A/N: songs to set the scene:
- fall into me (acoustic) - forest blakk
- what ifs - kane brown, lauren alaina
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September 26, 2021

Jamie's POV

The rest of the day flew by and we finished WandaVision. I forget how much I love watching movies and shows with my family until we take a whole Saturday to catch up on everything John and I have missed while we've been away.

To say I went to bed peacefully would've been a lie. After the phone call earlier in the day, my mind kept drifting to the possibilities of getting called out earlier than anticipated. I laid running my fingers through Sofia's hair as she drifted off to sleep. Her soft breaths against my neck eventually lulled me into a state of sleep.

~Nightmare~

The sun beats down on Echo Company as we walk through the war torn city. Buildings smoking from the flames that engulfed them less than twenty-four hours ago. "Sergeant!" Private Jacobs yells to me and I move my feet to him. "Yes, Private?" I scan the area as he takes me towards the sounds of a wailing woman. "Ma'am?" I call out to her, but she keeps her back to us. I look over at Jacobs and he shrugs.

We walk closer to her and the faint sound of ticking catches my attention. "Jacobs! Get down!" I jump on top of him and feel a pain shooting through my body. I look down and see burning bodies surrounding me. My breathing becomes erratic, feeling the flames creeping up my body.

~End of Nightmare~

"Jamie," a faint voice calls out to me. "Jamie, baby, wake up," the voice calls me again and I jolt awake. I fight to catch my breath and feel a set of hands on my chest. "Hey, you're okay," I scan the room and take in my surroundings. My eyes land on a pair of beautiful brown eyes scanning over my face. "Shhh, you're okay," Sofia pulls me into her body, trying to calm me down.

"Everything okay?" I hear Kim's voice and notice she's walking into my room. "We heard screaming," Emily's voice joins the room and my breathing finally reaches a point of normalcy. "He was having a nightmare," John states and I pull away from Sofia to look at the gallery of people in my room. "But what triggered it? You haven't had them since you got home?" Kim asks and I run my hands over my face.

"The phone call," I barely get out, still trying to catch my breath. Sofia cups my face, forcing me to look at her. "You're okay, alright?" I nod and she turns towards the others, "let's try getting back to sleep. I'll keep an eye on him."

They all head out and Sofia pulls me back into her body. "Who knew you'd be so comfortable?" I try lightening the mood and Sofia lets out a slight chuckle. "Shush," she tries scolding me and I laugh at her attempt.

"Wanna talk about your nightmare?" She softly asks and I take a deep breath, debating on if I should tell her. "A town had been bombed and my company was there looking for survivors. A bomb went off taking out all of Echo Company. I watched and listened as the flames overtook my body," I feel my body slightly and Sofia holds me tighter.

"You're here and you're okay. Anything I can do to help?" She asks, running her fingers through my growing hair. "Tell me about why you wanted to be an actress and a singer?" I ask and she hums.

"Well, I've been singing and dancing practically since I was born. I never wanted to do any of it for fame or fortune. I just love singing and writing songs. As for acting, I was a rather dramatic child," she smiles and I let out a small laugh. "So when I graduated high school, I figured I'd try to make it and I got lucky. It took a lot of patience, but I can say I made it. I'm starting in a movie that I wrote the original songs for and I'm an executive producer. None of that I thought would happen, but sometimes the best things in life are unexpected," she looks down at me and I smile.

"I couldn't agree more," she returns my smile and I push myself up a bit. I hover over her and catch myself looking between her eyes and her lips. "What's ya waiting for, Sergeant?" Her words pull me back up to her eyes. I smirk and lower myself, capturing her lips with mine.

Our kiss isn't rushed and is filled with emotions neither of us have fully explored with each other. "Thank you," I whisper in the space between us. "We might not have known each other long, but you don't ever have to thank me for helping you through something," she pecks my lips and this time I pull her into my arms.

~~

The sun shines through my bedroom window waking me from a deep sleep my body needed. I feel Sofia move closer to my body and I hold her tighter. I'm falling for this girl and as scary as that sounds right now, I don't care. She makes me feel in a way I don't think I've ever felt. I feel loved and accepted, and I truly believe she isn't scared of my life as a soldier.

"Morning," her soft voice pulls me from my inner monologue. I kiss the top of her head, "Morning beautiful." She looks up at me and pecks my lips. I can't help the smile that appears on my face. "Still not used to that," I say and she smiles, cuddling her face into my neck.

"So, Ms. Carson, have you ever been to a professional baseball game?" I rub my hands up and down her clothed back. "Once, I sang the National Anthem at Dodger stadium. My family loves soccer a bit more than anything else," she states and I hum. "Well, if you haven't gathered, this family likes a lot of sports. EJ plays football and baseball; Kimberly swam in high school; and I played soccer in high school," I move to running my hand through Sofia's soft hair.

We laid in silence and it was lovely. I enjoyed having her in my arms. I almost fell back asleep until the most annoying knock on my door pulled us from our little bit of bliss. "Good morning love birds," Emily and Kimberly greet, and I grab my pillow, throwing it at the door making them close it. "Your sister and Emily really like picking on you, don't they?" Sofia looks up at me and I roll my eyes. "They've never gotten to mess with me about liking anyone so they're laying it on thick now," I kiss her forehead.

"I think it's cute," she pecks my lips and I smile. "Paulina hasn't made fun of you yet?" I ask and she shakes her head. "Not yet, but I'm sure after this weekend I'll get an earful," she rests her head on my chest and the door opening again makes me groan.

"Wow, that's how you greet your best friend," John opens the door more and steps into my room. "Why doesn't anyone knock anymore?" I groan, throwing my free arm over my eyes. "Cause you're Jamie and we know nothing is happening in here," John gestures towards me and Sofia, and I flip him the bird.

"What do you want?" I huff out and he chuckles. "We wanted to know what the plan was before we leave for the game?" John leans against my desk and I sit up a bit. I look over at my phone to see the time. "Well, the game should start at 1:10 so let's shoot to get there at 12?" I shrug and he nods. "Alright, I'll tell the ladies. Kimberly is making pancakes if either of you'd like some," he heads towards the door. "Yes, please. We'll be out in a bit," Sofia adds and John closes the door.

"Do you need to shower?" I ask, looking down at the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. "I think I'll be okay. Do you have a Padres shirt or jersey I can wear?" She asks and I shoot out of bed. I walk to my closet and pull out three different jerseys. "I take it you're a Padres fan?" She laughs and I shrug. "Growing up in San Diego you kind of get sucked into it. My mom loved baseball so we watched the Padres and Dodgers every season," I look over the three jerseys and smile thinking about my mom.

I feel Sofia's arms snake around my waist and her head resting between my shoulder blades, "If you ever need to talk about your mom, I'm here for you." I turn to face her and smile, wrapping my arms around her smaller frame. "She would've really liked you. Wouldn't fully understand the celebrity part of your life, but she'd love what you stand for," I kiss her forehead and hear her hum. "I'd just hope she'd approve of me pulling her son into this life," she looks up at me and I shake my head. "As long as I'm happy, she wouldn't care about that. She knew I could handle myself," I smile at her and she pecks my lips. "Let's get to the kitchen before they come barging back in here," I chuckle and her eyes grow big. "I agree," she grabs my hand and pulls me out behind her.

~~

We finished breakfast and the girls went to get ready for the game. John and I cleaned up the kitchen while EJ spouted stats we'd need to know for the Padres game. "Did you know the Braves are predicted to win the World Series this season?" He asks and I shake my head. "What makes them any different than the Dodgers? I think they're the better team," John counters and I point at him. "I'd have to agree with him, little brother.

"Whatever, the Braves have been doing great at home plate and Swanson has been killing this season. Nearly getting a hit at every at bat," EJ hops off the counter and leaves to get ready. "He's very passionate about the Braves," Jonathan points out and I just shrug. "He's always loved them and I'm not going to try changing it. He already refuses to cheer for the LA Chargers for football," I finish loading the last dish into the dishwasher and dry my hands.

"We should get ready. I'm sure the ladies are almost done," I check the time and see it's close to 11 o'clock already. "Real quick, man," John grabs my bicep and stops me. "What's your plan with Sofia? Are you going to try the whole relationship thing?" He lets go of my arm and I sigh. "I don't know. I like her and she's the first person since Alexandra to see me for me. Not a transgender Marine. To her I'm just Jamie Hamilton and that's all I want," I look at him and see him nodding his head.

"Just be careful, I don't want to see you get hurt," he pats my shoulder and leaves the kitchen. I run my hands over my face and let out a grunt. "You good there, Sergeant?" Sofia's soft voice comes into the kitchen and I look up to see her soft brown eyes. "I'm perfectly okay," I scan her outfit, noticing the black jeans and plain black t-shirt. I blink my eyes a few times and step towards her, "I'm going to get ready, unless you still need the space?" She shakes her head and I kiss her cheek.

(Sofia's outfit, besides the jacket)
~~

I step into my bedroom and Sofia's perfume still lingers in the space. She smells very good and it's intoxicating. I return my focus to grabbing my game day attire and grab an extra jersey for Sofia to wear. I grab my Snell jersey for myself and grab the Grisham jersey for Sofia, along with a pair of jeans and a plain, faded red t-shirt. I head into the bathroom to get ready and notice Sofia left a few things on the counter. I smile to myself as I move a few items over so I don't knock them to the floor.

(Jamie's outfit)

I hear a faint knock on the door as I slip my jeans. "Come in," I zip up my pants and grab my t-shirt. "Everyone's finishing up," I hear Sofia's voice fill my bedroom and when I step out of the bathroom I see her grabbing a small clutch for her phone and wallet. "I'm almost done. Just gotta put shoes on," I say as I slip my shirt over my head.

"Doesn't red clash a bit with the Padres colors?" She scans over my outfit and I shrug, "Red goes with brown and gold." She shakes her head and looks over the two jerseys I have hung up for us. "You don't have to wear one if you've changed your mind," I step up behind her and her body automatically gravitates towards mine, laying her back to my front. "No, I want to. Just waiting for you to tell me why you have two jerseys," she turns her head and our noses are inches away from each other.

I clear my throat, "Well, the Padres were my mom's favorite team, so I grew up watching games. They aren't my all-time favorite team, but I'll always have a place in my heart for them." She hums in response and turns her gaze back towards the two jerseys. "So, who do I get to wear?" She asks and I kiss her cheek before reaching up to grab the Grisham jersey. "You, princess, will be wearing Grisham. He is the Padres' Center Fielder. He's been playing decently well these last few games. He's probably EJ's favorite player right now," I take the jersey off the hanger and hand it to her. "I'll take good care of this jersey then," she smiles up at me and pecks my lips. I grab my Snell jersey and put it over my red shirt. I grab my phone, wallet, and sunglasses, following Sofia out of my bedroom.

"Everyone ready to go?" John asks from the Kitchen. "You down to drive?" I ask him and he nods his head. "I'm ready, and Emily said tickets are at Will Call," Kimberly says, putting her phone in her small purse. "Let's go then," EJ says from behind me. I turn around and see him wearing his Braves jersey. "Nice jersey, kid," I pat his back and look at the group. "You heard the kid, let's go," I follow EJ towards the door and let everyone go before I lock up the house.

~~

Since Emily works for the Padres' marketing department, she got us a parking pass for the adjacent garage to the stadium. I love Emily for the person she is, but I do love that she gets this perk for friends and family.

We collectively walk to Will Call and I go to the window to get our tickets. I look at the tickets to see what section we're in and Emily doesn't get bad seats to these games. "Where we sitting?" John looks over my shoulder, and I hand him his and Kim's tickets. "We're on the first base line directly behind the dugout," I hand EJ his ticket and he huffs a little. "I know buddy, but Emily said she was going to come by during the game and take you to the visitor's dugout to get your jersey signed," I try boosting his mood and see a slight hint of a smile.

"She's the best," I hear him whisper and make a mental note to tell Emily later that 'she's the best.' "Alright, you have your tickets. Do whatever you want and we'll see each other at our seats," I watch the three head into the crowd and turn my attention to the smiling brunette next to me.

"What?" I take her hand and she shakes her head. "Taking charge and making sure everyone has an enjoyable time. Just observing you, Sergeant," she smiles up at me and I kiss the side of her head. "Well, now it's your turn. You hungry? We can grab some food and drinks, and then head to our seats," we walk in the opposite direction the others went and join the crowd looking for food. "Sounds good to me. I'm already enjoying my time since I'm with you," her words make me blush a bit.

I see a short line for a Budweiser Ballpark Eats stand. I lead us to join the line and I notice Sofia immediately look at the board in front of us to figure out what she wants. "I personally suggest the typical baseball classic a hot dog," I wrap my arms around her shoulders and she leans into my front. "Sounds good to me. I think I was just going to get whatever you got anyways," she looks up at me and I leave a quick kiss on her lips.

"That's not very fun," I smile and just stare into her eyes for a bit. She's so beautiful inside and out, and I don't know how I got so lucky to even have her attention. She's been way more down to Earth than I ever thought a celebrity would be. She blends into my life seamlessly and I only hope that she's in my life for a long time.

~~

Sofia did exactly what she said she would and ordered what I got: a hot dog. I also got us a pretzel to share since I know Kimberly will have forgotten to get one. I also got myself a beer since Jonathan drove. We find our seats relatively easy since everyone is already there. I let Sofia go into the row first and follow closely behind.

"What took y'all so long?" John asks and I hold up our food. "Lines weren't exactly short and we went the opposite way you guys did. We were on the opposite side of the ballpark," I state and he just nods his head.

I hand the pretzel to Kim since she's in the middle of the group next to Sofia. "Thank you, I knew I forgot something," she rips a piece off and dips it into the cheese. "I told you," I whispered to Sofia and she just giggles. "Heard from Emily at all?" I ask Kimberly and she shakes her head. "I messaged her when we got the tickets from Will Call and haven't heard from her since. I'm sure she's busy," she pulls out her phone to check.

"What does Emily do?" Sofia asks and I take a sip of my drink. "She works for the Business Communications Manager. Basically she makes sure any media coming to the ballpark know where to go and makes sure they're supposed to be here. She also runs their social media, which I think she likes the most," I keep my eye on the field watching the players warm up as I explain my best friend's job like it's the easiest thing in the world.

"How long has she been doing this for you to describe it so easily?" I feel Sofia's eyes on me as she asks the question. "Emily's been working with the Padres since she graduated college," Kim interjects and I look around Sofia to see my sister better. She shrugs her shoulders at me and I roll my eyes.

"She interned with them her last year, and got a position as soon as she graduated. She worked with the San Diego State University Athletics department throughout her time there though. I'll just say that we've benefited from her working in sports," I smirk and she nods her head. "Interesting," She turns her attention back to the field and I feel my phone buzz.

Johnny
Dude! Stop talking
about Emily so much!

I slide my phone back in my pocket and drink more of my beer. "What's your filming schedule like this week?" I ask, giving my full attention to Sofia. She puts her trash under her seat and wipes her hands. "We're filming more in that bar this week along with a few scenes between my character and Nick's," she turns her body more towards me and I nod my head.

"Are you singing again? At the bar I mean?" I ask and she smiles, nodding. "I am, why?" She gives me a curious look and I smile. "Could I possibly come and watch?" I watch her eyes light up a bit and she grabs her phone. She vigorously types on her phone and slides it back in her clutch. "All taken care of," she smiles in victory and I admire her for a second.

I see her free hand and intertwine our fingers, resting our hands on her lap. We share a content smile and she rests her head on my shoulder. The players head to their dugouts and the announcer starts going through the Atlanta Braves' starting line-up. We're lucky to have a few Braves' fans nearby so EJ doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. I feel a tap on my shoulder and look behind me to see Emily behind us. "Hey!" She greets us and climbs over the seat next to me. "You guys need anything?" She asks and I look down the row to see shaking heads. "I think we're good, Em. These seats are great," I turn back to her and match her smile.

"Anything for you guys. I'm going to head back up to the media suite. Don't let me forget to grab EJ around the seventh inning for his surprise," her eyes fill with excitement and I chuckle. "Sounds good, just text Kim and I when you're on your way," she nods her head and gives me a quick hug. "Have fun!" She heads off and I turn my attention back to the field. I turn to see Sofia looking at me and I give her a confused look, "What's up?" She shakes her head and connects our lips for a quick kiss, putting her head back on my shoulder.

~~

Sofia's POV

The game was fun and Jamie made sure to tell me which players to watch more than others. I wasn't too interested in watching when I first told Jamie I'd come with them to the game, but I'm slowly enjoying it. It is the bottom of the sixth inning and the Padres are losing by one run. "I'm going to grab some water and take EJ to meet Emily for his surprise. Do you need anything?" Jamie asks and I shake my head. He motions to Jonathan and EJ to come with him and I observe all of the people around us enjoying themselves.

"You don't have to worry about anything," Kimberly grabs my attention. "Excuse me?" I ask, turning my body to face her better. "You don't have to worry about Emily and Jamie. They've been best friends practically their entire lives. Emily was one of the first people Jamie told when he came out as transgender. She's been there for every heartbreak and every good moment. They're each other's rocks, but he likes you. My brother can be complicated to figure out, but once he likes someone, he'd do anything for them," Kimberly's words bring a bit of relief to me.

"Have they ever tried dating?" I ask and she shakes her head. "Never, and it's not because they don't think it would work. They just don't want to ruin their friendship. I also think that ship sailed years ago," Kim puts her hand on my forearm, "but don't worry about it. My brother looks at you like you've hung the moon and stars. I haven't seen him look at someone like this in a while."

I can tell Kimberly's words are genuine and I feel more at ease. I nod my head and grab my phone as I feel it vibrating in my lap.

Jamie
You're more beautiful
in person than the big
screen 😉

I look at my screen confused and feel Kim tapping my arm. She's pointing at the Jumbotron and I see my face on it. "Ladies and Gentlemen please join me in welcoming the star of Disney Channel's Descendants and Freeform's Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists, Sofia Carson," the announcer's voice fills the ballpark and I feel flustered. I wave at the camera and hear the cheers from surrounding fans.

I spot a few young girls making their way towards our row and I give them a small smile. I meet them halfway and see that they have pieces of paper for me to sign. "Can we get an autograph?" One of the girls asks and I nod my head, "Sure." I sign their pieces of paper and pose for a few pictures with them. They thank me and head back to their seats.

Before I head back down our row, I spot Jamie and Jonathan walking down the steps towards our seats. Jamie's smile is beaming and I can't help but return it. "Was that your doing?" I point at Jamie and he just shrugs. "It was definitely him and Emily," Jonathan says as he walks past us into the row. I look at Jamie and he has a mischievous look on his face. "I thought it would be more funny than anything. I'm sorry if I overstepped a boundary," he quickly changes his demeanor and I shake my head. "No, it's okay. Haven't been on a Jumbotron just as a fan," I place my hand on his forearm and rub the bare skin.

"You okay?" He looks between my eyes and I nod my head. "Yeah, I'm good," I get on my tiptoes and peck his lips, which I honestly couldn't get enough of. "Sorry we took so long," Jamie says as he follows behind me to our seats. "It's okay, Kimberly and I bonded a bit," I sit and turn my body a bit to look at Jamie better. "Well, I hope she didn't say anything too embarrassing," he smiles and nervously chuckles. I shake my head and take his hand, intertwining our fingers, "Nope, she told me exactly what I needed to know." He kisses the side of my head and I reposition my head on his shoulder, content with feeling this security and safety every day.
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A/N: these are the jerseys Jamie pulled out for them to wear: