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“Alright then Mrs Hawkins! Everything is set up and ready to go for tonight’s grand re-opening.” You called out, jumping down from the ladder where you were hanging another streamer from the ceiling. Sarah Hawkins glanced up from where she had been finalizing the menu. “It looks amazing y/n, though honestly I would prefer if you call me Sarah instead, you’ve been working at the Inn for so long now.” She said with that soft maternal smile you always wore.
You shrugged, pushing your hands in your pockets. “I could, but I’ve been calling you Mrs Hawkins, or Mrs H for so long now it would seem weird.” You admitted, a sheepish smile pulling at your lips. Sarah stood from her seat and approached you with her arms out. You eagerly accepted the hug. “Oh I can’t believe its been so long. Nearly seven years and here you still are. My best musician.” The praise had you rolling your eyes a little, though it didn’t stop the blush to form on your cheeks.
“I’m your only musician Mrs H.” You reminded her, to which the older woman simply laughed and tapped your nose playfully. “Because you’re the best. So why would I need anyone else?”
With that Sarah walked towards the kitchen, hoping to wrap up the last of the food items to be cooked for that night’s party.
The re-opening of the Benbow Inn.
You had been just as devastated as Sarah when it had burned down. The Inn had become something of a sanctuary for you. A place where you could come and just be yourself, and not have to put up a strong front given your lack of family.
Oh you had a family. A father who preferred to work before drowning away whatever sorrows he had in alcohol. Leaving you to fend for yourself from a rather young age.
You had begun to do little odd jobs to try and earn some money. School was free, as was the lunch that they served, and you bought clothes from the cheapest shop possible.
But what you really wanted the money for, was to get a new piano. Or really any musical instrument.
Music was everything for you. It was your way to express all that you felt. Not to mention it was the only connection you had to your mother.
She had taught you everything you knew when she had been alive. Every note, every song, ever key, every symphony, it was all her.
You had her old piano at home. And when your father wasn’t home you would try your best to coax a tune out of the instrument. It was old and needed quite a few repairs and tuning, but that cost a lot of money.
So, you did odd jobs to try and come up with that.
But it wasn’t until you had seen an ad in the newspaper, inquiring after a musician who could play at an Inn, did you ever think of working while playing music.
You had rushed to the address, and after a short meeting with the owner, and a few demos of you playing on the piano there, which was in much better condition then your own, you were hired.
And you loved every moment of it.
Not just because you got to play for hours on end, but also because Sarah Hawkins, was an amazing boss. She had taken one look at your pinched face and skinny body, and had thrown in a free hot meal during your work hours. You had tried to tell her no, but the woman had insisted. So, you opted to help out in the kitchen whenever things would get too busy at the Inn.
But, primarily, you played the piano, contributing to the light and fun atmosphere of the Inn, and generally pleasing the patrons. You played tunes from all over the galaxy, and everyone had requests.
The best part about working at the Inn though?
You met Jim Hawkins.
You had seen him around school before, and you were a little embarrassed to admit, but you did have a crush on him. He was cute, not to mention cool and smart.
Working at the Inn, which you had no idea his mother owned, gave you the chance to get to know him better. Talk to him, and just be around him.
And though you had been a little nervous at first, slowly that had all changed, and the both of you became friends.
Well he was your friend whom you had a crush on.
Little did you know, you were also the friend he had a crush on.
Not that either of you would come out and say it out loud. Besides you barely had time to do anything other then work at the Inn, school and take care of things at home. You didn’t have time for boys.
But then Jim found a strange round map and pirates burned the Inn down in search of it.
You were made aware of it all the next morning when you arrived for work and was met with the charred skeletal remains of the place you thought of as your second home. Devastation snaked under your skin and settled into your heart. A gasp of horror fell from your lips as you thought of Mrs Hawkins and Jim.
Had they made it out?
Luckily one of the fire squad patrons were nearby and informed you that they were safe were staying with a friend. With the address memorized you raced towards your destination on the scooter you and Jim had scraped from the junkyard and fixed.
Or rather you had stood to the side while he fixed it.
Though you’d been told they were alive, you didn’t believe it.
And wouldn’t believe it until you saw them both for yourself.
You banged on the door of the rather large estate, pushing past Dr. Doppler as soon as he opened the door. Voices from down the corridor had you racing down the polished floors with the good Doctor at your heels.
The moment you burst through the doors and saw both Jim and his Mother sitting around a small table, a strange sound escaped you. One that was a combination of several emotions, but the only one you were able to properly comprehend was the relief that coursed through your veins.
Though it was nothing compared to the elation you felt once you had calmed down and had engulfed both of them in a hug that remade your heart.
It didn’t take too long for everything to be explained, and though you were a little unsure of the expedition, you didn’t voice it. Not when Jim got so excited talking about it. You could see that Sarah shared your uncertainty as well, but then she didn’t say anything either. Once the older woman had excused herself to get to bed, and Dr. Doppler had wandered off to gather more books and such for the journey ahead, you turned your attention to Jim.
“You sure this is a good idea Jim? I mean chasing a story never ends well.” But Jim only held up the round orb which you had learned was the map to Treasure Planet. “Y/n, this thing is proof that it's more than just stories. And like I told Mom, with that treasure we can build a new Inn. We can even fit it with the piano you’ve always wanted.”
A little taken aback that he would want to share the treasure with you and actually buy something you would love surprised you. You blinked but pushed that feeling aside in favor of continuing the conversation. “Treasure and truth aside, Jim are you sure? I mean your mom will be all alone.” You said, glancing in the direction of the door where Sarah had walked out of an hour or so ago.
Had it really been that long since they’d been talking?
Jim frowned. “What do you mean she’ll be alone? Won’t you come and visit her?” He asked, the confusion clear on his face. You blinked, mouth falling open in surprise. “Wa-wait, of course I’ll come visit her-” You began, only to be cut off by him. “Then she won’t be alone. I know you’ll take care of her while I’m gone.”
You stared.
How was it possible that one boy could cause your heart to stop and then restart again?!
And with the way he was looking at you with those wide eyes!
You groaned. “You’re doing it again.” You grumbled, shoving him back by his face. Jim laughed, knowing exactly what you meant, having used the tactic before. “I know, but I also know I don’t have to convince you because you’ll come anyway.”
Rolling your eyes you kicked at his legs from under the table. “Yeah, yeah. Just-” You trailed off, biting your lower lip and glancing at the table before looking back up at him.
“Just be careful. I don’t want to loose you too.”
The light of the fire hid the blush that blazed across your cheeks, though it didn’t diminish the worry in your eyes. Jim, now wearing a serious expression, reached out to take your hand and give it a comforting squeeze.
“You won’t. I promise.”
You lived with that promise through the months he was gone.
And when he returned, triumphant and the hero he was always meant to be, you had hugged him as tightly as you could. To your delight, where he had always held back a little when it came to hugs, this one was unrestrained and just as eagerly given as it was received.
Now here you were, settling onto the bench as the party-goers quietened down so that you would begin to play. Sarah had spared no expense, and had even bought you a new dress for the occasion. You’d been reluctant at first, but a nudge from Jim had you accepting the dress.
What you had truly been eager for, was to play on the piano once again.
True to his word, Jim had bought the piano you had wanted for so long. You’d very nearly kissed the boy right then and there, but had settled for a hug that toppled him over.
Though you did sneak in a peck to the cheek before you continued to coo over the instrument.
And now you would get to play a rather special song on it.
One that you had written yourself during the months Jim had been away. This song was your love letter to the boy you had fallen in love with.
What they said was true.
Absence made the heart grow fonder.
And it hadn’t taken you long to realize that your feelings for your friend went beyond that of simple friendship.
As you played a few experimental keys, your eyes drifted to where Jim stood in his brand new Academy uniform next to his Mother. His encouraging smile was all you needed.
You began to play.
And then you began to sing.
A big surprise since you hardly ever sang in public.
Let me keep you where my belief lies
For if I do not become yours
I shall never belong to anyone
The words had come to you, late at night when you had been in bed, your heart aching with how much you missed him.
Wherever should the wind take you
I wish to be by your side
You had always known Jim would soar higher than anyone you could ever to know. You just hoped that he would allow you to remain by his side when he did.
These winds may be fleeting
Carry us to places never before explored
But I do not care so long as you are with me
And I with you
Anything to be with him. To be beside him and share in his next adventure. Even if it meant staying behind and waiting for him to come back to you.
Whatever memories that we create
They shall remain with us forevermore
For in them my true strength lies
That helps me get through the day and the nights
And those memories of you both, going about your lives, getting in trouble, digging through the junkyard with him, him sitting to listen to you practice for hours on end? They had been what had helped you get through the days and nights.
The very essence of my thoughts
Exist because of you and for you
With every caress of the wind
I can hear your name echoing all around me
Where your gaze had been trained on the ivory keys as your finger danced along them, now they raised up. Only to find Jim standing next to your beside the piano. Watching you with a strange look in his eyes. One that you had never seen in them before
Why does your face resemble my dreams?
Perhaps you weren’t mine yesterday
Nor will you be mine tomorrow
But you are mine today
The final keys of the song died as your fingers stilled. But you weren’t done.
Not yet.
“For all my love is yours.” You barely sang the final lyric as you stood up, whispering the words instead as Jim reached out and gently took your hand.
He smiled at you.
And you smiled at him.
The assembled guests burst into applause. But neither of you truly noticed. He leaned in, and you closed your eyes as he drew closer.
His lips found yours, and you knew.
Your fears were unfounded.
For you would never loose him.