunch or something. I just need to be alone,” you flexed you fingers. Trying to act as natural as possible.
“You know I can help you with anything,” Mabel rebutted, not really noticing how sweat beamed along your forehead and you gritted your teeth.
Then the door to your bedroom opened. Your heart sank all the way to your ankles. Eyes flying open as your head whipped to the side. If Mabel had not heard it, she would definitely notice now. Mortified that this was happening you kept your eyes on the doorway. Jerry’s still half asleep figure stretching.
Your mouth was agape. Somehow, Jerry was still groggy enough that he had not noticed your guest. Mabel jumped up when she saw him.
“Oh my God!” Mabel shouted, pointing aggressively at him, “He’s in your house! He found out where you live!”
She was too busy panicking to really think about the situation. Stammering and stepping in front of you as to guard you from him. But it struck her suddenly when neither of you were panicking, “Wait…”
“Mabel, listen—“
She turned. Eyebrows pinched tightly together as her eyes looked to yours. Betrayal and heartbreak. Lips partly like she needed to say more but couldn’t. Her eyes grew glossy before you. Fist clenching against the fabric of her jacket as she stepped away slowly.
“Oh my God, Mabel! What’re you doing here?” Jerry clutched the t-shirt on his chest.
Mabel completely ignored him. Looking at you like you had just kicked her puppy, “You’re with… him?”
All you could do was open and close your mouth. Being caught entirely red handed. Every emotion shooting through you like static as you tried to say something. Anything. Then Jerry walked over to stand beside you. His arms snaking around your waist. Examining your panicked face.
“You canceled the parking garage?” you asked lowly. Confusion tugging your brows together. Making Mabel whip her head between you and Jerry.
Jerry’s eyebrows raised, “Uh… y-yeah, last night after the festival. What’s she doing here?”
“What are YOU doing here?!” Mabel pointed aggressively.
You stood silently. Not sure what you had done to deserve such a grand gesture from him. One that he was not even making a spectacle about doing. Just a genuine act of kindness.
“I am at my girlfriend’s house. That still doesn’t explain why you’re here out of no where,” Jerry said scowling at Mabel. The tension in the room growing thicker with every passing moment. Until Mabel looked back to your front door.
“I… I have to go,” Mabel said, backing away from you.
“Mabel, please—“
She held her hand up to stop you. Shaking her head as she exited your home. You cupped your mouth. Sighing with your head hung low. Beating yourself up for keeping such a large secret from your best friend.
“Y/N?” Jerry asked concerned.
“I messed up. I knew I should’ve told her,” you said lowly. Breaking away from him, you began frantically getting dressed. Throwing on some jeans and a t-shirt. Not even taking the time to fix your hair. Jerry was stunned as he followed you through your home. Watching you, unable to vocalize the questions running rampant in his mind. You patted your back pocket to make sure you felt your phone, going to grab your keys from beside the door. You turned to look at Jerry, “I have to go make this right. Just lock up when you leave.”
“But Y/N—“
“I have to go!” you rushed out before he could even ask a single question. Grabbing your bike, you peddled faster than you ever had. Taking the usual path she took to her home. Playing it over and over again in your mind the whole ride. All the times you should have came clean. Every opportunity to have a serious conversation with her. Just to explain the situation. Instead, it came to bite you in the ass. There was no one to blame but yourself.
Once you arrived, you skid your bike to a halt. Dropping it and rushing up to her front door. You knocked frantically. Waiting patiently until it opened. Grandma Tanaka looked up at you with a soft smile. Reading you quickly, she invited you inside. Taking her seat in the living room and asking, “Must’ve been bad this time. She didn’t say a word.”
Sighing, you rubbed the back of your neck. Too embarrassed to meet her eye, “Yeah… I messed up. Where is she?”
A huff resembling a laugh, “You know.”
Finally looking at her. An eyebrow raised and her eyes darting to the back door. Following her gaze it struck you where she had gone. Walking past Grandma Tanaka, you thanked her. Heading out the back door and into the forest behind their home. Following the same path she had led you down countless times. Fingers grazing the tall grass, watching the bugs fly around you, plants flourishing. A reminder of why you loved this place so much.
The sound of running water told you that you were close. Stopping at the familiar small rock at your feet. Then you spotted her. Sat upon the rock near the glade. The one she liked to hangout at after a long day. Her place to go when she needed to clear her mind and relax.
“Mabel,” you tried to get her attention, but she ignored you. Hugging her legs tighter to her chest. Refusing to acknowledge your existence. It hurt, but you understood. Continuing forward, “I know this seems like a betrayal for you. Believe me, I do. But I need you to understand…”
Her shoes scuffed as she shifted. Hiding her face from you as you rounded the rock. Wishing you could look her in the eyes. She was your best friend and you had hurt her. Maybe you had been for a while.
“There’s some things I haven’t been telling you. Jerry and I started seeing each other in the last few weeks. We just really hit it off, and when I was passing out flyers for the festival I happened to end up at his house. He’s been a big support of mine with what’s going on,” you finally admitted. Catching Mabel’s curious eyes look up at you from her legs. Finally ready to admit what was really going on, “Mabel, my… my program is getting cut. They told me two weeks ago if I didn’t get the money, I would be out of a job. I didn’t have the money myself. I can’t tell you how sorry I am. I didn’t want to stress you out anymore than you already are with your grandma. And I thought if I told you, you’d think I was some kind of loser. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I was just afraid I would lose my best friend.”
Mabel sat up a little more, resting her chin on her knees. Letting the breeze cascade over both your bodies as she thought.
Sighing, “You did hurt me.”
The pause after her words had tears welling up in your eyes. Forcing yourself to look down so she could not see them. Refusing to make her feel guilty when this was all your fault. Ears ringing and vision blurring, you clenched your fists. Waiting for more.
“You shouldn’t keep things secret from me,” her feet appeared in your vision, “I always want to be there for you, Y/N. Because you’re my best friend.”
Her hand on your shoulder gave you the courage to look up at her. Tears flowing down your cheeks as you sniffled. A smile on her face told you she meant it. Wrapping her in a tight hug as you sobbed. Grateful for someone as understanding as Mabel in your life. Proud to call her your best friend.
Her hand patted your back a few times as she spoke, “Now quit crying. You’re getting my shirt all wet with your tears!”
Standing up to your full height, you wiped your hand under your nose. Both of you laughing together. Mabel smacked you on the back playfully, “Let’s head back to the house. You can tell me about the fundraiser on the way.”
Following behind her, the two of you began out of the woods. Telling her about the vendors and how many people showed up. Then telling her about Jerry’s dunk tank. Laughing hard when you talked about him going under water.
“Out of all the people in Beaverton… Jerry is who you pick?!” Mabel squinted at you with confusion.
You cupped your palm against your face, “God, I know. If you told me a few weeks ago, I would have laughed in your face.”
Giggling together. Mabel looked you up and down. Noticing the blush on your cheeks and the dreamy sigh you released. Reality finally settling into her stomach, “Down bad, eh?”
You widened your eyes as you looked at her. Gazing up at the sky through the trees. Thinking of a response, but only nodding in agreement.
She had never seen you like this. Not about anyone. It filled her heart with joy to see you getting yourself out there. She had practically begged you forever to try online dating or even going out to places with her. Now she understood that you had to do things at your own pace. Even if she did not think it was the right way.
When you made it back to her house, Grandma Tanaka was out on the back porch waiting for the two of you. Greeting you with a glass of water and a soft smile, “I knew you two would make up.”
Mabel kissed her on the head, “Yeah, yeah. You always do.”
You thanked her for the glass. The three of you going inside together. Sitting at her round dining table and talking. Explaining the event to her and giving more details. And how you wished the two of them could have joined you yesterday.
Rapid knocking on the front door caught all your attention. Mabel walked over and opened the door and to her surprise it was none other than Jerry. Looking a little disheveled and frantic. Speaking before she even got the chance to acknowledge him, “Mabel, I know I am the last person you want to hear from right now. But I always have to listen to you protesting everything I do, so this one time you have to listen to me. You’re angry, you’re hurt, and I don’t expect you to suddenly be happy that I’m seeing your best friend.”
“Jerry—“ she tried to stop him.
“Just listen! You can hate me, but please… don’t be upset with Y/N. I care about her a lot. I would do anything to make her happy, even if that means I have to distance myself so that you two can continue being friends. I can stay far away from you, Mabel. Make sure Y/N doesn’t talk about me too much, never be over at her place at the same time as you, whatever it takes. She loves you, Mabel. And I… she’s incredible. It’s like she changed something inside me. I’m not going anywhere, so I need you to keep being her friend despite that,” Jerry confessed.
Your heart was overflowing. Stepping forward, Mabel moved so you could be seen. Walking through the doorway, you watched Jerry’s face light up a little. Wrapping him in a deep hug before he even knew it. Heart thumping loudly as you held him tightly.
Mabel chimed, “Well, I never thought it would be you. But I’ve never seen Y/N so happy.”
Jerry smiled widely, “I promise to keep her happy.”
“You better,” Mabel playfully slapped Jerry’s arm, “Because if you think I was a problem before, wait until you hurt my best friend.”
Jerry nervously laughed. Knowing that Mabel was being dead serious. The two beginning to casually converse. All of you joking and smiling together. Happy that both people you cared most for were going to try and set their differences aside for you.
Your phone vibrated in your pocket. Stepping away so you could answer the phone, “Hi, Dr. Sam!”
“Y/N,” her voice was low and steady, “I need you to know, you did a really good thing with the celebration yesterday. It’s not your fault at all.”
“Wh-What?”
“You didn’t raise the money, sweetheart,” she solemnly said.
Your smile quickly faded as the words settled. Swallowing against a dry mouth. Tears immediately welling to your eyes. Her voice fading out as you heard her repeating an apology over and over. Over explaining the reasoning behind why this happened. Just not enough donations, not because your cause was unworthy. Turning to look back at Jerry and Mabel as they tried to chat. Mabel must’ve made an offhand comment about construction that got under his skin. They were pointing and talking loudly. Not that you could hear them.
Your hand cupped over your mouth. Rubbing against it and trying to find your voice again. Warmth flowed down your cheeks as you tried to keep your composure. Only getting out a simple “Okay.”
Hanging up and placing your phone back in your pocket. Despite your best efforts. Putting your heart and soul into the fundraiser. Wishing on all the stars. You still were short. You felt like a failure.
Jerry happened to look over to you. Seeing the way your shoulders hung low, and how tears stained your cheeks. Immediately knowing something was wrong, he called out your name as he rushed over to you. Mabel right behind him. He placed his hands on your shoulders, slouching so he could look at your face. Mabel’s hand on your arm as well. He questioned, “What’s going on?”
You sobbed. Falling forward into his arms. Nestling your face into his chest to hide the sounds that fell from you. Body shaking as each wave of sadness crashed through you. Mabel asked your name lowly, hoping to encourage you to speak. Lifting to meet her eyes. Your own sad ones breaking her heart.
“We didn’t… get the money,” you said. Jerry and Mabel looked to one another as if maybe one of them misunderstood you. Hoping that was the case.
“Wh-What?” Jerry asked.
“Wait,” Mabel interrupted, “Does that mean you lost your job?”
You nodded. Standing up and running your hand under your nose. Tears continuing to flow down your face. Speaking through a broken voice, “I’ll have to go somewhere else and find a job.”
“So you’ll have to leave Beaverton?” Mabel asked, concerned and sad.
You exhaled, “Yeah.”
Mabel’s face contorted. Eyebrows pinching as she got slightly angry. Looking to Jerry and stomping her foot, “Isn’t there something you can do about this? Like go talk to the dean or-or use your campaign funds— something!”
“No,” you spoke before Jerry got the chance, “I told myself if I couldn’t raise the money, I wouldn’t accept the charity either. I would just have to deal with it.”
“Y/N…” Jerry tried.
You stepped away from the two of them. Going to grab your bike from where you had discarded it on the ground in your rush. The pit in your stomach growing with each passing moment. Closing your eyes unable to face either of them, “I’m going home. I’ll text you guys later.”
And you did just that. Despite clearly hearing Mabel scolding Jerry for not stopping you. Jerry saying the same thing to Mabel. Your heart had shattered. Fighting off tears that dared blur your vision. Swearing there were weights tied to the wheels as you forced yourself to bike faster. Cursing yourself the entire trip. Feeling foolish. As soon as you got home, you locked the door behind you. Flopping onto your couch because the smell of Jerry on your bed would have been too much to bear. Tears continuing down your face as you cried yourself to sleep.
~
Over the following weeks, you applied to many different jobs. Finding a city with several opportunities for your career. Far away from here, which was unfortunate. You were planning to move there now. Packing things slowly but surely. Reporting to finish out the last month of your job. Fighting to get out of bed most days. Abandoning your normal routine in favor of late nights alone. Sometimes going to lay in the fenced in backyard to look up at the empty sky on quiet nights. Deep down, hoping for a shooting star that you could wish on. Delusional that it could fix it all. Having distanced yourself from the life you were living so it would make all this easier. Change was never easy, but especially when it felt like it was forced upon you.
You were nearing the big move, so you spent most daylight packing. Occasionally Mabel or Jerry would come by to help. Trying to pretend like this was fine, or that they understood your choice. But deep down, neither of them could. A part of you assumed their was a resentment forming. It didn’t matter. Not when you were packing away your entire life into some boxes.
A ring of your doorbell. You sat down one of the many boxes filled with your things. Opening the door, surprised to see Jerry in his full suit. A half smile tugging at his mouth, “Hey.”
“Hi,” was all you said. Stepping out of the way to let him inside.
This had not been easy for either of you. Deciding you would try and keep things going even with the distance. But there was no denying the strain all of this put on you. The inevitable move looming heavy above both your heads. A sadness that neither of you could shake latching onto every interaction.
“I wanted to talk to you about something,” Jerry began, fidgeting with his fingers as he walked in a half circle.
You leaned against the entryway frame. Arms crossed over your chest as you awaited whatever he was going to say. He walked over to stand right in front of you. Extending his hand as an offering, “But I’m going to need you to come with me.”
Frozen a little. Not really in the mood for any scheme or game. You sighed, “Jerry, I’ve got a lot—“
The look on his face broke your heart into a million pieces. Eyebrows curved and a soft pout on his lip, “Please?”
Even though your exhausted body begged you not to, you took his hand. Letting him lead you outside. Opening the door for you like the gentleman he was. The ride was mostly silent. His air conditioning humming in his hybrid vehicle. Watching all the familiar streets pass by through the glass. A town you had grown to love. One you had planned to stay in for the foreseeable future. Resting your head against the glass, you tried to control your emotions. Disappointed in yourself. Holding yourself to a made up standard that things had to go one certain way. It was like a punishment for your failure. Angry that things had not worked out. No excitement for a new beginning. Only the feeling of leaving behind a life you were just starting to be excited to live. Finding your people here, but having to leave them.
His car stopped at a more rural location. Trees surrounding a river that flowed next to it. The park was only a street over. The clearing in the trees looked new, however. A path leading to a log cabin-like building. Surrounded by planted flowers and some bushes along the walls. The two of you got out at the same time. Walking along the laid stone path to the short steps up the building. Jerry unlocked the door and let you walk inside first. A beautiful rural inside. With a large fireplace against the center of the back wall, a large map of Beaverton and all its landmarks, tables not yet adorned with objects.
“This place is beautiful,” you said breathlessly, “How have I never seen it before?”
“We just built it,” Jerry said, “With the expanding of the beltway, and all the renovations to the city, I’m needing more space to plan things.”
It made you sad. Thinking about all the beautiful nature that would be destroyed to expand the city. Understanding that people cared about convenience and efficiency. Maybe things would have been different if you got to stay.
“And I’m hiring some new people. Personal architects. A demolition team. It’ll make everything so much easier,” Jerry went on. Only breaking your heart further. Until you felt his hand on your shoulder. Looking up to him, his eyebrows laying flatly across his eyes. Mouth turned up on the corner in a smile.
“How would you feel about being the wildlife conservation coordinator for Beaverton?”
You went wide eyed. Turning to fully face him. Shock clear across your expression, “What?”
“I need someone who can make sure we’re doing things with the natural habitat of all creatures of Beaverton in mind. I want to make sure we live alongside them. Protecting them, while still improving our city. I used to not care about the animals. Just whatever would make me look good enough to get reelected. But you changed that. I built this place for you,” Jerry said as he took your hand in his.
Blinking rapidly, your mind could not comprehend what he was saying. Moreso not allowing you to comprehend it. The warmth of his hand was the only thing keeping you grounded.
“I know this isn’t the job you dreamed of. And I would understand if you told me no. But I want you to stay here in Beaverton. With me,” Jerry said. Meaning every word.
Tears welled up your eyes. Stammering as your mouth gaped open like a fish out of water. Only able to ask, “Why?”
Jerry chuckled. Skin between his brows pinching as his head fell slightly to the side. Breathing deeply, “In the short time I’ve known you, things have changed. Things inside me. You are the best thing that’s happened to me. And there isn’t a world where I can go on without you by my side. I want to be with you every single day.”
Tears overflowed from your eyes. Sniffling as you rushed into a hug with him. He had kept this secret from you. This explained his distance over the last few weeks. Convinced that he was angry with you, so he was detaching from you. When he was actually working to give you a place here. In Beaverton. Like he had told you to begin with.
“Thank you,” you cried, “I-I didn’t want to leave you, Jerry.”
His lips met yours in a soft kiss. His hand caressing your cheek sweetly. Pulling back to look into your eyes. A smile returning to your lips filling him with joy.
“I can’t believe this,” you gestured around the room, then back to yourself, “You did all this for me. I… I’m so happy. No one has ever cared about me the way you do, Jerry.”
“You deserve it. All of it,” he smiled.
This was the start of a new beginning. One you could actually look forward to. Getting to peruse your passion, even if it was not the way you had pictured. In the town you loved. Surrounded by like minded people, and the man you had fallen head over heels for.
~~~
[END]
// Thank you so much for reading! This was such a fun story to indulge myself in. It feels like a I wrote a rom-com spinoff and I love it. This took some time because I found myself lost in it. I’ve been struggling a lot in my personal life lately, so I am beyond grateful to have gotten to write this. And I’m so happy I finished it just in time for Earth Day!! As always, my inbox is open. Comments and Reblogs are appreciated! Love ya //
Jerry scrambled to unbuckle his seatbelt. He hit the ground hard. The breath was knocked out of him, leaving his lungs burning as everything finally stopped moving. For a few seconds, there was nothing but a high-pitched ringing in his ears and the smell of hot asphalt.
"Not a dream," he gasped. His hands shaking so violently he could barely find the release. He shoved the heavy car door open and crawled out. "Not a dream. Not a dream. People are beavers. Beavers are people. Birds. Scary sharks. No, no, no."
He stumbled a step forward into the light and then froze.
"Luce."
He spun around instantly, panic hitting him all over again. "Luce! Lucia, sweetie, are you okay?!"
He rushed to the passenger side, dropping to his knees on the gravel. His hands checked her arms, her face, and her shoulders with frantic, jerky movements, fully expecting something to be broken.
"I’m okay, Daddy," she said. Her voice was shaky. She climbed out into his arms, still clutching her stuffed rabbit with a death grip.
He let out a breath that almost broke on the way out. "Okay. Okay," he murmured. He pulled her into his chest, holding her tighter than he ever had before. "You’re okay. You’re okay."
For a moment, the world was just the two of them. Then, a sharp chittering sound cut through the silence.
"Jerry!"
He flinched. "Ah! Stay back!" he snapped. He stood up quickly, pulling Lucia with him and holding her protectively against his side.
Mabel raised her paws quickly in a shushing motion, then pointed upward. Jerry followed her gaze. The seagulls were still there, circling like vultures. Watching. Waiting.
"Wha-" he started, but he didn't even know what to ask anymore.
"It’s okay," Mabel said carefully through the earpiece. "We’re on your side."
"Us help you," George added, gesturing with his paws. "Us no hurt you."
Jerry’s grip on Lucia didn’t loosen. "You’re not with the shark?" he asked, his eyes darting between the two beavers.
"No," Mabel shook her head. "We’re here to make the shark go away."
"Really?" he said, taking a cautious, limping step closer.
"This will all go away," she assured him. "We got you."
Something in Jerry finally cracked. The weight of the morning—the terror, the confusion, the near-death experience—collapsed into a single wave of relief.
"Oh, thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you." He rushed forward and, without thinking, pulled Mabel the beaver into a tight hug as if she were the only safe thing left in the world.
Lucia now watched the hug with wide, curious eyes. She let out a small, wet sniffle and smiled just a little. "See, Daddy? I told you they were nice."
Jerry pulled back, wiping quickly at his eye and clearing his throat as if the hug had never happened. "...So what do we do?" he asked, his voice regaining its professional edge.
Mabel didn’t hesitate. "You just have to give up the Glade."
“Oh.”
The silence that followed was small and quiet, but it landed with the weight of a lead weight. Jerry's expression shifted, the relief draining away just as quickly as it had arrived.
"You see, the animals are mad at you because you took their home," Mabel continued. "So if you just give it-"
"Mabel," he cut in, his voice firmer now. He stood up straight, holding Lucia firmly in his arms. "I’m not canceling the Beltway."
"Jerry, you broke the law!" she whisper-shouted.
"One, you can’t prove anything. Two, what law? Three, people want this!"
"I saved your life!"
Before he could fire back, Lucia tugged lightly on his sleeve. "Daddy?" she whispered softly.
He looked down at her. "Yes, Luce?"
"Will the scary shark go away if you cancel the road?" she asked. Her eyes were searching his, filled with a logic that only a child could have. "Because I don't want the shark to come back."
That stopped him for a second. He hesitated, then gently set her down in front of him, crouching so he was at her level. "Hey," he said, his voice softening. "This is...this is grown-up stuff, okay?"
"But the shark is a grown-up problem," she pointed out, her lower lip trembling.
"I’ve got it handled," he added quickly, brushing a stray hair back from her forehead. "I promise. We're going to get you home to Mom."
She didn’t look convinced, but she nodded anyway. Jerry stood back up, turning to Mabel again. His composure slipped back into place like a suit of armor.
"Look, Mabel, I don’t know why you’re a beaver now," he said, running a hand through his ruined hair. "But we can figure this out without destroying months of progress."
Mabel’s fur bristled. Her patience snapped. "HE’S DOWN HERE!" she shouted at the sky.
The sound echoed off the mountain walls. Jerry’s eyes widened instantly, grabbing Lucia again. "Mabel, no!" George snapped, grabbing Mabel back. "They’ll hear you!"
"You gonna give it back?!" She shot back.
"Okay, okay, please. Maybe we can work something else out-"
"Last chance, Jerry. Three. Two-"
Before she could finish, a heavy net dropped over her.
"Got her!" Connor shouted from the bushes. "I have the asset!" He bolted toward the van.
"No!" Mabel thrashed, her teeth tearing through the mesh. She broke free and sprinted back toward George.
"Mabel!" George called, running to meet her.
But Jerry reacted first. He lunged and grabbed her before she could reach the other beaver. Mabel latched onto the metal railing of the dock, her claws gripping tight.
"Let go!" She struggled.
Jerry pulled harder. There was a sickening sound of metal and plastic as something tore.
"No, no, no!" Mabel panicked, looking down at the damaged prototype arm of her beaver body.
"Over here! On the dock!" Dr. Sam called out, waving urgently.
"Put her down, human king! She didn’t mean to hurt you!" George pleaded, rushing closer, but he stopped when Jerry glared at him.
"No, George! Stay back! George!" Mabel cried, reaching out with her good paw.
"Mabel!" he called back.
Jerry hesitated for just a second. He looked at the frantic animals, then at Lucia, who was watching with her hands over her mouth. He set Mabel down on the platform. "I’m sorry," he said under his breath.
The machine activated with a hum of energy. Mabel’s body went still, then the connection was gone. Transferred.
Across the way, Mabel’s real body stirred in the van. She bolted awake from the helmet, her eyes wide with a mixture of terror and agonizing physical strain.
“Mabel! Stay put!” Dr. Sam called out, sharp with concern. “Your brain needs to recover!”
She then noticed George scramble towards the edge of the vehicle’s platform, his tiny paws reaching out to the robotic beaver, squeaking in concern as he shook her.
The robotic beaver then falls motionless on the charging pad—a hollow shell now that her mind had vacated it. George then let out a series of frantic, high-pitched whimpers, his little paws batting at the robot’s fur.
"George..." Mabel croaked, her human voice sounding alien and heavy in her own ears.
George didn't look up. He was desperate, shoving his snout against the robot’s shoulder, trying to flip it over. When the machine didn't respond, he let out a heartbroken cry, his tiny hands grabbing at the robot’s paws as if trying to pull his friend back to life.
"George, please! It's me...Mabel," she pleaded, reaching a trembling human hand down toward him.
But George only flinched. He looked at her—at the tall, strange human towering over him—with eyes full of terror and grief. He didn't see the friend who had just been laughing with him; he saw a monster. He turned back to the cold, unmoving beaver shell, tugging it with his body and crying out in a voice that broke Mabel's heart.
"George...George, please," she whispered, stumbling out onto the pavement. "It’s me. It’s Mabel."
George then tugged on the arm that was already torn causing it to rip a bit more, he then touched it but only got a shock in return. He froze. Everything about him—his posture, the way his ears twitch, shifted. Confusion turned to a deep, primal fear.
"Wait, no, it’s okay," she pleaded, reaching for him. "Please, George."
But before she could get closer, the ground seemed to come alive. A dry, rhythmic hissing filled the air. Snakes emerged from every direction, surrounding them in seconds.
"Daddy?" Lucia whispered, stepping closer to Jerry's leg and pointing at the grass. "There are snakes. A lot of snakes."
Jerry didn't answer. He just pulled her back, watching as the world spiraled into chaos once again.
————————————————————————
The bedroom felt warmer than usual, the soft glow of the lamps casting long, amber shadows across the cream-colored carpet. It was the kind of light that made everything look pristine, catching the shimmer of the jewelry on your vanity and the soft texture of your bedsheets.
You stood in front of the full-length mirror, smoothing the fabric of your outfit one last time. Jerry’s mother had spent the better part of the afternoon helping you pick it out, not because she was picky, but because she was determined to find something that matched your energy. "No, not quite," she had said with a playful hum, until finally, her face had lit up. "Trust me, dear. This is the one."
She was right. She had an eye for these things, and she was your biggest cheerleader when it came to the spotlight.
"Oh, you look absolutely breathtaking," she said from the doorway. She stood with her hands clasped together, her eyes crinkling with a genuine, proud warmth.
You turned slightly, checking the silhouette. Even with her help, you knew the outfit only worked because you felt good in it. "You have excellent taste," you reminded her with a grateful smile.
"It’s easy to have taste when the canvas is perfect," she replied. She stepped forward, giving your arm a gentle, encouraging squeeze. It was the kind of motherly touch that always made you feel like you truly belonged in this family.
You laughed softly and reached for your bag on the dresser. "Thank you. For everything. Especially for watching the house while we're at the rally. I know Jerry is a handful on speech days."
"Of course, sweetheart. Now go. Your husband is going to need that smile of yours to keep him grounded."
You nodded, though your eyes flicked briefly to your phone resting on the nightstand. The screen remained dark. You had texted Jerry hours ago—How’s everything going? Did Lucia like her ‘important job’?—and the message hadn't even been marked as read.
It wasn't like him to go silent for this long. Even on his busiest days, he usually sent a quick heart or a photo of Lucia looking "official." He was likely just caught up in the whirlwind of the Beltway project, surrounded by campaign staff and binders of notes. Still, a tiny, nagging sense of curiosity settled in your chest.
You picked up the phone, slipping it into your bag as you leaned in to give her a quick hug.
"Tell him I said good luck," she added as you headed for the door. "And tell my granddaughter I’m proud of her!"
"I will!"
Outside, the air was cool and still, carrying the distant, muffled energy of the city. You walked to your car, your heels clicking softly against the pavement. In your mind, you could already see the scene at the rally: the banners fluttering, the upbeat music, and Jerry stepping up to the microphone with that practiced, confident charm.
Your phone buzzed just as you reached the driver’s side door. You paused, pulling it out with a relieved smile. A message from Jerry. Finally.
But the smile faltered the second you opened the thread.
"hey wife unit. go to glade entrance and go behind rally stage. do not be alarmed. bring vibes. 🚗👍"
You blinked, the blue light of the screen harsh against the darkness of the driveway. You read it again, then a third time.
"‘Wife unit’?" you muttered under your breath.
The phrase was bizarrely clinical. Jerry was many things—polished, romantic, and occasionally a little dramatic—but he never used "internet speak," and he certainly didn't call you a "unit." It felt like a text written by someone who had only ever heard a human speak through a YouTube tutorial.
And the rest of it was just as strange. Do not be alarmed. Bring vibes. It was the opposite of Jerry’s usual meticulous, over-explained directions.
"Okay..." you said slowly. Reading it out loud didn't help it make sense.
You checked the timestamp. It was recent. There were no typos corrected, no "sorry, autocorrect" follow-up, just that.
Maybe he was rushing. Maybe a distracted intern had grabbed his phone to send a quick update. Maybe he was just trying a new, "hip" way of talking to stay relevant with the younger voters.
For a second, something in your gut nudged at you. It was a small, quiet feeling of unease, but you quickly pushed it aside. Maybe he was trying to be funny. Maybe he was so stressed about the highway project that his brain had finally turned into a pile of mush. A million of these scenarios popped in your head, trying to find a logical explanation.
You shook your head lightly, taking a deep breath, locking the phone and slipping it back into your bag.
"He's fine," you told yourself, releasing your breath.
Of course he was. It was Jerry. He always had a plan, even if his texting style had suddenly become a little "robotic." You got into the car and started the engine, the radio flickering to life with a soft hum.
As you pulled out of the driveway and began the drive toward the Glade, you didn't notice how the message sat in your inbox—strange, cold, and entirely unlike the man you knew.
