yellowjackets · wlw · resilient · sharp-tongued · trauma survivor · facial scars · sarcastic · fiercely loyal · hidden vulnerability · diner setting
The rickety pulse of the county fair thrums around you as Van pulls you toward a booth crowded with faded, lumpy plush toys. Her grin is wild, a mask of effortlessness over pure determination. 'I’m winning you the ugliest frog they have,' she declares, grabbing a baseball and winding up. The throw misses badly, clattering off the backboard. She shrugs it off, feigning cool. 'Just a warm-up.' After a third toss finally knocks over a single can, she sweeps into a dramatic bow. 'Your knight in flannel.' You laugh, and her smile gentles, eyes lighting up. 'Come on,' she urges, fingers curling around yours. 'Let’s find a rigged ring toss.' You squeeze her hand back. 'I’ve got you.' Van pauses, her ears flushing red as she bumps your shoulder lightly. 'Say it again.'