#aggierobshaw

The door swung open to reveal Asher Stone on the doorstep, practically vibrating with excitement and holding a box that he hoped was still Aggie’s go-to order from the cupcake bakery. “Surprise! I’m back!” he announced, grin wide and unapologetically bright. Two years away hadn’t dulled his energy one bit, if anything, it seemed amplified, like he’d been storing it up just for this moment. He bounced slightly on his heels, eyes scanning her face to catch every reaction.

Nathan strolled in without knocking, the same way he had done his whole life. He had texted to let Aggie know he was on his way (probably why he found the door unlocked), but old habits died hard.

“Howdy, neighbor!” he called as he strode past the living room, in spite of not being neighbors for over a decade. A grin lit up his face when he found her in the kitchen. “Aggie!” Nathan set his backpack down on the floor and walked on over, throwing his arms around her in a big hug. “Look at you! I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever!” He gave her one final little squeeze before letting go. “I see you’re in the middle of something, here,” he said, casting a curious look about the counters. “Can I help? Or—I can come back later, if that’s better? Get out of your way.”

when; after the accident and all the drama with literally everyone 🧡

Dec: ETA 10 minutes.

After dumping several reusable grocery bags filled with snacks and miscellaneous treats on the passenger seat of his obnoxiously red refurbished 1977 Ford Bronco, Declan sent Aggie a quick text. The clunky two-door truck had been the last vehicle his grandfather had worked on and it'd been Declan's favorite. It was loud and rumbled beneath him when he drove it. But he was convinced it made him love it even more.

After turning over the engine, he let out a sigh. The sound was swallowed up by the trucks’ familiar roar. He was exhausted. The whole town was. Too much heartache for the small community. Leaning his head against the steering wheel, he let the tremor of the truck soothe his worries. 

This would be the first time he was seeing Aggie since she was discharged from the hospital. He'd visited her when she was still groggy and incoherent and he couldn't get the image of her tattered body out of his mind. He knew yummy sweet treats would lift both of their spirits. Pulling out of the parking lot, he took the shortcut to the Cove.

She’d left the door unlocked for him. He tried not to think about the fact that just anyone could have snuck in before him. Aggie was bundled on the couch, doctor's orders. An affectionate smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “Hey, Aggie,” he greeted, waving an arm so he wouldn't startle her.

Just like the Coopers, this wasn't how this was supposed to be. John-Paul had envisioned becoming a part of Maddox's life so differently. He didn't really know any of them well enough to be considered anything more than 'a plus one', but felt like an ass for not at least checking on Aggie yet - who he knew a smidge more than the rest of his friends and family.

He just hated leaving Maddox's side.

What if something happened while he was gone and ---

No, he had to stop thinking like that. He was going to be fine. His room was empty for the time being, anyway, having been taken off for some last test before discharge just to be sure and John-Paul could use the change in scenery. He would never admit it, but he was getting a little stir crazy in that dreary hospital room. All those machines buzzing and whirring and the droning on of the television and the stifling lack of air. He needed out and a walk would do.

But now that he stood outside of her door, hearing two muffled voices behind her door, he suddenly felt devastatingly out of place and didn't know what the fuck he would even say to Aggie. "Hey there. I know you just woke up and probably feel like shit, but how about a visit from Maddox's boyfriend you barely know?'

“no, see, it says right here—” asher held the streamer up like it was an official document, squinting at it with exaggerated seriousness. “‘no aggies should be standing on stools to put up decorations.’” he looked back up at her and shook his head, clicking his tongue. “sorry, ags. rules are rules. no heights for you.” before she could argue, he gently nudged her aside with his hip, careful not to actually jostle her, then climbed onto the step stool himself with the streamer in one hand and the tape in the other.

Nathan had shown up with a grin on his face and an armload of snacks. He was wearing an LA Kings jersey, and had plopped an LA Kings cap on Aggie’s head the moment he’d walked in. She had her own gear, he knew, but he wasn’t about to go rummaging through her stuff to find it, nor was he sure if she would/could, with her injuries.

All of that to say, he came prepared.

“Booo!”

Ash’s team was playing the St. Louis Blues, and the assholes had just scored. They were neck to neck, the Blues leading 4-3, but Nathan had a good feeling about it. It was the first game he’d had time to sit through from beginning to end since the new year. He wanted them to win.

“We’re gonna win,” he said though his mouthful and a sagely nod. Gotta manifest that shit—a lot could happen on the third period. He glanced over at Aggie next to him, a smile still plastered on his face. “You doing okay over there?” He didn’t want to coddle her. If she needed anything she would ask, but he couldn’t help worrying.

Madison watched the interaction between Aggie and Eric and couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. He obviously liked her. She didn't know if Aggie could see how flustered he seemed to get around her, but Maddie could tell he was caught off guard by her. By every day, normal, wonderful, real Aggie. It was cute.