Jasper McQueen (_resistance) wrote in light_of_may, @ 2011-02-18 22:56:00 |
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Entry tags: | #flashback |
I want to love you, but I dont know if I can
Who: Elsie and Jasper
Where: Her house in Atlanta, GA
When: Noon - Summertime of 1993
Jasper had barely been back home for a day and he was already anxious to get out of the house. Then again, he had a perfectly good reason to be doing just that. While in the military, he did his best to write to Elsie, though letters could only go so far. Finally being able to hear her voice, watch her smile... that would be worth the wait. He drove on down to her place, not even bothering to call ahead to let her know he was coming over. Jasper figured he could give her a big surprise by showing up unannounced. Maybe dodge a whack upside the head, but it would be worth it. Parking his car in the driveway, he ran on over to the front door to knock frantically at the door. As he waited, he ran a hand through his blonde hair, wearing a ratty pair of jeans, an old tshirt, and a massive smile. Jasper hadn’t been so anxious before in his whole life.
Elsie hadn't wanted to admit it at first, but things weren't the same without the McQueen boys around to cause trouble with. Her dad had been thrilled that they'd shipped out, wanting their influence away from his only daughter, but time had softened his outlook just a little bit. He still scowled whenever he heard a new McQueen story - things that Elsie felt safe enough to share with the buffer of years between them (because surely there was a statute of limits to knocking out old Mrs. Winters' second-story window with a lemon in a slingshot - she'd told the boys they couldn't hit the damn pigeon on the roof) - but now he was more apt to smile after. She'd written almost daily, but waiting for the letters to come in the mail was always an exercise in patience, and she'd never stopped worrying that they'd be hurt - or worse.
When the door at the Walker house opened up, Cal Walker probably wasn't the one Jasper wanted to see, but it was the one he was going to get. It took Cal a moment to place him, but recognition dawned and the aging day laborer gave the young man a long, slow look. "McQueen," he said finally, nodding. It was what he called both the twins, never having learned to distinguish them the way Elsie always could. Usually that would be accompanied by a frown of disapproval, but this time... well, Cal could see the army had done some good for the boy, and there was only faintly grudging respect in his eyes this time around as he stepped back to let Jasper in. Had to give it up for the boys and girls defending their country.
"Dad?" came a voice from upstairs. "Who was..." The voice faded as Elsie came into view, eyes widening. She stared in disbelief for a long second before clattering down the stairs and launching herself at Jasper for a hug. Who cared if she was dressed in ratty jeans and a bleach-spotted tank top, or that she didn't have any makeup on and her hair was all over the place from letting it air dry after her shower? It was Jasper.
The second Elsie came down those stairs? Jasper couldn’t help but grin like the idiot he was. God, she looked beautiful. Being stripped to the bare minimums was attractive as fuck in his eyes and he was happy to see her like that. Having her launch herself at him only made Jasper laugh, swinging her about a couple times as he clung onto her hard. “Hey, girl,” he murmured into her ear, rubbing her back all the while. He missed this way too much and was happy to finally touch her, hold her, be with her. Letters could only do so much and the heart definitely grew fonder with the distance between them. “Missed ya so much.” Giving her one more squeeze, he parted enough to look down at her, his smile never once fading away. “And I see you’re lookin’ good as always. Hope I’m not intrudin’ at all. Was hopin’ to spend some time with ya.”
Elsie's arms were locked around his neck; she laughed with him as he spun her, though his voice in her ear sent a tiny shiver through her. "Jasper McQueen, oh my God," she said, hands framing his face as he set her down and backed up a step. There was the sound of a clearing throat behind them, and Elsie's tone was contrite as she shot a "Sorry, Daddy," over her shoulder. To Jasper, however, she gave a conspirator's grin. Ever since he'd rediscovered the church, he'd been such a stickler for taking the Lord's name in vain. "We're gonna go sit out back a bit," she told Cal, taking Jasper's hand to lead him there. The backyard hadn't changed much - a few new flowers in the beds bordering the porch, but the big old oaks with the hammock strung between was still there. It was to this spot where they'd spent time before that Elsie headed. "I can't believe you're here," she said, staring at him for another long moment. He'd grown up in the years away, same way she had, and she had to say the years of hard work had done nothing but good for the body she'd felt against hers when they'd hugged. "When did you get back in?" she asked. "Why didn't you call?" She hauled off and punched him then - not too hard, but enough to be felt. "I can't believe you didn't call."
Feeling her hands at his face made the blonde let out a content purr, so happy to finally be back and see her, touch her, hear her. And he was a change man now. Not to the point that Elsie wouldn’t recognize him, but he wasn’t the womanizing prick he was from high school anymore. The military shaped him up quite a bit, leaving him with far more respect than he had before. He prayed that both Elsie and her father would appreciate that. And before he knew it, the lovely brunette had her hand in his and he was being dragged off to the backyard. Shit, Elsie could drag him anywhere at this point, just as long as he was with her. “I know, right? Just got back into town a couple o’-” Jasper couldn’t even finish that train of thought, seeing that Elsie went off to punch him. Didn’t hurt, but it definitely threw him off. “OW!” He faked extreme pain for two seconds before chuckling and rubbing the spot. “Ya doin’ that karate stuff or something now? Packin’ quite the punch, cutie!” Though he didn’t forget her question and once his amusement died down, he responded. “I wanted to surprise ya. Wanted to see that look in your eyes, ya know? Can’t have that over a goddamn phone.” And then he smiled affectionately to Elsie, hoping she didn’t hate him for wanting to enjoy that moment. It was totally worth it.
"A couple of days?" Elsie echoed, filling in what had been cut off. "Seriously? And don't give me that, you're the one that taught me to throw a punch in the first place." She glared when he played up how much it hurt - because she was serious, dammit - but couldn't stay mad. "I suppose you had family to see first," she allowed after a second, and after a second more smiled back. Apparently all was forgiven just that easily. He'd better take advantage of it, too, because once the shock of seeing him wore off and he became a fixture around the Walker house - she hoped he'd become a fixture around the Walker house again - he was going to get away with a lot less. "It was a good surprise," she said with a smile, hugging him again. "Where's your brother? I expect him to come over and see me at some point, too, you know." Though she was glad for this time alone with Jasper, as much as she liked Jameson.
With Elsie back in his arms, Jasper couldn’t help but just grin. Distance definitely made the heart grow fonder and his adoration for the girl must have grown a million times since he left. Holding her close, he rubbed her back lightly before looking down to her. “Jamie’s out and about makin’ his share of rounds. He woulda tagged along to see ya, but...” He clearly remembered his brother just grinning and gave Jasper a thumbs up, telling him to ‘go get her’ or something. Yeah, he was going to leave that part out. “Think he thought it was best if I caught up with ya first. Don’t worry,” he ruffled Elsie’s hair playfully. “He’ll come over in due time.” He parted from her only to find a place to sit down, gesturing for Elsie to come on over. “And how ‘bout yourself? What’ve ya been up to? Stayin’ outta trouble?” There was a sly wink when he spoke those last words, knowing Elsie Walker’s version of trouble was not in the same fucking ball park as the McQueen’s version.
Elsie couldn't help but grin in response to whatever Jasper was thinking about; knowing Jamie, she could probably guess something along the lines of what had happened. "He's got his own fish to catch, does he?" she teased slightly. She followed when he took a seat, plopping down in the hammock next to him and setting it swinging. "He'd better," was all she said about that. As if there was any doubt that she'd be hanging out with both of them as often as could be managed. "Trouble?" she asked, feigning innocence. "Me? Of course not." Then she smiled again. "Almost done with my degree," she said. He knew that much from the letters, at least. "Got my acceptance to the grad program." That was new. Emory was a big deal, even if she didn't know how she was going to pay for it. "Library sciences." She looked over at him, curiously. “What about you? Any idea what you want to do yet?”
So little Elsie went off to college and put those brains of hers to good use. Jasper knew that if he actually applied himself to school, he would probably be right there with her. Pff, not with the record he had. And for the record, that one time the police officer pulled him over for drunk driving down a sidewalk was complete bullshit. Just saying. “Well look at ya, miss grad student! I’m proud of ya, Elsie. Must be excitin’ and all.” And he truly was proud of her and would support her to the end. Then question of what he was doing was brought up. “Well...” He rubbed the back of his head before answering. “Jamie and I had a long talk when we were comin’ back. Talkin’ ‘bout how the military finally knocked some sense into us, ya know? We’re thinkin’ of actually continuing this whole helpin’ people out thing.” Then he looked over to Elsie, staring into those beautiful eyes of hers. “We’re goin’ to give the police academy a try. Figured it’s better than doin’ nothin’.” And hopefully Elsie would approve of that career move.
"It is," Elsie said. "Just have to figure out how I'm going to pay for it." But she was more interested in what he wanted to do; he was smart - Elsie had no doubt he'd be able to get into a good school if he wanted, especially with the military veterans programs that were available to those who'd been discharged. But hearing his plan made her smile, both in approval and happiness for him. "That's fantastic," she told him, nearly beaming. "I think that's a real good idea, actually. You boys knew all the tricks back when we were in school, after all," she teased, nudging him. "Who better to catch all those troublemakers now?"
Jasper wasn’t sure how Elsie would react to the whole being a cop thing. Some people probably thought making the McQueens police officers was as bad as giving a pyromaniac some matches and gasoline. He only hoped that people in town could finally see that they changed, even if it took a trip to the military to knock that sense into them. They were still the same, in some respects. They’d still be pricks and speak their mind, but they had a better sense of respect and honor now... Jameson moreso than Jasper. Boy had authority issues. “Ya really think so?” Jasper grinned, simply beaming at the fact he got the girl’s approval. “I dunno how fast it’s all gonna be, but we thought it was good enough to at least try, right?” He leaned in a bit and lowered his voice. “And I’m not leavin’ town anytime soon, so that means we can hang out more.” Oh, what the hell, throw in a wink, too.
Before their time in the military, Elsie might have been one of those who would've thought the McQueen twins as police officers would be nothing more than disaster. But unlike most people - who didn't know them half as well as she did - she also didn't think the McQueen twins would have ever entertained the idea of going into law enforcement prior to their military time. It was as strong an indicator as anything that they were making changes to their previously wild ways - not that she thought the wildness was ever really going to stop. It wouldn't be them if it did. They just knew when to let it loose and when to pull it in now.
"Yeah, I think so," she said with a smile. She leaned in slightly when he did, perhaps thinking he was going to share a secret. The sound of his low voice in her ear was doing warm and wonderful things to her that she hoped she'd hid. She was glad he wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. But that little wink he threw in made her laugh, and she thwapped him lightly on the shoulder. "Nice try," she said, grinning. "But you're right, we can hang out more."
Another whack from Elsie. She was two for two on this. Jasper just laughed, rather amused by her reaction. Good to see she hadn’t changed one bit. Besides, he couldn’t help but throw in a little charm her way. He had only been crushing on her since forever. “Definitely,” he nodded in agreement. “Ya know I’m game for just ‘bout anythin’. Don’t wanna keep ya from your studies or what not, but ya know I enjoy your company.” Maybe a bit more than he should have, but Jasper could take it slow. No need to rush into anything. Elsie was worth that. “Even if it’s just a drive around the city for the whole night. I don’t give a damn. Just happy to be home.”
"I think my daddy would object to you having me out all night," Elsie said with a laugh, relaxing back into their seat and resting her head on his shoulder. It was a friendly move mostly, though she'd be lying to herself if she said there wasn't something a little more stirring there. The change in him was so evident, and yet everything she'd liked best about him before he went into the military was still there. It was actually rather... intriguing. "But I suppose I could let you take me out for dinner and a movie," she said slowly, a teasing note to her voice and a small smile curling her lips.
To that, Jasper actually blushed. He really wanted to have Elsie all to himself for an entire night... preferably longer. And having her head nestled on his shoulder just made that blush grow brighter. Jasper didn’t do anything at first and remained still, his smile glowing at Elsie’s words. With a snicker, he carefully snaked an arm around her body, resting his hand on her shoulder. It would be worth the punch in the face if she didn’t like the gesture. “Well, it was either that or doin’ drive-by with the locals’ mailboxes. Your pick, sweetheart.” Though dinner and a movie sounded good. Hell, maybe it could be the first time Jasper took a girl to a movie and actually, you know, watched the movie. Elsie deserved respect and Jasper was willing to bend over backwards for the lovely lady. He watched her with that charming smile of his, fingers idly outlining the curves of her shoulder. Yeah, he was damn happy to be back home.
Elsie would've grinned if she'd been in a position to see Jasper blushing, but when he slid his arm around her shoulders, well, she was perhaps in the same boat. She'd resisted his advances when they'd been in high school - she hadn't wanted to be merely a name to check off the list he seemed to have in his head - and then they'd been too good of friends for her to want to risk changing things. And then they'd been gone, doing their time in the army. Elsie appreciated the distance on one level; it had given them each time to grow a little, mature a little (or a lot, as the case may be) and now... well, maybe now was the right time to give it a try. So she didn't punch him. "I don't think you're really that interested in renewing your relationship with Atlanta PD in that way," she said with a laugh. "I think I'm going to stick with dinner and a movie. Or bowling, you know I'll never say no to bowling."
All Jasper could do was snicker at what Elsie said. Yeah, as fun as that would be, it would definitely put him at the bottom on the food chain if he and Jameson went through with the police thing. He had no issues with playing nice, but he did have issues with idiots barking orders at him. It would be an interesting career move, but it beat living on the streets. “Whatever the lady wants,” Jasper gave her a squeeze, still staring into her eyes. “Just wanna make ya happy, Elsie.” He brought his head in further, lowering his voice as well. “...you know that.” That tone in his voice wasn’t the typical ‘trying to get in her pants’ tone. Those days were long dead in Jasper’s mind. He was a changed man now and would go through hundreds of dates just to show Elsie he wasn’t a womanizer anymore. He cared. Maybe too much, but she was worth the wait in his mind.
Now Elsie was blushing; his eye contact was intense enough to almost make her want to look away, but she couldn't. Not for the first time in this conversation, she was suprised by the obvious change in him. She reached up to lay her palm against his cheek, feeling the slight raspiness from his shave, and smiled up at him. "I do know," she acknowledged - and not just the spoken words, the message that was beneath, left unspoken. He was truly changed, and it was both a heartening and slightly stunning realization for her, to know that she didn't always have to keep him at arm's length. If something happened now, it wouldn't be because he wanted to cross her name off his list.