#tulsa mclean

"Tulsa have you ever had strudel before?"

"Strudel? Sure I have. Gained five pounds since I was stationed here off it he he."

"Well I will make you some."

Tulsa couldn't believe his luck. His chance to get in Lili's apartment and strudel on top of it. Still he needs to play it cool.

"Oh you don't have to go to all this trouble."

"Oh no it's no trouble at all. My roommate Tina's birthday is tomorrow and I was going to make it anyway. It only takes 50 minutes."

“Josh it’s time ta get up.”

Josh wakes up the week before Halloween and yawns.

“Yes, mom.”

She goes up to his room.

“Do ya know what ya wanna be for Halloween?”

Josh looks up at her confused.

“Halloween? Mom, I'm getting to be too old to dress up in costumes.

"Cousin Jodie’s older than ya and he’s still dressin’ up.”

Josh bites his tongue. He was going to say Jodie only dresses up for Halloween so he can show off his muscles and be half naked around girls.

“Oh Ah get it. Yer at that age where ya wanna be all grown up. Is that it?”

“Yes it is. Why does cousin Jodie still act like a child when he’s almost 19?”

Mrs. Morgan sits down on his bed.

“Jodie works real hard in his wrestlin’ and in his job. He ain’t hurtin’ no one to still be a boy.”

“Well I want to be responsible, mom. That’s why I joined the junior ROTC. I want to learn about discipline and have class.”

Mrs. Morgan looks hurt.

“What’d ya mean by class, Josh? Are ya ashamed about who yer kinfolk are?”

Josh looks down. His mother is Jodie’s aunt as she’s Paul Tatum’s sister. It’s no secret that the Tatum family has had a long history of having a “hillbilly” or “white trash” lifestyle. Knowing he’s put his foot in his mouth, Josh tries to elaborate.

“I just don’t like how crude Jodie is when he talks about girls. He has a big ego that makes him think he doesn’t have to follow rules or have manners.”

Mrs. Morgan stands up.

“I won’t have ya talkin this way bout how other people live, especially your family Josh. Your aunt Mabel won’t stand for rudeness if Jodie talks outta turn. I know your cousin don’t have a fancy car like daddy does but he works just as hard for it.”

“I’m sorry mom.”

She pats his head.

“Now that’s better. Ya best be mindin’ what ya say son. Just cause somebody don’t always have fancy commodities don’t make em any less a person.”

She walks back down to the kitchen as Josh sighs. He genuinely feels bad at having insulted his mother’s family by implying they have no class just because they’re poor.

“I need to ask Tulsa what time the next meeting is.”

Tulsa eats his breakfast and heads to school without another word. As soon as he gets to his locker, Tulsa walks up to him.

“Josh. I hope you have had a good morning so far.”

He nods not wanting to tell him about upsetting his mother earlier.

“Yes, I was just about to ask when the next meeting for the junior ROTC would be.”

“Ah, I was just about to tell you. Mr. Reno wanted me to inform you that our next meeting is going to be on October 31st in his office after school.”

Josh takes out his PDA.

“JROTC meeting. Mr. Reno’s office. October 31st after school. I’ll be sure to make it.”

“Splendid. Have a great day, Josh.”

Tulsa continues with his hall monitoring. As much as Josh respects Tulsa and what the JROTC represents, he can’t help but wonder about him.

“He seems… almost robotic with how perfect he is. Maybe that’s what I need in order to have class.”

On his way to class, Jodie comes up to him.

“Well if ain’t lil cousin Josh.”

Josh groans.

“What do you want Jodie?”

“Well Ah jus wanted ta say ya oughta be more careful wit yer words. Ma told me all bout what ya said to Aunt Dixie.”

Josh gulps. He really put his foot in his mouth this time.

“Look if you’re offended I’m sorry ok. What else do you want me to say?”

Jodie smirks.

“That Ah’m the best damn cousin ya ever had.”

“Why should I? You’re very annoying.”

Jodie scoffs.

“And you ain’t? Goin round wantin’ ta be the teacher’s pet. Ya got no sense a thinkin for yerself always wantin’ to follow other people. It’s no wonder yer only friend’s that city slickin’ hall monitor.”

“Stop it Jodie. There’s nothing wrong with being part of the junior ROTC.”

“Never said there was. That don’t mean ya ass kiss everybody, Josh Do-Right”.

Josh just rolls his eyes. While he does understand the reference to Dudley Do-Right, the Canadian mountie from that Brendan Frasier movie, he still believes Jodie’s exaggerating.

“You know that’s my biggest problem with you, Jodie. You’re so crass when it’s not necessary. Can’t you go five minutes without swearing?”

“Don’t talk like yer Ma. Only person who’s gonna talk bout how Ah talk’s her. Yer just mah lil cousin who ain’t got no damn leg to stand on in givin me orders. Yer gonna end up stuffed in a locker if ya keep goin with an attitude like that.”

Josh walks up to Jodie.

“That better not be a challenge.”

Jodie leans down almost nose to nose with Josh.

“That ain’t a challenge lil cuz. That’s a promise. Even if Ah ain’t the one doin’ it, nobody’s gonna wanna put up wit yer high and mighty attitude.”

Before Josh can say anything else, Jodie walks away.

“What does he know? He’s nothing but an egotistical bully.”

On the day of the meeting, Josh shows up on time in uniform. Tulsa is there placing packets on each desk.

“Hello, Josh. You’re right on time for the meeting.”

“That’s great to hear.”

Before he sits down, he watches Tulsa continue his work. Every time he puts a packet down, he makes small adjustments to ensure it’s perfectly straight on a desk.

“Alright everyone, let's start the meeting.”

Mr. Reno enters and everyone sits down at a desk.

“I’ve just been informed by Principal Gates that on Veteran’s Week we’ll be giving a presentation about all of the former military personnel working at the school. Your task is to interview the person assigned to you and prepare a couple slides about their military service. Please pick up the packet on your desk.”

Josh picks up the packet and opens it to see he was assigned to Jess Wade.

“I know this might seem like a short period of time to complete this, so if you have any questions regarding your slides, don’t hesitate to stop by my office.”

Josh reviews the packet and starts to take notes on how to ask Mr. Wade these questions.

“I hope I don’t do anything to upset him”, he thinks to himself.

An: Sorry this took so long to come out. I had no idea where to take Josh's story outside of his beef with Jodie.

Born with Creek heritage, Tulsa felt the need to live up to the family name. He used to hear his 90 year old grandmother tell him stories about her parents living on the reservation. He felt so moved by her stories that he would do everything he could to make their struggles worth it.

When he learned that his grandfather was a war hero during WWII and grew up with his father in the military, he decided to follow in their footsteps. As soon as he got the chance, Tulsa joined the JROTC.

One day, Tulsa wakes up exactly at 6 am. He immediately dresses in his uniform and goes downstairs for breakfast.

"Mother. Father. Mr. Reno wants me to arrive early today. I'm responsible for setting up the JROTC's recruiting booth. The school's going to have a club fair today so I want to make the final touches. May I be able to drive to school today?"

His parents look at each other and then his father, Rick McLean puts his hands on Tulsa's shoulders.

"I'm going to let you drive with me today, Tulsa. But first, I think you should eat breakfast. You're going to be very busy today, so I want you to have enough energy."

Tulsa smiles.

"Yes sir."

He goes to make his own breakfast when his mother, Dela clears her throat.

"I already made you breakfast son. I know you have a big day, so I made you a high protein meal."

He nods and then sits down.

"Thank you. I appreciate what you do, mother."

He dutifully eats his breakfast and prepares everything to get ready.

"Mother, I hope you have a wonderful day today. I hope to be home by 4 pm. If there's any delay, I'll make sure to contact you ahead of time."

She smiles and kisses Tulsa on the cheek. He confidently walks out to the car and spends almost 10 minutes making sure everything is in order. Mr. McLean feels the need to interject.

"Son, I'm sure everything is exactly as you left it the last time. I know it's important to check your mirrors, but it's also important to do these checks quickly."

Tulsa looks up.

"I understand you loud and clear, father. I'll follow everything you tell me."

His father checks his watch.

"Just follow the speed limits and make quick decisions when looking around you. Driving is something that requires rational yet timely decision making. Taking too long can also cause accidents."

Tulsa nods.

"Yes sir. That's good advice and I'll be sure to follow it."

Tulsa backs out of the driveway and goes exactly 25 mph until he reaches the main road where he speeds up to exactly 35 mph. Numerous cars honk and pass him, but Tulsa adamantly sticks to the speed limit.

"Ok Tulsa, just try to find a parking space and shut off the engine."

Tulsa nods as they enter the school's parking lot.

"I found the perfect spot. Now all I need to do is make sure I'm perfectly parked in between the lines."

He spends about 5 minutes going back and forth trying to park.

"Tulsa I know you want to park in between the lines properly, but I'm going to be late for work. I also don't want you being late for Mr. Reno. Can you please put the car in park?"

He parks the car for the final time.

"I understand father. I'm sorry to have wasted your time."

He grabs his backpack and departs inside the school. Rick gets into the driver's seat shaking his head.

"I need to tell Dela about this. That boy's going to give himself an ulcer if he keeps stressing over small details."

Tulsa makes his way to Mr. Reno (Clint's brother Vance's) office and salutes.

"Tulsa McLean at your service Mr. Reno, sir!"

Vance looks up from his paper work.

"At ease Tulsa, at ease. I know this is your first year as a recruiter. All you need to do is organize the forms and flags that will be at our table. I will do all of the talking while you sit next to me."

He pulls out a badge from his desk.

"This is your recruiting badge. As the senior member of the JROTC, I trust you to uphold our organization's values and to guide the freshmen to the best of your abilities."

Tulsa's eyes light up. He tightens his hall monitor's sash even more.

"Oh yes sir!"

He quickly gets everything ready as all of the students enter the boy's gym. He sits down next to Vance.

"I hope we get new members today, sir."

Vance looks through the crowd.

"I have my eye on one possible recruit in particular."

"You do sir?"

Vance looks at Tulsa.

"Yes, I have a younger brother who's a freshman. His name is Clinton. I know that he's very proud of my service and might want to be like me one day. Now I won't push this on him, but I certainly won't stop him from joining."

"Oh I hope he signs up sir. I would absolutely love to work with your brother. I think he would be a great member."

Vance sighs as he sees students walking by without even a glance. Some students stop to ask questions but after 2 hours, no one said they will sign up.

"Look sir, there's your brother now."

Vance looks up and sees Clint walking up to their booth with Pacer.

"How ya doin Vance? Ah jus had ta come over wit Pacer ta see ya."

Tulsa is a little shocked that Clint's so informal. He hold his tongue since Vance would know how to handle this.

"Ahem. Clint. Would you and your friend like to hear about the JROTC?"

Pacer looks like he'd rather be anywhere else.

"Ah'll see ya at the gardening club booth, Clint."

Clint watches him walk away then turns back to Vance.

"Sure Vance, Ah'll take a packet. Ah'm sorry if Pacer seemed all rude an all. Government and military types scare 'em."

Tulsa is absolutely shocked. The government and military are supposed to protect people. Pacer has darker skin sure, but unless he's a trouble maker, why would authority figures scare him so much? He shakes himself out of his thoughts and holds out the clipboard.

"Would you like to sign up for the JROTC, Clinton?"

Clint looks at Tulsa and then at Vance.

"Uh, no thanks. Ah don't wanna turn ya down, but Ah wanna see what other clubs there are. Ah gotta think bout it."

Clint walks away and Tulsa sits down. He looks a little disappointed.

"I don't understand it sir. I thought being a part of the JROTC is a source of pride. Doesn't everyone want to show their faith in their country?"

Vance looks at Tulsa and sighs.

"It isn't that, Tulsa. I think it's because a lot of students just want to focus on having fun. The JROTC is a serious organization that requires a lot of time and dedication. It's definitely not for everyone."

Tulsa looks at the clipboard.

"No one signed up. We had so many people say they might join, but no one ever said yes. I just don't understand it."

Suddenly a freshman boy wearing a Boy Scouts event shirt walks up to the booth.

"Excuse me, can you tell me more about the JROTC?"

Tulsa looks up and watches Vance explain what the organization values and what would be required of members.

"What's your name?"

The boy straightens up.

"My name's Josh Morgan sir."

Tulsa looks at his clipboard.

"Would you like to be a member of the JROTC, Josh?"

Josh looks at the packet again. Tulsa closes his eyes for a second, thinking he'll be disappointed again. He hears the pen scratching and opens his eyes to see Josh sign his name.

"I would love to join, sir."

Vance stands up.

"Welcome to the JROTC, Josh Morgan. We will have our first meeting in my office in exactly one week from today. I hope to see you there so you can become an official member."

Josh shakes Vance's hand and then looks at Tulsa's badge.

"Wow. You must be the oldest member of the JROTC. I hope I could get a badge like that one day."

Josh puts his hand out. Tulsa smiles softly while standing up to shake it.

"I'm glad that you want to join us. I hope that you will become a fine member of society one day."

Josh smiles an un-ironically salutes Tulsa.

"Yes sir."

He then walks to another booth.

Tulsa sits down smiling.

"Sir, I'm really proud of my badge. I always wanted to be a source of inspiration to others and help those in need. Josh signing up today is exactly what makes this all worth the hard work."

Vance smiles.

"I'm glad you feel that way, Tulsa."

AN: Thank you for the feedback @xanatenshi, @arrolyn1114, and @theelviseffect.

Glad you asked anon!

Since Rusty says they basically look alike, I assume that means the only differences are age, name, and uniform. They're both athletic men but let's face it, Toby's still stronger. They're the same size as Jodie at 5' 11" but they're not as stocky as he would be.

Ignore the gun the guy has but that's Tulsa on the left, and Josh on the right. Since Josh came from a later movie, he has more facial hair to indicate his age.

This is America! Bio cards are back with Army Specialist Tulsa McLean.

@vintagepresley if you know who made Tulsa's AI chat can you ask them if they would want to use the edited pic I used for his icon?

(AN: This was inspired by @plasticfantasticl0ver and one of their anons. I really hope you like this! Warning: mentions of bodily functions. Tagging some of my favorite people: @kiankiwi @mooodyblue @loving-elvis @septembersghost @deke-rivers-1957)

***

Tulsa was beginning to wonder what he was so worried about in the first place.

The soldier had checked on his friend Rick’s baby a few times in the past few hours, and the kid was still sound asleep. Maybe this was easier than he thought.

But Tulsa was getting a bit hungry, so he figured there was no harm in making himself a sandwich; after all, Marla did say that he could help himself if need be.

The black-haired soldier whistled to himself a little as he fixed his sandwich, thinking this whole “babysitting” thing was actually pretty easy.

He was about to find out how wrong he was. Just as he went to take a bite of his sandwich, he heard the sound he’d been dreading; the baby was crying.

Immediately, Tulsa started to panic a bit, not really knowing what to do. He quickly got up, discarding his sandwich on the kid’s high chair for the moment before rushing towards the baby’s room. He just hoped whatever the problem was could be fixed easily; he had no clue how to deal with babies since he didn’t have much family and was an only child.

“Whoa, whoa whoa. Just, just be calm. Calm down; actually, that goes for both of us!” He told the baby, trying to make eye contact with the little guy. “Hey, don’t be scared. Don’t be scared!”

If the baby heard his words, he either didn’t understand him or wasn’t paying attention; the child just continued to wail, not liking that this weird-looking stranger was here instead of his mother or father like usual.

Tulsa kept trying to reassure the baby, though it was clear he had no idea how to talk to small children; it was as if he was speaking to an adult. “Hey, your ma and pa will be right back! They just went away to get married!”

No response from the baby except more wailing.

Okay, he thought to himself, this clearly isn’t working. So, he decided to try and mimic what he’d seen some of the German ladies do with their kids.

“I’m your ol’ Uncle Tulsa! Let’s play, huh? Here, look, look look!” He murmured, bending down and making a funny face to try and distract the baby.

Just as he bent down to get on the kid’s eye level, though, he noticed a horrible smell in the room. Confused, Tulsa sniffed around for a little bit, before realizing (to his horror) that the smell was coming from the baby.

That’s why it was crying: It needed to be changed. Well, that solved one mystery, but it also created another problem; Tulsa had never changed a diaper in his life, and didn’t really know what he was supposed to do.

But, well…women did it all the time, so how hard could it be?