Work Text:
Mitch never meant to hide his powers from the family.
But, quite frankly, who would believe him?
His skeptical son, David, who thrived on order? Maggie, the love of his life who would think he was nuts? Or maybe Zoey, his neurotic and science-minded daughter?
It was insane.
Mitch first experienced the powers at a Grateful Dead concert in 1976. He and Maggie had just started dating, and they were both really high. Hey, what can he say? It was the Dead, in Berkeley, in the 70’s.
Man that was some good weed.
So good, in fact, that he figured he was hallucinating when a group of strangers broke out into Winter Wonderland, celebrating the first snow in a long time. He must have looked stricken, because Maggie leaned over and stage-whispered “am I hallucinating or is it snowing? I am so high right now.”
Throughout the years, the songs would happen sporadically. However, in the past decade, Mitch was hearing heartsongs at least a few times a week. He didn’t know why the universe gave him this power, or if it was a gift or a punishment. All he knew was that he needed to try to help the singer.
***
His mind began to wander as he waited for news about Maggie. Today ranked high on his list of the worst days of his life. He was trying to keep it together for the kids, but it was hard to do with everyone in the waiting room singing to him. He must have zoned out, because Zoey looked concerned as she asked if he was okay.
Mitch was not okay. The woman he loved was in surgery, and suddenly the weight of the universe felt like it was on his shoulders. Everyone’s anxiety and sad songs were making him even more on edge.
He tried to focus on the floor to clear his mind when he heard Zoey say “Max?” in a quizzical voice. Mitch looked up to see a young, handsome man covered in glitter who was calling his daughter Zo.
“I’ll allow it.” Mitch turned to his daughter in surprise because Zoey usually hated that nickname.
What was going on?
Then the music started. Max dropped his bag and began to dance towards Zoey.
So she said, what's the problem, baby?
What's the problem? I don't know
Well, maybe I'm in love (love)
Think about it every time I think about it
I can't stop thinking about it
Mitch snapped out of “Mitch land,” just in time to hear Zoey introduce Max to him. They shook hands, and Mitch made a lighthearted joke about Max’s natural sparkle.
The music started up again, and this time, Mitch was very surprised to hear Zoey sing.
How much longer will it take to cure this?
Just to cure it 'cause I can't ignore it if it's love (love)
Makes me wanna turn around and face me
But I don't know nothing 'bout love
Mitch cocked an eyebrow as Zoey and Max walked towards each other, singing together.
Come on, come on, turn a little faster
Come on, come on, the world will follow after
Come on, come on, because everybody's after love
They took each other’s hands, and Max spun Zoey as he sang, her hair flying around in a whirlwind.
So I said I'm a snowball running
Running down into the spring that's coming
All this love melting under blue skies
Belting out sunlight, shimmering love
The music stopped and they were back in their original places.
“You said I got the job. Don’t you mean we got the job?”
“No, Danny went with you and Leif and it was the right call.”
“But we were a team.” Zoey looked confused. Mitch was about to say something when the music started up again.
Zoey danced towards Max, and put one hand on his shoulder.
Well, baby, I surrender to the strawberry ice cream
Never ever end of all this love
Well, I didn't mean to do it
But there's no escaping your love
Zoey turned herself so her back was against Max, and it looked like she was about to start dancing provocatively when thank goodness the doctor came out. Mitch loved his daughter very much, but he did not need to see that.
Mitch gathered his jacket, and Zoey was saying goodbye to Max when the music started up again.
These two were very persistent.
Come on, come on, move a little closer
Come on, come on, I want to hear you whisper
Come on, come on, settle down inside my love
They walked towards each other in sync, and placed a hand on each other’s waist as they walked in a circle. It was not lost on Mitch that they never broke eye contact.
Come on, come on, jump a little higher
Come on, come on, if you feel a little lighter
Come on, come on, we were once upon a time in love
They jumped up and down, and then Max lifted Zoey up. As she descended, Zoey put her hand on Max’s face, gently moving her thumb on his cheek.
Max took Zoey by the waist and pulled her closer. Their lips were inches from each other’s as they sang together.
We're accidentally in love
Accidentally in love
Accidentally in love
Accidentally in love
The song ended. Max and Zoey stood in their original spots. Mitch watched as they said goodbye and awkwardly hugged.
But he knew his daughter well enough to see it in her eyes. She was intrigued by Max. Dare he say she was in love?
He smirked slightly as Max glanced over his shoulder. Zoey bit her lip and a small smile escaped.
Mitch took this opportunity to pass judgement on Max.
“I like him.”
Mitch absolutely did not miss his daughter blushing. The tips of her ears turned the same shade as her hair as they walked towards Maggie’s room.