Spitfire | JTK

IV

Warnings: drinking, swearing, super sweet fluff, slight ldr angst, play fighting, annoying brothers, sorry if i miss any!

You walked off the stage, grad cap and diploma secured tightly in your hand. The main floor was a mess of bodies, making it impossible to find anybody you were looking for. You pushed through the mass of black gowns and proud parents, eyes desperately trying to locate someone with familiarity. After fighting your way to the back of the arena, you noticed a group of tall, slender figures who could be mistaken for the same people if caught in the right situation. You let out a sigh of relief, practically running towards them. When you reached them, you grabbed on to the closest arm. The boy spun around, confused at first, but his eyes lit up at the sight of you once he realized who you were.

"Hey, squirt!" Alex picked you up, spinning you around in a hug. You laughed, begging to be put back down almost instantaneously. "I'm so proud of you." He said when your feet touched the ground again, his arms still holding you tightly. The rest of the group had begun to catch on to the situation. Within a moment, Sam had joined in on the hug, ushering your other two brothers to join, too. Your parents were laughing, tears threatening to spill from your mothers eyes. Eventually, your parents joined, too.

The group was full of laughter, arms all tangled together, making it hard to differentiate who's belonged to who. Ally had taken it upon herself to snap a few quick pictures, finding the sight of the situation to precious to pass up. When you all broke apart, the air filled with notes of congratulations and your family telling you how proud they were of you. You breathed a thank you, barely being able to process the situation yet. You had your college degree in your hand; the last three years of torment and despair had ultimately paid off. Your eyes scanned the people around you, finally landing on your best friend. She had her phone propped up, pointing it outward towards the group as if she were on the phone with someone.

A smile began to eat away on your cheeks. You caught her gaze, silently asking her if she was chatting with who you thought she was. She gave a nod, motioning for you to come see for yourself. You pushed past your youngest brother, earning an annoyed look from him. You were too busy to care, only concerned with who she was talking to. When you reached her, sure turned her phone so you could see the screen. Jake, alongside his three band mates, were all crowded into the frame, watching the screen intently. When they saw your face, they exploded into cheers. You couldn't stop the laughter flowing from you, amazed at how much love was coming your way that day. She smiled, handing you the phone. You took it, whispering a small thank you.

"We're so proud of you!" Josh's chipper tone filled the speaker. The background noise in the air would have made it hard to hear them, but they were always loud enough that it wasn't even a concern in your mind.

"The witchy woman strikes again!" Sam belted, a grin plastered across his face.

"Your speech was fantastic." Danny complimented.

"Thanks, guys." You chuckled. "So glad you could join the celebration, even if it was virtual."

"Well, actually-" Josh began to speak, but Jake gave him a quick shove, silencing him. He pulled the phone away so only his face was in view. You gave him a strange look, but Jake quickly switched topics, not letting the conversation linger on Josh's words.

"Let me see it, baby." Your heart fluttered at his words, a blush involuntarily pushing onto your cheeks. You pulled your diploma up, opening the cover to show him the inside. His eyes squinted, trying to make it out as best as he could. After a moment, a smile crossed his face, too. "That's my girl." You were certain you could have died on the spot. He said it with so much sincerity that there was no room for a hint of doubt that he meant it. "I'm so proud of you, y/n."