(Yeah, I can do a time skip, and thanks Connor's mom is someone that I have had planned out for a while.)
"Hey, honey, could you pass me the salt, please. I'm a bit busy here. Also, can you please get Asher to stop running around the house like a mad man?" Connor's hair had grown out quite a bit. He had it up in a ponytail, but it still was a little long. Still very much still purple. "Yeah, of course." Jake kissed him on the cheek, sliding the Walt and taking their 3-year-old daughter away from Connor's hold. "You know you could ask me to take care of the kids while you cook. I know I'm working, but there is never a time where I won't be able to help you out, you know?" Jake wrapped his free arm around Connor's waist. "I will take care of Charlotte and Asher; you take care of dinner. Later, when they're sound asleep-" Jake smirked, and Connor pushed his face away. "You need a filter, Mister. I cannot take up your little flirtatious self right now…." He mumbled as Jake pulled him into a kiss. It almost made him forget that he was supposed to be cooking right now until Asher ran in between their legs. "Go handle the kids like you said you would. I'm almost done with dinner."
Connor's life had been going pretty smoothly. No Jas, no worries, and no text about finding something about his memories. He lived in the same apartment that he did in later life. However, he didn't know that. It was a place he had bought for himself after he engineered something that made him rich. He didn't need all the money in the world, just enough to support him. That guy in the varsity Jacket was now his husband. They went to separate schools but lived in a small apartment room together since their schools were close to each other. He had two kids, Charlotte and Asher. For the first time in lives, he finally was content and happy.
Jas' life…or lack there of had been okay. Lonely but okay. He had lived with his dad or a roommate for most of his highschool and early college life. Once he had finished community college, jas had decided to study the rest of his college career abroad in Italy. The money he had saved for lives now, the money he had saved to use for his dream life with Connor and him, was now going to be used for his education. He had enough to move there and attend a college as well as to bring his dad with him. But education and a new start without Connor wasn't the only reason he had wanted to move to Italy. He had heard of an immortalist, apparently thats what Connor and him were called, doctor in the area. Jas hadn't bothered to reach out to Connor not wanting to disturb him, but more to not disturb the peace Jas had found for himself. The last time Jas had reached out to Connor was when he found out he was getting married. All he had sent was a simple card with a bouquet of flowers and a few plushes for the kids. That had been years ago. Now, Jas was working as a guitarist for a fairly popular band in Italy that was slowly making its way around Europe as well as the states and had no need to reach out to Connor…until now…or at least soon. And jas truly did dread that. Right now, Jas was sitting in a cafe sipping at a strong cup of espresso, watching as people milled around him, giving him equally inquisitive looks. He understood, though, with his bright green eyes rimmed in black and his violet hair, his black ears poking through and twitching curiously. "J-jasper? Jasper Lockheart?" Has snapped his head up at his full name on a young male's voice. No one called him Jasper. Not unless they didn't know him. But he couldn't bring himself to correct the man in front of him with striking white hair paired with rediah eyes Jas had only seen once in his lives. "Winston?" Jas whispered nearly stumbling as he stood from his chair.
(I kid you not. While reading this, I was at my friend's house watching a movie, and then I read the end. I leaped out of my friend's lap and was like WINSTON'S BACK?!?! They were like wtf Winston, and then I sat back, but some drama is about to happen.)
Connor had finished the food and set them out on the table. "Hey, I'm going to be right back. I'm going to get a coffee. I didn't make my usual morning run since you decided to keep me in bed for 30 minutes while you serrated me. Jake scoffed and kissed Connor's cheek. "Don't worry; I'll leave some food. Maybe you'll get dessert if you're fast enough." Connor rolled his eyes and walked to his usual cafe. It was fancy, but it wasn't some rundown Dunken Donuts either. Usually, he would go on a morning run, then come to the cafe and walk back drinking his coffee before Jake woke up. However, today was not the case. I wonder how he's doing…Why should I be worried about some low-life like him? It's been years; Connor pull it together. Why does a part of me hope he found something every day? Jas never once texted me… Connor clicked his tongue walking into the store. He was so lost in thought that he blindly waited in line. He's been there so often that Connor can pull out his card and put in his order. He was still wearing his glasses from high school since they were more natural than contact lenses. Connor smiled at the cashier as they put in his order. He swiped his card and waited by where the baristas put out the drinks. Connor took this time to wait as he always did. That was when he spotted him. Jas in the flesh, but he wasn't alone. He was talking with someone. Connor recognized him; it was Winston. His past husband, but he thought he was dead, like gone forever dead. Connor took a deep breath and just stared. He couldn't believe it. So many things were going through his head. He wanted to call Jas's name but, at the same time, rip his hair out and pour his coffee on him. Instead, he just stared.
(awe😅 I'm sorry to your friend for surprising them out of nowhere😂)
The man blinked in surprise before gasping softly and shaking his head quickly, gesturing towards the table. Jas numbly followed unable to keep his eyes off of him as if in a trance. This was his Winston. Alive and seemingly well and with him again. "You look exactly the same as the pictures," his Winston said, setting down a bag and pulling out a picture, the same one Jas had had for years. Jas nearly cried, all he wanted to do was take Winston away from here, back to Italy where they could catch up and finally be together again. "I look a lot like him, huh?" Jas' head snapped up In confusion. "Everyone always told me I looked like my four times great uncle Winston." Then it dawned on him, this couldn't possibly be Winston. As much as Jas hoped and prayed Winston was like him and Connor, Winston wasn't immortal. He wasn't going to come back. "My name is Finn." Jas wet his lips and managed to take Finn's outstretched hand. "Jas, please call me jas." Jas' voice was strained, he could barely get a word out. This life was truly made to torture him wasn't it? First losing Connor then latting him think he found Winston. He wasn't sure he could take much more if this. "I really am sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you." Finn said softly, seeing tears streaming from Jas' eyes a moment before Jas' realized he had started crying. Jas' quickly wiped away tears with his sleeve and gave a pitiful laugh. "No, please don't apologies dear. I shouldn't have assumed. It is truely remarkable how you two look alike." Now that Jas was thinking a bit more clearly, Jas could see small differences in Finn. The turn of his lips was different than Winston's and where Winston has a smattering of freckles across his arms, Jas could see none on Finn's. "We still talk about you both. Always telling stories about Uncle Winston and Jas." Finn laughed "it's honestly a little weird meeting my great great great great uncle but I'm glad." Jas nodded "I'm glad to have finally met my great great great great nephew." Finn smiled, just like his Winston. "As much as I'd love to catch up about Winston, you contacted me about something else, right?" Finn promoted gently. Has nodded again, "yeah, yes I did." Jas sighed, running a hand through his hair and ears before telling Finn about Connor and their lives, patiently answering questions and any inquiries Finn had, which were a lot.
(Nah ur good XD)
Connor turned towards the counter, sighing in relief. He rested his face in his hands. Why was he so angry. It was just a random person in Winston's heritage. There's no way it could've been him. The lady must have called his name about a hundred times before Connor snapped out of it. He looked up and took the cup with a smile. "Sorry, just lost in thought." He didn't leave just yet. He could barely move if he were being honest. Connor was still caught up in his thoughts as to why he was so angry. He never got this way with Jake, so why should he get this way about Jas. Yeah, he hated his guts, but this anger was different. Jealousy maybe? Connor scoffed, tightening his grip around the hot to-go cup of coffee. "As if I could be jealous of someone who had nothing to do with me. I don't even know him." Connor's jaw pushed together, creating a visible vein on his neck.
"Sir…" He wasn't listening to anything around him at the moment, so the multiple warnings of the workers around him didn't matter. "Little shit. I have a loving husband and two kids. Why do I care about some…" he whispered, squeezing coffee out of the cup onto the lovely lady who made it for him. "Connor!" He looked up, seeing coffee all over the worker. "Shit, I am so sorry. Here let me help you. Do you need anything? I didn't mean to splash coffee on you like that. I swear, you know I would never do that. Shit! I'm not really in the right mindset right now. I could take over if you need an extra worker." He was pleading at this point. He hasn't done this before, so why would he start now.
"Listen, I'll you off because you never do this, but please. When you get angry, leave the store and shoot coffee at someone else. Besides, what the hell is on your mind to make you do that?" Conor leaned forwards and nodded his head towards Jas. Samantha rolled her eyes. "So you are aware there is this thing called talking-" Connor punched her in the shoulder. "What? I'm saying instead of splashing coffee on my employees, why not just talk to him about your feelings.." Connor squinted his eyes. " I am married, Sam. I can't just. Besides, I hate him. Why would I talk to him about anything?" Samantha rolled her eyes, handing him another coffee order. "You need to work out your issues, man. How about you go home to your loving husband and tell him who you saw today, or will you lie again and say you were talking with your cousin?" Connor gasped. "When have I ever-" "Wedding." Connor clicked his tongue. "Whatever, you have nothing on me."
“So in this life, he’s able to remember almost everything in his past life, save for you and him ever falling in love?” Finn asked, nodding slightly as he wrote a few notes a little notebook he had pulled out from his bag. Jas nodded slowly, “Yeah, he told me before we parted ways that it was like his body and mind were at war.” Jas explained softly, gaze flickering up to Finn’s and finding a look of sympathy. “You really do love him?” He asked softly “after everything you’ve told me, I would have probably left him ages ago.” Jas laughed softly, and shrugged. “Its always been him and me. Other than my life with Winston, we’ve always been together. As much as he hates it. We never seem to leave each other alone, either me pining for him or him tracking me down for a fight or for an unprovoked emotional torture session. We always found each other. Do you have someone like that, Finn? Someone you’d live and die for over and over again just to see them again?” Jas asked, momentarily flicking his gaze up to find Connor staring back at them, hand stained with coffee. Jas’ immediate reaction was to help him, find a damp towel and tend to his wounded hand. But it wasn’t his place, not anymore. Connor had a husband and two beautiful kids. As much as it pained him, Jas glared away to focus on his own family for once. Finn was his family now, the closest thing he had to Winston in ages and he’d be damned if he shoved that aside for a man who, save for one life, never cared about him. Jas glanced back just to catch a very red and flustered Finn hiding his growing smile behind one hand. “I do actually, and I can’t believe its taken me this long to admit that.” finn took a deep breath and fanned his face with his hand. “His name is Logan, and he’s the most beautiful person I’ve ever known.” Finn said wistfully. “I’d love for you to meet him one day. Maybe we could all vacation back to Italy or wherever you’d like as a thank you for helping with you and Connor?” Finn offered with a smile. Jas shook his head, and for what had seemed like ages, smiled back, a truly happy smile. “I’d love to meet your Logan. We can plan a trip anywhere if you so please.” He encouraged, slowly standing. “As for my situation,” he flicked his gaze to Connor before dropping it again, a rueful smile on his lips that turned gentle when he looked back at Finn. “It can wait for now.” He reassured, helping Finn with his things and guiding him out of the cafe, this time, without feeling sorry for himself.
After cleaning up his hand and ensuring he didn't get burned, he exited the bathroom. He got a funny look from Samantha as she nodded towards the door Jas was exiting out of. Connor rolled his eyes and left the cafe as well. He stood at the light and waited to cross. Connor took a sip of the Coffee, hissing from how hot it was. He shook his head and took another sip anyway. It still tasted just as good with a burnt tongue. He looked around and spotted Jas again. His gaze flickered between Jas and the crosswalk. Through those minutes of him being confused and not sure what to do, he followed Jas. Instead of going home, he followed him. When he caught up, he wasn't sure what to say. Conor cleared his throat and tapped Jas's shoulder. "Can I talk to you for a second? It's not anything important, well, it is, but not really. " he looked to the ground and then back to Jas. "I'm rambling now, but can I please have a fraction of your time. It's about what we agreed on in high school, and I just want to check in with you since you never did with me and all of that jazz."
Jas ilentoy swore under his breath, having hoped they'd gotten far enough to lose Connor. "You go ahead, I'll catch up in a minute." He said to Finn. The man nodded, took a peek at Connor and then walked to a nearby ship to look around while the two talked. He slowly turned around, arms crossing over his chest. He took a long look at Connor, unsurprised to see not much had changed about him. His eyes were still bright and his hair was as wild as ever in an adorable way. Has frowned slightly. He wanted to deny Connor anymore if his time. He had spent countless of lives, including this one giving him his time, Connor invaded his dreams and his thoughts, even if Jas had managed to get away from him physically. Connor still had Jas' heart. "Well," jas sighed, leaning against a nearby wall. "Considering you are now married and have two kids to look after, I didn't think you'd want me checking in like a nagging parent. I don't need to torture myself more than I already am." He said dryly, "besides, I've been busy, what with my life in Italy and visiting Suni. He says hello and congratulations by the way." Suni hadn't actually said that but has figured it was better than saying that Suni had cursed Connor a life of misfortune. Thankfully Suni was only and 8 tailed fox, else Jas would have to worry about a kitsune's wrath ontop of everything else. Jas chuckled to himself before shrugging. "I'm fine, Connor. But that's not what you're concerned about, is it?" Jas questioned, emerald eyes narrowing. "If you mean your memories and the doctor, I'm working on it." He explained with the same emotionless tone as he jerked his head back towards the shop Finn had disappeared into. "Now if that's all, I need to get going. As do you. I'm sure Jake and your kids are waiting. I doubt you want to explain to them how you ran into your cousin again out of the blue." Was Jas jabbing? Yes. Did he care? Not particularly, though he did ignore the ache in his heart at seeing Connor again after so long. But he didn't want to talk, not after so long of avoiding Connor, ignoring the fact that he had made a life for himself without Jas. He didn't want to talk but he didn't want to leave, it's why he stayed in place for a few moments to let Connor gather his thoughts.
Connor's nose twitched, and his eyes were glowing. He didn't seem to notice, though. "Listen, that…" He scoffed. He backed up and held his hand over his mouth. It was taking everything in his body possible not to kick Jas where the sun doesn't shine. "Just because I lost my memories does not give you the right to be a dick. I was trying to get some information that could be helpful to me and my messed up memory." Connor clicked his tongue. "I thought I could finally just talk to you. Guess that was a bust too. I'm still not sure how I managed to love you." Connor squeezed his coffee cup again, crating a burn on the other hand that wasn't currently aching. "Every day, I wake up, lying next to a man I love and two kids running around so early in the morning for all of that not to be enough. Have you ever walked into a room and forgotten what you're going in there for? Yeah, it's like that every day for me, alright? Every day I wake up, I ask myself what I am living for? Honestly, I don't even know anymore. It is my kids, my husband, or you? My brain can't seem to pick one." Connor Connor walked toward Jas again with a broken coffee cup. Connor placed a hand next to Jas's head, even though he was surprised how tall he had gotten enough to reach Jas's height. "I wish I could punch you right now, and if I were still a hero, I could do it. You're living in my brain rent-free, you think I like it any more than you do? I just wanted to ask for an update, but here I am yelling at your stupid, hot face."
Jas gave a sharp laugh, "oh no, dearest? After countless lives of taking your shit? All for what? Huh? I was your emotional and often physical punching bag for lives now, all because you couldn't figure out your own issues, all because you blamed me for something neither of us could not control! At least I tried to make the best of it, I wanted to love you, and I did, I still do, because as much as I hate to admit it, if I ever fell in love with anyone else it'd break me. Break me so deeply I wouldn't recover. I found Winston, I adored him more than I could say, despite me knowing we wouldn't last nearly as long as hoped it would." Jas was breathing heavily, hot angry tears welling up in his eyes as he stared at Connor. He stiffened when Connor backed him against a wall, "finally, you're starting to see things from my perspective." Jas growled softly, leaning in close so that he and Connor were inches apart. Each night I relive that life we spent together, and each morning I wake up confused as to why you're in my bed where I can guarantee you are safe and loved." He laughed again and immedialy rounded on Connor, grabbing both his hands and pinning them at his side. "If you really want an update fine." He leaned in dangerously close and dripped his voice. "I've been living in Italy fir the past 3 years trying to distract myself from you, trying to create a life for mysf that doesn't revolve around you. I'd managed to do that until I came here. What was meant to be a short visit to see Suni and Mom has now turned into an interrogation session with the last person on earth I want to see. Thankfully not everything has been ruined since I managed to find someone who might be able to restore your memory. Though now I'm considering not doing any of that since you seem so determined to remain in your current state of pissed off." Jas shoved himself away and ran a desperate hand through his hair. He shut his eyes and took a deep breath in.
That's it. I'm going to kill him! Connor scratched his neck and gave a heavy sigh. "I'm…" He rubbed his forehead and turned towards Jas. "I'm sorry, okay? You have made me realize it's also not fair for me to want to hear something back when you're dealing with your shit right now." Connor crossed his hand and leaned his head against the wall as if he were praying. "We're not getting anywhere with this arguing." Connor slid down the wall resting his back on it. "You know… part of me was hoping my relationship wouldn't work out with Jake. He showed me repeatedly that it could, and it did. I hoped before we had kids and before we got married, you would've swooped in and told me you found a way to restore those memories." He found a tennis ball beside him and threw it against the wall as they talked. "What's the point of even having those memories now? What closure would either of us feel? I have my memories back. Now what? I divorce my husband, leave my two kids, and run away with you? I mean, at this point, it doesn't matter. I don't even know how you can still love me after many lives of me trying to murder your ass." Connor leaned his head back and looked toward the sky. "What went wrong for me to hate you? Because honestly, I don't even remember the reason anymore. Maybe back in 93'? No…much earlier." Connor shook his head. "It doesn't matter. We don't matter. This has just become a fight in whoever has it worse. Congratulations, you won." He stood up, dusting off his pants. Connor walked next to Jas and tossed him the ball. "If I'm the last person you want to see, then I guess this is the last time you'll be seeing me. Since when did you become such a cry baby, huh?"
"I did try, I really did try finding something sooner." He rasped softly, reluctantly sitting down beside Connor and gazing up at the sky. He bit back a sharp response and closed his eyes. "I wouldn't be able to that. Not to Jake, and not to your kids. Besides, it'd be pretty weird if you suddenly ran off with your cousin." He cracked a small smile and tilted his head towards Connor. "Cousin dear? Really? That's the best you could.come up with?" He teased, even as he slowly felt any hope of being with Connor in this life slip away. "I honestly don't know. Many these days would probably say I'd need a therapist for my weird attraction to you. I've always admired your resilience, the way, even if you seemed to not care on the outside, you clearly cared on the inside. No matter what happened, you put others safety and happiness before yours. On some selfish level, I wanted to be the one person you could relax with. I wanted to be the one who took care of you for once." Now that he said it outloud, it felt silly to Jas, to ever believe he ment anything more to Connor than just a neusance. "Definitely way before. I think I made you lose a fight or something back in Rome. You hold grudges for far to long, hon." He laughed softly and easily caught the ball, pushing himself up to stand. "Lets call it a tie for now, okay, I don't like winning against you much." He winked before frowning slightly. Somehow how never seeing Connor again was worse than the memory loss. "I didn't mean that dear. I'd still like to see you on occasion, if that's alright. I'll pretend to be the awkward cousin or whatever. Maybe I can finally meet Jake, make sure he's taking good care of you. And meet the kids, if you'll allow it." Jas chewed his lip nervously, wanting to hold Connor's hand even if it's be the last time in this life. He gave a strained laugh "always, according to Suni and Sash." He admitted, willing himself not to cry now. "I'm still going to find your memories, Connor. After all, you threatened to chop off my head if I didn't. And as selfish as it may be, I can't be the only one living with them. But for this life, I'll wait. If you still want them next life, I'm sure we'll find each other again." He hesitated only for a moment before he leaned in and gently pressed a kiss Connor's brow. "I love you Connor, forever and always." He murmured before taking a step back and giving his signature feline grin. "You know where to find me if you want to annoy the shit out of me." He winked and turned on his heal to find Finn.
Connor gave a genuine laugh and bumped Jas's shoulder. "It was short notice, okay. I wasn't exactly sure to explain my relationship with you since I don't even remember our relationship. How was I going to explain to him on my wedding day that you and I were immortals, basically? I panicked! So I was like yeah, that's my…cousin?" He stuffed his hands in his pocket, shaking his head. Jas's confession made heat rise to Connor's cheeks. He wasn't expecting something like that from him or anyone, really. Not even Jake made a heart-to-heart confession like that. Jas really did know him better than anyone else. "You…I can see how I could've fallen in love with you. Crazy how one sentiment can make me weak." He snickered. "So what if I hold my grudges. Listen, we almost took out the colosseum. Then you would teleport away, and I would be there half-dead while the reporters were like, 'are you okay?' Did I look okay?" It had been a while since he laughed like this. Sure, Jake had his ways of making him laugh, but reminiscing about that past made me want to be a hero again so that they could fight like old times. "So, you prefer me to win? I think you do need to see a doctor. And you don't have to pretend to be my cousin. I'll explain everything to Jake, and I'll ensure he doesn't hate you when he sees you. Who knows, maybe you two would get along. If you came over for dinner then, I would like that. Not today, but you know. At some point, I think it could work out." He kicked a rock only to have it break someone's car window. He hissed and held his breath. "I don't think that person saw me. It's fine. Also, I will definitely find an ax, chop your head off, and wait until the next life to do it again. It's your personal hell with me starring in it. Thank you for still looking." He gave a shaky breath when Jas leaned in closer. He shut his eyes, preparing to get hit, but he was surprised when such a warm feeling touched his brow. He took in a deep breath and nodded. "Yeah, yeah, that time will come soon, promise." Connor left soon after Jas did. This time he did look back, and he smiled. "Idiot."
"I heard that love!" Jas called as he gripped the handle of the store he had seen Finn dissapear into. He turned to watch Connor go but found him staring back with a beautiful smile. If Jas were in a movie or if he were a hero, he'd run back to Connor and sweep him up into a loving embrace, one Jas would promise he'd never let go from. But this wasn't a movie and Jas was never good at playing the hero. So he gave a small wave and headed inside.
"So he's the one that means so much to you." Finn noted with a warm smile as geeaned against the wall next the entrance, clearing having watch Jas and Connor's interaction. "I can't begin to image what both of you have been through." Jas heaved a sigh and nodded, "with every ounce of my heart and soul." He murmured, giving him one more moment to be sad before he nodded to Finn. "So you really can bring back his memories?" Jas asked. Finn tilted his head back and forth. "Yes, but it's going to take time."
Jas shrugged and gave a sharp smile. "Time is all I have."
(Time skip? Maybe to where Jas meets Jake and the kids?)
(Sure, sure!)
Connor was setting the plates down on the dining room table. "Hey, Jake, remember I have an old friend over in like twenty minutes! You should go freshen up. I'll take care of the kids." He watched Jake come in with each of them on their shoulder as if he were plain. "They wanted a plane ride, so I gave them one. Go to your dad, and I will go take a shower." Jake leaned down and let the children run Connor's legs. He smiled a pressed a kiss to his forehead. "I will be back before our guest arrives. Trust me." Connor tapped his chest and watched him leave to go to the bathroom. Connor had to walk with two kids on his feet as he set the food down in the center of the table. "So while we wait for my friend, let's discuss some ground rules. Just behave yourselves. Don't pull on his hair and do everything you do with me, okay?" Asher and Charlotte nodded rapidly and then ran off to chase each other. Connor smiled and looked at his watch. He then looked at the food and turned one of the plates so it would like up with the rest. Why am I so nervous? Come on. I've seen his stupid face plenty of times. He's just coming over for dinner…it's not that big of a deal. He paced around the kitchen, fixing his hair into a bun. He then rubbed the dirt off his glasses and stressed cleaned to make sure the place didn't look like Connor had never cleaned it.
(is this the same Jake as the last life or a different one?)
Jas fixed his hair for what seemed to be the millionth time as he stood in the hall of the pent house. It had felt odd coming back here. A place he had once shared with Connor and had called home was now someone else's. He took a deep breath and gently knocked on the door, adjusting his hold on the stuffed animals he had brought for the kids. He had thought about bringing flowers but he thought that might look weird. So instead he brought a wine from Italy. He had grown out grown out his hair a bit since it seemed to fit his brooding guitarist life, now falling in long waves to his shoulders, streaks of purple shown through if he tilted his head in the right direction. His ears had become more fluffy within the past five years or so, more adjacent to a maine coon than a typical short haired cat. He wondering if Connor had stayed the same or if the kids had gotten bigger. He just hoped everything would be alright tonight. He thought that they had left off on a good note five years ago, and thought they were relatively okay when they texted or called on rare occasion. Jas sucked in a deep breath and sent a small prayer to Suni and Sasha, hoping they'd help him tonight.
(Nah, different, Jake. I didn't feel like coming up with another name)
Connor heard a knock on the door. Instead of opening it, he rushed to the mirror to see if he looked presentable. His appearance didn't change much; he didn't have the time or the energy. Asher was now ten, and Charlottle was now five. Taking care of two babies and working simultaneously is quite the challenge. His hair was still a dark shade of purple. It is the hair he was born with. His was a little longer, but he kept it in a ponytail or bun since he didn't like his hair down. He stared at himself for hours before he finally opened the door. Connor sucked in a deep breath and just stared. A shy smile was making its way onto Connor's lips. He forgot the words "hello" and "come in" as soon as he saw him. Connor has seen Jas more times than he can count, so why… Connor quickly snapped out of it was Asher came to hug his leg. "Hi…um, sorry, please come in." He stepped aside and picked up Asher as well. When Jas wan in, he closed the door behind him and looked at Asher with a questionable face. "Aren't you too old to want me to carry you? Jas, you can sit anywhere you like. Make yourself comfortable, and then I can get Charlotte and introduce you."
Jas snapped his head up from looking at the ground and immediately gave a smile at seeing Connor. "Hello, dear." He greeted warmly, almost in relief at seeing Connor rather than his husband at the door. "Don't apologies, you're probably busy." He chuckled lightly and stepped into the home, smiling at Asher. "This can't possibly be Asher, he's grown so much!" Jas exclaimed, returning his attention to Connor when he spoke. "Thank you." He held onto Connors gaze for what might have been too long but Jas didn't care. After not seeing him in what felt like forever, jas wanted to get a food look at Connor, wanting to make sure he looked okay and happy. "You look good dear, I'm glad." He muttered softly, brushing past him and settling on the edge if the sofa, setting the two stuffed bears beside him as well as the bottle of wine. He gazed around the home, finding cute pictures of Connor with Jake and the kids on various vacations or at events. They looked happy, as much as has wanted to be jelous of that, seeing Connor happy only filled him with relief. That was all jaswanted for Connor, at least now. Jas wanted Connor to be happy, even if that meant without him.
Connor looked back and smiled. "Yeah, he has grown a bit. Asher was five when I ran into you last. You would think he would've gotten a bit more mature, but he's still my little boy. Go say hi to Jas while I get your sister, okay?" he set Asher down and watched him run over to Jas. Connor sucked in a breath when Jas said he looked good. "Oh, uh, thank you, you look great as well. I like what you did with your hair too. I'll be back. Just give me a minute." Connor left the room to find Charlotte.
Asher climbed up onto the couch and stared at Jas. "So your Jas, huh…." he looked at him up and down. "I've heard a lot about you. Mostly because Dad tells us many stories about you and him. He said a lot of weird things while he described you, though. He might want to check out a doctor for his fascination with your collar bone." Asher tapped his shoulder, shaking his head in disappointment.
On the other hand, Charlotte popped up from behind a plant and started crawling on the couch. She struggled to get up but eventually could sit next to Jas on the other size. "Hello! My name is Charlotte!" She giggled, kicking her feet. She straightened out her shirt and looked at her brother Asher. "Dad told us to be on our best behavior Ash. Not to expose him." She huffed.
"Said the one hiding behind a plant." Asher scoffed.
Has glanced away from the photos and to the boy sitting beside him. He gave Asher an equally inquisitive look though it wad more playful than judgemental. “The one and only. And you’re Asher, ive heard a lot about you fron your dad.” Jas replied with a smile. He arched an eyebrow and laughed. “My collar bone, huh?” He glanced down at himself and tilted his head curiously. He'd have to mention that to Connor before he left. He was surprised when a young girl popped out of nowhere and came to sit on his other side. "Hello, I remember you. But you were this snal when last I saw you, princess." Jas said, bringing his hands close togetjer. He laughed warmly, "I don't mind, you can ask any questions you want." He reassured, reaching behind Asher to retrieve the two stuffed animals he had gotten the kids. "Before I forget, these are for you. I wasn't sure what you'd like so I both got you bears." He said a bit sheepishly, hand one of the two identical plush bears to each of the kids.
Charlotte took it and hugged it. "It's so cute! Thank you, Jas!" She grinned and crossed his legs resting the bear on her lap. "You can never have too many stuffed animals!" Charlotte was very happy with the bear. She always loved getting stuffed animals, since she had been collecting them practically since birth. She started to play with the arms and hum a song while she did so. Asher look at the bear and grinned as well. "Sweet, thanks Jas. You didn't have to bring us gifts, but thanks a lot!" Asher rested his head on the bear's head and held his arms around it.
Connor came in the room moments later. "Charlotte!" He called. "Hey, have you seen-" Connor turned around making eye contact with Charlotte. "Where have you been young miss. I was looking for you everywhere." Connor picked up Charlottle along with the bear. "You should really tell me if we're playing hide and seek, because if I don't know where playing how would I know to look in the spots where you usually hide." He shook his head and sat down next to Jas with Charlotte on his lap. "Jake is just taking a shower and freshening up a bit, so he'll be out in a few minutes. "It was nice of you to get them gifts. You really didn't have to."
"That's what I said." Asher chimed in.
"Right, anyway, how have you been? When we text we mostly just talk about the memory thing, but I would like to know what you're up to in Italy. I've never been. If I have it was probably because you were there and I needed to fight you or attempt to bring you in." Connor sighed. "I haven't really stayed long enough to sightsee and just enjoy it for a bit."
"you're both very welcome. I'm glad you like them." Jas smiled softly and glanced up at when Connor came back into the room. "I'm assuming that the little princess likes to hide a lot." Jas concluded, shaking his head "I wanted to get them something. It would have felt wrong, at least to me, if I didn't." Jas sighed and settled back into the couch, gentle ruffling Ash's head before glancing at Connor, eyes widening slightly in surprise when he mentioned their situation with his kids present. "I've been well." He replied with a slight smile. "Mostly been touring here and there. Nothing too out of the ordinary. We went to Ireland a few weeks ago. You wouldn't believe how beautiful it is up there. When I get back I think we're going to new Zealand." He scratched the back of his head, suddenly shy about telling Connor about his life. He was an artist now and he didn't want to sound pretentious about it. "You'd all love Italy. I don't think we've been before, at least not where I live now. It's pretty close to where I lived with Winston so I thought it would have been a good idea to go back, see what's changed." He explained. "If you ever want to visit just let me know and we'll see things up for a vacation or something." He said with a wider smile, excited by the idea of Connor and his family to come to italy.
Connor's chest tightened. "Wow, you seem to be traveling quite a bit. I'm happy for you. New Zealand is pretty far. You better be safe, or else I will come over there and kick your ass." He chuckled. "I'm sure Jake would love to go on a vacation to Italy. I'm sure they would love it there, and you would get to show me around your hometown or any part of Italy." Connor set Charlotte down and nodded for Asher to go with her. "Can you two go get on papa for me? He seems to be taking his sweet time." They both nodded before practically running to go check up on Jake. "They like to race each other a lot. That must be what that is. I honestly don't know why they even do it. Asher wins every time." He shrugged and looked at the wine bottle. "I'll go get us some glasses. Might as well crack it open tonight, right?" Connor got up from the couch and took two wine glasses off the table and a bottle opener. "S-So, you mentioned, 'we' who are you traveling with?" He cleared his throat bringing back the items he picked up.
Jas gave a surprised laugh and nodded “I promise you this little kitty is always safe.” He winked and grinned, ears flicking in genuine amusement. “”Yeah, that’d be great. We can sort or the hotel and travel plans whenever you choose a date.” Has agreed, watching as the two kids ran off. He smiled fondly “they’re beautiful kids Connor. You and Jake did an amazing job raising them. They’re going to be amazing individuals with two amazing parents. Thank you, truly, for letting me be a part of their lives, even if its just for a moment or two.” He watched as Connor stood to grab the wine glasses and corkscrew. He grinned and tilted his head curiously. “Are you jealous dear? You don’t need to worry, sweetheart, I’m meant with the band I’m playing with. We travel together to different venues.” He took the bottle and carefully uncorked and poured a bit of wine into each glass. “It’s still just me and dad. Suni, sash, and mom come to visit a lot though so that’s nice. I havn’t really had time or much energy to date.”
Connor set the wine glasses down. "Thank you, jas. I guess I had so many examples of what not to do as a parent I formed my own opinion on what a parent should be." He took the wine bottle and removed the cork. Connor's facial features scrunched up. "Of course not. I would never be jealous. I-I don't have a reason to be." he filled up both wine glasses and cleared his throat. "I mean, that's not what I was trying to get out of you, but that's nice to know. I never imagined you in a band, though. I can't see it. Wait, let me guess, you play drums?" Connor sat on the couch and crossed his legs over the other. He raised his glass toward Jas so they could clink their glasses together. "I don't have a toast to make this out to, but if I had one, I guess it would be settling our differences and not almost killing each other every time we meet." Connor chuckled and rested his cheek on the palm of his hand.
