Tragic Kingdom (80s/90s imagines)

82: John Bender (The Breakfast Club)

For 80sgarbagecan

You had just gotten used to being out of high school. It still seemed like an absolute miracle you and John had graduated at all, between seemingly never ending detentions and less than impressive grades, but you had managed to get the both of you out of there.

Here you were, 5 years out, and it felt like you'd both put it all behind you. No more textbooks and teachers yelling at you. No more Vernon and his personal vendetta against John, something you had never understood. But did anyone?

Despite how clear it was how meant to be you two were, you finally began dating two years after graduation. Neither of you were in any rush past that, and you had reached a comfortable place in your relationship. You'd moved away and found a little place, and you were the closest thing to settled down either of you would get.

And tonight was date night. Once a month, John would get uncharacteristically romantic and take you out for a really classy night out. He changed it up so you never got bored, and he astounded you every time.

"So where're we going?" you asked from the bathroom. You were finishing up your hair makeup for the evening out, and he came and leaned against the doorway, smiling at you from the mirror.

"That new place downtown," he answered. He had put on your favorite dress shirt of his, and he hadn't even bothered doing anything to his hair. He kept the same hairstyle since high school just for you. "I think I remember you mentioning wanting to go."

You smiled warmly as you pinned the last piece of long dark hair back out of your face. "You remember correctly." You stood up, looking back at him in the mirror. "Let's go then."

Once there and seated, you were pondering over the menu when you noticed John tense up.

"What's wrong?"

He looked back down at the menu. "Nothing."

You sighed. "What is it?"

"I said it's nothing, Carlisse," he responded evenly. But a look you knew all too well had settled on his face.

Exasperated, you turned to see what he had been looking at, and you could hardly believe it. Two tables away, alone with a plate of chicken Parmesan, sat Mr. Vernon.

You sat up and met John's eyes, you gave a little nod of understanding and scanned the menu again. "Wonder why he's by himself."

John stifled a chuckle, resorting to an amused huff. "Couldn't imagine. He's such a joy."

"A real ray of sunshine."

"Someone should nominate him for sainthood." John's eyes flicked back to Vernon.

When you glanced back, he was staring directly at you. Or more likely, directly at John. "Don't make a scene," you warned cautiously.

He smiled, never taking his eyes away from Vernon. "Of course not." He pushed his seat back. "If you'll excuse me, sweetheart." He got up and made his way to the man.

You watched as he sat down across from Vernon, but the waiter had finally made his way back to your table. You quickly ordered the first two things you could find. "Thank you," you added before the waiter left.

You decided you'd make sure John didn't cause too much trouble. That was the last thing either of you needed.

"You remember Carlisse Y/L/N, don't you?" John's painfully polite tone was one you knew was covering years of deep hatred.

The gray-haired man offered a tight smile (if you could call it that) and nodded. "Yes, of course. How are you?"

You reflected his uncomfortable expression. "I'm doing well. Thank you." You turned to your boyfriend. "What were you talking about before I interrupted?"

"I was just telling Mr. Vernon about how much he impacted my life." John sounded genuine, but you all knew what he meant. "But I think he gets the idea, so we'll let him get back to his dinner."

Vernon swallowed. "It was nice seeing you both. You seem to be doing very well for yourself."

"Because we're not in prison?" you muttered under your breath. "We are," you said aloud. "Enjoy your evening." With that, you guided John back to your own table.

When you both had sat back down, you made eye contact and burst into fits of laughter. It wasn't enough to have everyone stare at you, but you had a few glances your way. You controlled yourselves when the food came, and you found other things to talk about as you ate.

On your way back to the apartment, he looked at you and had that mischievous grin you had fallen in love with.

"I didn't even get to say goodbye to Vernon."

Skjekskwkdkw I can't write bad boys I'm sooorrry but I hope you'll forgive me. We stan a Bender that proves Vernon wrong and builds a happy life for himself. 😌 M'kay.

~Mariah