*disclaimer* I have only seen clips from Fargo, and have not seen Fargo in its eternity so this might be out of character for the plot and Gator. But I tried my best to make him as accurate as I could. I apologize if it's not. This is also my first, and possibly last Gator fic because it stresses me out writing 😂*
Thank you for all the encouragement from @coastingonpotentialtowardsawall, @gatorgirlie , @lofi-fics, @keithvalentinex and to all of the incredible writers who I tagged on my appreciation post who wished me luck on writing this <3
You and Gator have known each other ever since you were younger. You weren't necessarily friends. In fact, you were not friends at all. More like you both were forced by your family to spend time together and get along. Your parents had been friends (or more like acquaintances) to Roy, so that they would be on his good side. You didn't exactly hate Gator, but you didn't like him either. On your 10th birthday Gator had ruined your new dress by spilling soda on it, and he made you take the blame so that Roy wouldn't get mad. You and Gator never really saw eye to eye, and he teased you a lot but you had to put up with it for your parents sake.
Now in the present day, you are on a date. With a nice boy, John. You excuse yourself to the restroom, when Gator swoops in. He had been there the whole time, watching you. He strolled up to John, still in his work clothes (because he knew that would be more intimidating)
"James right? Here, take this." Gator reached in his pocket and pulled out a $20 bill. "It's John..." He said nervously. "Do I look like I care? Take it and leave. Or they'll be consequences"
John looked at Gator for a few seconds and then quickly took the money and rushed out of the restaurant. Gator smirked, and sat down in the chair that John was sitting in.
You came out of the bathroom a couple minutes later, seeing John gone and Gator sitting in his spot. "Gator, what are you doing here? Where is John?" Gator leaned back in the chair, looking like he owned the place. "John? Ohhh John..." He said sarcastically. "He said somethin' bout remembering he had... laundry." He smirked wider, and kicked out the empty chair across from him with his boot. "Sit down". It wasn't a suggestion, it was a command.
You scowled at Gator but sat anyway. "What did you do to him? How did you even know I was here?"
"Dad told me you were here with some college boy. And when I saw your car? Knew it was you." Then he scoffed at you." Didn't do nothin'. John looked nervous. So I walked over.. smiled real nice. He left real quick after that"
"Order something, you haven't eaten yet." "Why would I do that? You ruined my date." "Ruined it? He was boring. You should be thanking me. You think I came here to ruin your date? Nah. I came because he don't deserve you"
You raised your eyebrow at that. "Oh and you think you do?" You've been terrible to me, ever since we we were kids!"
"You don't think I know that!? Why do ya think I'm here? I saw you walk in with that guy and... I don't know. Felt something." He grimaced after saying that, like him showing any emotion pained him. "I wanted it to be me." He whispered, more quietly than you had ever heard him before.
You stared at him with wide eyes, shocked. The silence carried for a few moments. The waitress came over and poured two glasses of water without asking if they wanted any, and then scurried off, not wanting to disturb the tense scene. Gator quickly took the glass and took a sip, needing something to do with his hands.
"You should order." He repeated, softer this time. Softer than you have ever heard him. "Please." He wasn't demanding anymore. He was asking, begging you to give him a chance. You never thought you'd see the day that Gator Tillman begged.
Months later, you and Gator are actually dating. Something you never envisioned for yourself in the past. You stayed that night with Gator and had dinner with him. And to your surprise you actually had a good time. Gator liked to joke that he knew he'd win you over. He was Gator Tillman, he never lost. He still teased and annoyed you, but now it was all out of love.
