In The Space Between (Vi x Reader) Modern AU

Chapter 12: Lanterns

The scene opens on a table on which candles and photos of Gabe with other citizens of Haven Springs are placed. It eventually cuts to the other people in the room as they speak. It's a memorial service for Gabe at the Black Lantern.

 This portion is a montage of portions of speeches from the people listed.

You were all sad. Everyone gathers to hear about Gabe's death. They were all sad. He was your greatest friend who welcomed you with warms arms and now he's gone. A part of you didn't want to believe that but now it's happening all over again. It's just like with Rachel.

Vi still hugs you as her family stood besides you as Jed gives his speech to Gabe.

"...I'm not big on speeches. I've always believed that the role of the bartender...... is to shut up and listen. And by that measure, Gabe was the worst bartender I've ever known."

Pike looks down in sadness. "I'd never issued a speeding ticket to someone on a bicycle before. Until he came along."

"He cared so much about my admissions essay. Even though he probably couldn't spell "admissions." Or "essay."" Riley spoke out sadly.

"He booked my band to play the Lantern. All the way from Seattle to pretty much right where I'm standing." Steph confessed.

"I can recall fourteen specific instances where Gabe said something that made me laugh....." Duckie pulls out a stack of index cards  "The first was two years ago..."

"So long story short, instead of a ticket, I ended up buying him a beer." Pike said.

"Gabe stood like... three feet away, grinning like a doofus at us. I'm sure there were more people, but I only remember him." Steph said.

"...and then he said, I know, that's why the "k" is silent!" Duckie laughs bittlerly "Then the fifth time..."

"He cared about everyone." Riley admits.

Pike shuts his eyes. "He was the kind of guy you wanted to be around."

"He was a world-class bullshitter." Duckie said.

"He was my best friend." Steph chocked out, trying not to cry.

It was your turn to confessed. "About 8 whole years....there was no better nice person than Gabe... he helped me get back up when I moved in. I miss him....if only it wasn't true...then he would still be alive. Gabe is the most strong characteristic man who help a lot of others like us."

"All I want to say about Gabe is... he came into this bar as a stranger, but he left it as family." Jed finished the montage as he speaks again. "Guess that's that then. What happened to Gabe was a... senseless, tragic accident, and I just wish--"

"It wasn't an accident." Ryan corrects.

"Son, now is not the time."

"Gabe called the mine. I gave him my sat-phone to be sure he could get through. They ***** up, and now... now Gabe's dead. "

From Alex's view, a purple aura briefly forms around Mac.

"That was my shift." Mac started. Ryan turns to face Mac. "If anyone had called, it would have gone through me. Nobody called."

"You're lying." Ryan accused. A fiery red aura forms forms around Ryan. "In front of Gabe's own f****** sister. Alex heard the whole thing."

You all turn to Alex who spoke up. "He's right. I was there when Gabe made the call."

Jed narrows his brows at Mac. " I'd like to hear what you have to say about that, Mac."

"I'm not saying anything, just I didn't get a call! Draw your own conclusions."