To Fight Monsters, We Created Monsters (Pacific Rim)

Chapter 11: A Place for My Head

2024, December 25 – 00:16 – Sydney Shatterdome, Sydney, Australia

"I still can't believe that we're closing down." Chuck angrily pulled out his luggage bags from under his bed. He swaggered over to his wardrobe and grabbed some clothes into a single hug. Even when one of his bags was full, Chuck had that brooding look on his face.

Sighing, Greyson got up off the chair from across the room and stood behind her boyfriend. Her arms went around and hugged his front as she kissed his shoulder. Chuck visibly relaxed. His hands cupped hers.

For a while, it was silent. Chuck had held the back of her hand to his lips, and they both stood there for a moment, enjoying the silence, enjoying the company of each other. The stresses of the last few nights had worn them thin. Greyson had arrived at the 'Dome two days prior to oversee the closing. When news had spread, neither Chuck nor Herc took it in kind; at least the Vulcan Specter crew didn't have a chip on their shoulder.

Chuck turned and sat himself at the edge of his bed: unmade, full of clothes, and captured in his musk. He pulled Greyson between his knees, asking, "What time is it?"

She cocked her head to the side, amused by his question. Checking the time, she answered nonchalantly, "Twelve-twenty. Why?"

There was a mischievous gleam in his eyes. Greyson could tell his thoughts were roaming. Chuck grinned the grin that made her weak in the knees. He leaned back, stuck his hand under the vast mountain of pillows, and pulled out a silver bow. Peeling off the sticker, he pressed the bow onto his shirt clad chest.

The laughter came freely from them two. "What are you doing, you dork?" She plopped herself unceremoniously on the mattress, leaning against a hand. "What's with the bow?"

"Merry Christmas, love."

Greyson's jaw slacked. "Wait, you're my... Christmas present?"

Chuck rolled to his side, resting his head atop his own hand so they faced each other. "I've been wondering what to give someone who already had everything."

Greyson pulled the bow off, moving over to straddle Chuck's hips. "You're sweet," she mumbled through a laugh, leaning down and pressing a kiss to his lips. A squeal escaped her lips when he sat up and rolled on top of her.

2024, December 31 – 23:56 – Sydney Harbour, Australia

Spending the yearly midnight countdown in Australia was never in Greyson's bucket list, but it would be crossed-off if it were. Striker Eureka was being transferred to the last remaining Shatterdome following the New Year's celebrations.

Meanwhile, Chuck had convinced her and Herc to see the fireworks.

Chuck with fireworks — unbelievable.

Herc knew a guy who knew a guy who was brothers with the producer of the firework show. They were sitting with them to watch the displays. With a few beers and a couple margaritas in their systems, Greyson and the Hansens were having the time of their lives, which was rare.

Chuck was at her side with an arm around her waist, talking with one of the directors.

When the ten-second-countdown started, comets were shot from Jet Skis to mark the time. This year, they'd decided to have Striker's insignia as the first firework of 2025, as for a farewell gesture.

After the first glimpse of Max in the sky, the actual Max perked up, standing. Greyson tore her eyes from the fireworks and looked up at Chuck. A smile of childlike wonder was painting his face; a smile as bright as the stars. His eyes reflected the displays with every changing light. The smile had reached his eyes for the first time in a long time.