Pulled Back

The words left Jimmy’s lips before he could stop them. They felt heavy on his tongue and like he was ripping open his chest for everyone to see. But in that moment, with the sight of Stan at the door to their apartment, his duffel bag packed. Jimmy would have walked to hell and back to keep Stan from leaving.

Fic inspired form a conversation between myself and @garbage-cowboy

(also on ao3!)

“Please stay.”

The words left Jimmy’s lips before he could stop them. They felt heavy on his tongue and like he was ripping open his chest for everyone to see. But in that moment, with the sight of Stan at the door to their apartment, his duffle bag packed. Jimmy would have walked to hell and back to keep Stan from leaving.

“Jimmy, my last gig was a bust. You saw how everyone was laughing.” Stan said. His face burned red with the memory from the situation playing again in his mind, like a record stuck in a loop. “It’s better than being chased outta town by a mob with pitchforks. But I need a clean slate, somewhere that won’t have anyone know about the screw up who couldn’t sell lemonade on a hot summer’s day.”

“Stan, please.” Jimmy stumbled out of bed.