"no I suppose you don't." Externally Jas was still giving an easy smile, but on the inside he flimched. He was past this petty taunting, past trying to get Connor to come back to him. There was no reason for any of that now and Jas knew deep down he'd feel terrible if he was the one to drive a wedge between Connor and Jake. Jas took a much needed sip of wine and shook his head with a small laugh. "Surprising no, actually. I'm a guitarist. Though you're not the first to assume I play drums." He arched an eyebrow and gently clinked their glasses together. "To not ripping each other to pieces each time we make eye contact." Jas toasted, nodding his head and taking a longer gulp of delicious, sweet wine.
(Is it bad that I imagine Jas looking like Eddie from stranger things?)
Connor took a long sip and well and leaned his head back against the couch when he was done. "That was some good wine. I can't wait to finish the bottle." He sighed happily and spread his arm about across the backboard of the couch. He felt lips on his, which he could only assume was Jake. He raised his arm slowly around Jake's neck, keeping him there for the kiss, before pulling away. "Look who decided to show up finally. Honestly, what were you doing in the shower? What were you preparing for war or something?"
Jake shook his head and laughed as he leaned to see Jas staring at him. "No, I was taking my time. I didn't think he would get here so fast." He stepped over Connor's legs and held out his hand. "Hello, my name is Jake, but you probably already knew. Your Jas, right? It's great to meet you finally. I got this one talking my ear off about you and your crazy adventures. It seems to be the main topic of discussions at dinner tables instead of our days. Great to put a name to the face."
Connor hit Jake's back. "He's lying. I do not talk about you that often. It seems like I do because you're always asking questions about him since now you know that we've known each other for centuries?" Connor shrugged and put the kids at the table. "Alright, let's eat before it gets cold. I cooked all this food and would hate to let it go to waste. Besides, I've been practicing a lot, so I hope you guys will enjoy it." Connor sat down at the head of the table and waited for Jas and Jake.
(oh jeez, yeah that's not at all what I had in mind for how has would look😂)
Jas glanced up from his glass and shook Jake's hand. "The one and only." He was surprised to hear that Jake knew about their immortality, even more surprised that he was seemingly alright with that. "I'm glad to be topic of interest to you." Jas said, laughing when Connor playful hit his husband. "I hope most of whatConnor says are good things,I'd hate to make a bad first impression." Jas stood and stretched before following the family to the table. He glanced around before sheepishly settling into the chair across from Jake, on Connor's other side but not directly next to him.it still felt weird, being around Connor yet, for the first time, being completely separate from him. It made Jas' heart knowing Connor was living a separate life away from jas but he was still happy. Happy that Connor was happy, that he made other people very happy. It was more than Jas hope for when it came to Conbor's happiness. "For the record I'm not his cousin." Jas added quickly with a grin, turning his gaze from the family to the food, eyes widening in awe. "This looks great, thank you again for inviting me over."
(I think it's just the hair that's giving me that idea XD)
"Of course, all good things, all good things." Jake hummed as he sat down, pulling in his chair. "The spread looks delicious, darling. Thank you for cooking all of this." Jake gave a small prayer before starting to eat. Jake wasn't the type to enforce religion on his children or spouse. If they wanted to pray, they would; if not, that's also okay. "Oh, I know. It was a very long conversation explaining your guys' relationship. There was so much to cover I wasn't exactly what to believe. Soon enough, I realized a lot about this world that I didn't know about. In the end, I had to believe him because I trust him, and I know he would never lie unless it were for a good reason." Jake ruffled Connor's hair which got him a glare.
"I just fixed my hair." he laughed. "It takes forever to get my hair to stay down." Connor sighed and began to eat. "You two down there, eat slowly, okay? I don't want you choking." The kids nodded and began to eat silently, letting the grown-ups talk. "They're so respectful, I'm not sure how I got them that way, but I am very happy they are the way they are." He smiled and took himself before looking over to Jas. "Speaking of which, I know we talk about it over text, but did you find someone who can maybe bring my memories back? I know we came here for a friendly dinner, so you can tell me later if you would like." Connor stood up from the table and grabbed the wine bottle Jas had brought for them. He poured out the wine for Jake before sitting back down.
(ah gotcha XD)
Jas laughed softly in surprise. "I'm honestly surprise. We usually don't tell people about us and our immortality, other than a very select few. I've heard more talk about it over that past few years but it's still not as widlt known." He said with a small smile. He chewed slowly through his first bite, eyes fluttering closed as he savored the food. He hadn't realized just how much he missed Connor's cooking. Granted now it tasted much better but it still tastes familiar. When he opened his eyes he smiled softly at the family before him. It was his, it would never be but he was glad Connor had the chance he never seemed to get. He found himself toying with his necklace, now back down to two wedding bands. He had taken Connor's wedding band off, not wanting to risk anyone asking questions and him having to explain that it had been meant for Connor. He glanced up and nodded "no, no it's alright. Uhm, Finn a friend who knows a thing or two about memory loss in people with abilities. Apparently it's more common than we thought, though lessin immortals. I'm going to go with Finn to see them in a few months once we finish a short tour I'm doing with the band." He explained glancing over at Jake for a moment before looking back down at his plate.
Connor looked down at the wedding bands, noticing one missing from when they were in high school. He looked concerned, wondering what happened to the third one, but he left it alone. He looked up and nodded when given the information. "Well, I look forward to what he has to say. Hopefully, good news, I can get my memories back." Connor finished eating his meal and pushed himself away from the table. He went to the kitchen with his plate to wash them and put them back where they belonged. He also took this time to clean the pots and other dishes he used to make the meal. The kids rushed over to Connor once they fished their food and gave Connor their plates. They then dance around Connor's legs as he washed the dishes. This left Jake and Jas alone at the table.
Jake watched Connor wash the dishes with an admiring smile and then looked back to Jas. "So, these memories. I assume they're from the life you had as Connor's lover. He told me about it when explaining the whole immortal thing." He took the glass of wine and began to drink small sips. "Listen, I'm not the type to restrict him from going anywhere or change what he wants to do. However, I also don't want him to leave me for you. Let's be honest I see the way you look at him. I've seen how you get when you eat his food. I get it; he once made it for you. The bad thing is, since you seemed to have had such an intimate relationship with him, he'll probably leave me in one way or another. I'm saying I don't trust him to stay. By the way, you look at him. Who's to say he will not want to be yours again when his memories are restored?" He rocked his wine glass and watched the legs come down from the rim. "So, when you go to see Finn or whoever. Since he already asked for an update, you're going to tell him that you were wrong, and there's no way he can get his memories back. If not, bad things will happen, Jas, and no one will like it."
Jas watched as Connor left with his empty plate before going back to his dish. He quirked an eyebrow and slowly took a sip of wine, savoring the sweetness down his throat. "Did he now?" He tilted his head innocently "I'm surprised since he constantly Denies any life where we were was once lovers." Jas said, falling silent as he let Jake speak. His ears slowly flattened against his head in defense As much as Jas wanted Connor back, he wasn't going to take him away from his current relationship. Jas had accepted that quite quickly after highschool. He didn't like that Jake even would consider Connor the type of man to up and leave a family he was clearly devoted to, no matter his situation with Jas. He slowly leanwd forwards and leaned into his more dangerous side. The side that told him every now and then to challenge authority and the rules. The side that Connor probably hated him the most for. He gave a short humorless laugh, "I never would have taken you as the black mailing sort, Jake. From how much Connor told you, surely he would have mentioned a bit of my own story. You don't want to threaten me, dear. Especially after I've done nothing wrong." He purred softly, keeping his voice low so Connor or the kids wouldn't hear. "Connor has made a life of his own completely separate from me. And I'm genuinely happy for him and for you and the kids. I'm also thankful that you both are allowing me to have a place in connor's life, no matter how insignificant. So now I'm thinking this whole lovey dovey peace love and happiness is shit. This whole act you're putting to appease your husband while I'm here is complete shit." Jas' eyes narrowed. "If you'd only kept your mouth shut, and if you could even fathom the thought that I'm somewhat of a decent person, you would have known that I don't plan on letting Connor know about his memories until the next life, perhaps a few lives, just to let him have some time in between to relax and reminice. That's up to him. Not me, and certainly not you." He slowly stood and took his empty plate and glass of wine. "But I guess my decency only extends so far. I will be gone after that tour to see Finn and his friend. I'll report back to Connor whatever I damn choose, whether that's the truth or a lie. Know that's all for him and for his children. I could give less than a shit about what you want. If you're so insecure about your standing with connor that you threaten me of all people, then you do not deserve his fierce loyalty, his undeniable love for you and only you this life, nor his commitment to you. Threaten me once more and I will make your life hell. Thanks for your hospitality." With that, and an annoyed flick of his ears, jas headed to the kitchen to drop off his plate. Pulling an easy smile for the kids and Connor.
Jake growled the closer Jas got to him. He watched him move to that kitchen. Jake tapped his finger on the table impatiently. Connor looked over to Jas when he appeared in the kitchen. "Hey, what were you two talking about? Anything fun?" Connor gave a bright smile as he started on Jas's plate. "Can you do me a favor and start bringing the leftover food to the counter. I want to put it in Tupperware before they go bad. Leftovers are the key to fueling a family-" Connor jumped when he heard a slam on the table. The house went silent as Jake marched away from the table.
The only sound running through the house was the water from the sink. He flinched again when he heard the door slam in their room. Connor's heart was racing, not with worry or sadness, but with fear. He dropped the place into the sink, which made another loud bang making him jump. He snapped out of his fearful gaze and returned to washing the dishes. His bright smile faded, and his hands started to shake as he scrubbed the plate clean. He put the plate aside and looked down the Asher. "Can you um…can you take your sister to get ready for bed? I'll be with you guys soon to tuck you in and kiss you good night, okay?" Asher nodded and took his sister to the bathroom to get ready. He waved a slight wave to Jas and then disappeared. Connor let out a shaky breath before walking to the table to get Jake's plate so he could wash it. "U-Um, anyway, i-if you could come to bring the f-food, that would be a great help." He tried his best to fake a smile, but he was never really good at doing that.
"nothing much, dear. Just our mutual agreement on how wonderful you are." Jas reassured, head snapping up when he heard the bang from the kitchen. He instinctuall6 moved close to the kids and Connor, following Jake with a narrowed gaze until he was gone from view. Pressed beside Connor, Jas could niw feel him trembling, felt his heartbeat quicken, snelled the scent of fear radiating off of him. Damn Jake, damn him for ever making his family ever fear him. Jas got the feeling that this wasn't the first time Jake has had an outburst. He slowly took a step away from Connor and slowly returned his gaze back to Connor and the kids. Jas have a soft smile to Asher and Charlotte and waved. He slowly followed Connor to kitchen, glading off to where Jake had dissapeared off to brood before starting to gather the trays and caserol dishes of food. "Of course, heart." He went back to the kitchen and easily found some Tupperware, unsurprised to see that it was stored in the same place as it was in their previous life. "Has he hurt you or the kids?" Has asked softly, peeking over to Connor and searching for any bruises or scratches or any form of wounds. "Does he get like that often?" He took a slow deep breath and gently took Connor's hand in his own, pressing a small key into his hand. While keeping an eye the hall, has saud softly into Connor's ear. "If you ever feel unsafe, no matter from Jake or someone else, Suni's temple and the apartments I used to live in are yours and the kids to use. There are instructions there on how to contact suni. He'll protect you until I get here." He stepped back and went back to packing the food as if he had done nothing. Once he finished putting everything neatly into the fridge he found some mint chocolate chip ice cream. "The sure the kids won't mind if I have a bit." He winked and found two bowls, scooping a generous ball of ice cream into each bowl.
"I…I…" He stumbled on his words. Jake had never lashed out in front of someone else. He wasn't sure just how much he could trust Jas yet. He was so close to lying, but when their hands touched, he felt like he could. Connor looked at the key before shoving it into his pocket. He looked to the hallway, and the energy from his room made him feel uneasy. Connor held his hand tightly. "I'm not sure. I get bruises daily, but when I ask him what happened, he says I fell. I always assume he was right because of how clumsy I get, and then…" He tried to swallow the lump in his throat. "When we were dating in high school, I was lonely, and he was the only person who could pull me out of my slump. We had a big fight in high school, but we worked it out, but after that, I started to remember less and less of our moments together. My body would be sore; I wouldn't know why. Then he would say we exercised, but the memories were a bit hazy and out of place." He put the packed food into the fridge. "I didn't want to tell anyone because I felt like I was going crazy." He closed the refrigerator and pushed his forehead against the fridge. "Asher came to me one day and looked at me with the most innocent look on his face. He mentioned that Jake's eyes would turn red sometimes, and I could be all confused. Then Asher asked me if Jake had powers. I thought he didn't, Jas, I…" he choked. He crossed his arms over his chest to control his emotions. "I asked…Asher what he meant. He said…" Connor bit his lip to stop it from quivering. "God…He said that I was always on the ground whenever his eyes turned red, and I would fall asleep for 5 seconds and then wake up confused. I…I hated myself for not realizing it for so long. So many things were missing, I…I should've known that something was up when I saw all of the bruises and scars on my back. I hated myself for having Asher see something that. He didn't deserve it." Connor tried his best to walk away from the refrigerator, but his legs felt like jello as he managed to walk over to Jas and clutched his arm.
Jas slowly turned around, face blank save for his eyes. Deep emrald eyes flashing with uncontrollable rage. "How dare he." He growled, voice low so Jake or the kids didn't hear, canines sharpening into fangs. His ears flicked as smoke poured off his body, his demon cat aching to get his claws bloody. Jas clentched down on his anger, as painful as was. He managed to catch Connor last minute and hugged him close, tucking him against the safety of his body. "Go get the kids, dear. Leave everything here, just get the kids quietly and we'll go to suni's temple. He'll keep us safe just until I can book three more tickets back to Italy. We'll find your memories. We'll explain everything to the kids. " He whispered quickly, mind already racing with things he'd have to but in case they'd stay longer in his apartment. "Why did you tell me sooner dear? I know we promised to stay out of each other's lives for the most part but was sthis not something that you think would have concerned me?" He shook his head a d nudged connor's. "Get the kids. We'll go to a safe place, please connor."
"I-I'm not sure….I…." Connor's heart was racing so fast, and his mind was going a mile a minute, but all he could think about were the words "go get the kids." He pulled away from Jas and managed to wipe his tears. "O-Okay, I can try. I'm sorry." He ambled to the bathroom, where the kids were about to brush their teeth. "Hey, I have a surprise for you. Jas also brought something else with him. He brought Ice cream in your favorite flavor. Let's go eat some, and then you can brush your teeth, okay?" He could feel eyes on him, but he wasn't exactly sure where. His kids grew excited and started to jump around like kangaroos. Conor tried his best to hold back everything that told him to get the kids out and have Jas return for him later. He grabbed both of their hands before seeing Jake's head poking out of the doorway, which frightened him. "Honey, w-what are you doing in the doorway like that?" Jake didn't respond and only held out a finger telling him to come in the room after the ice cream was done. He then shut the door, and chills ran down his spine. He looked at Jas and shook his head, telling him not to make any noise. He quickly got their shoes and coats on. Even though it was Summer, the nights were still cold. He slipped on his shoes and coat, looking back to the door that Jake was hiding behind. He looked back to the kids and signaled them to go out first. He opened the door just enough so they could get through. Asher made Charlotte go first before he went through the door. "What do you think you're doing?" Connor froze. He knew this was a bad idea. How could he think that he could escape from something inevitable?
"don't ever be sorry dear." Jas said firmly, letting Connor go and fetch the kids while he finished up tidying up the kitchen, not even bothering with the now melting ice cream on the counter. He glanced up when he heaed voices, brows creasing in worry that Jake had stopped them. He let out a small sigh of relief when he saw the kids in the living room. He waved and offered a smile before nodding to Connor. His gaze narrowed when Jake came into view, his body and possibly Wisp, yelling at him to get away from whatever negative energy Jake was emittimg. Not with Connor or the kids. He quietly backed himself against the sink and grabbed for the ceramic casserole dish the had been drying off to the side. Two lives enjoying a somewhat peaceful life wasn't enough to even begin to quell his assassin instincts.
Jake backed Connor up against the door. "Did you think you were leaving with some wanna-be hero? He can't save you, darling. Besides, what is there to save you from. Did I scare you?" He smirked. "That's too bad. Don't worry. You'll forget this later and think that Jas is the bad guy, not me. You know I would never hurt you. Right?" Jake pushed Connor against the door hard enough to close it entirely. "There's nothing to fear when I'm here, right? You said it yourself. Way back when." Jake took Connor's neck in his hands softly as first. "Come on, baby. Just lead the kids back into the apartment, and we can all be one happy family." Jake was being reasonable.
Connor grit his teeth, his eyes flickering to Jas every so often. "No…" He felt the hand grip tighter around his neck and watched how his eyes glowed red. He couldn't move, and his body stopped struggling. "I've had enough of the lies…I…can't do this…anymore." It was getting harder to breathe the more he spoke.
Jake's eye twitched. "No? Oh. I wished I didn't have to do this. I wanted your mind as healthy as possible, but that isn't the case." He shook his head, returning the memories he stole and replaced from Connor. "Now, you listen to me…The kids can go away; I don't care. You? No, you're staying with me. Just you and me. Just like we promised on our wedding day. Forever."
Jas breathing became labored as he started to piece things together, how he had never found Connor until that highschool dance that seemed ages ago. How he had heard from distant friends that Connor was now dating Jake. How on a whim Connor would text or chat only when he seemed to remember Jas' existence. He had chalked that up to their promise of staying away from each other. And maybe that was it for a time, Connor had been growing a family and Jas was buding his dream career. But now all of that sou.ded like an excuse. An excuse from Jake to make sure jas was truely hated by Connor, if only to keep his own status in Connor's life secure. His gaze snapped up when the door clicked shut, locking the kids out of the apartment for now. Good, they didn't need to see the monster one of their father's was. Nor did they need to see the monster jas could become. He caught Connor's gaze and mouthed an "I'm sorry" as he carepy picked his way through the kitchen and dining room. An I'm sorry for all the times he had left Connor alone to deal with this man. An I'm sorry for not realizing sooner what had been going on while he froliced Italy. An I'm sorry for Connor own sense of hope, hope that he could have a normal family for once without jas or tragedy. He slowly raised the ceramic caserol dish above his head, sent a small prayer to his mom, and smashed it over Jakes head, a sickening crack rang through his ears as thick skull met solid ceramic, the dish shattering in Jas' hands. He took a step back to let Jake slump to the floor. (I have a slight plan with Jake so he's not dead…yet). Jas dropped the remains of the dish, ignoring the blood seeping out from cuts on his hands and gently tugged Connor along with him through the door, scooping up one of the kids and leading the way outside.
(Ooooo, Now I'm excited)
Connor coughed, holding his throat. "Holy shit-" His sentence was cut off when Jas rushed him out of the apartment. He held onto Jas for dear life as he yelled at his feet to move quicker. Connor's heart broke seeing how scared Asher and Charlotte looked. It was only that, but the memories he got back. He didn't get the ones about his supposed life with Jas, but everything he remembered. Connor said sex wasn't in the books for him until marriage, but that didn't stand too well with Jake. The amount of time he tried to fight it and failed was too much. Memories of why he had so many injuries flooded into his brain; it was all too much to handle. He wanted to break down, but not in front of the kids and certainly not in front of Jas. Not while they were running from the one person who caused him so much pain. "I'm sorry." He felt like he was about to burst into tears, but he couldn't not until they were safe.
(I was gonna have him the one that stole Connor's memories, like maybe he did his research and manipulated Connor since highschool, and then they'd eventually get Connor's memories back when they got to italy but nevermind, this wasn't the original idea but I thought it'd be better than what I had in mind.) (I'll answer in a sec)
(that sounds amazing the plots u come up with my friend. Connor didn't get all his memories back just the ones that were replaced so there is still time for that!)
(awe thank you! And yeah if you're up for it!)
Jas didn't stop until they finally got to his apartments, frankly he didn't want to stop until they were all on a plane to Italy and finally safe. Jas fumbled for his spare key and finally managed to shove open the door, heaving in a very heavy sigh of relief at finding it empty. He had half expected to find suni hanging around inside but the apartment was quiet. He gently set Charlotte down and gently guided Connor and Asher into the room before clicking the door shut and making sure it was locked. "You don't need to be sorry for a single thing, dear." He said softly, flicking on the lights, giving a warm glow to the room. "The bedroom is for you and the kids. I'll sleep out here for tonight, if I can sleep at all." He smiled softly and glanced down as he felt Ash brush against his leg. Jas gently scooped him up and offered him to Asher. "Would you mind taking care of him for tonight?" Jas asked. "And for you, princess, would you mind taking care of Winnie?" Jas asked Charlotte, finding Winnie not to far from his companion and scooped him up as well. Jas glanced up to Connor and gently took his hand. "It's going to be alright, dear. You're safe. Get some rest." He prompted gently. "The latest we can leave for Italy us tomorrow night."
(Fenrir, you're asking the one person who has all the time in the world, yes, I am definitely up for it!)
Asher pressed a hand to Connor's back and nodded. "Of course, I'm not sure what much I can do, but I'll try my best." Asher leaned his head onto Connor's shoulder, giving him some reassurance. On the other hand, Charlotte was thrilled to have an actual anime instead of a stuffed anime. She held Winnie delicately and looked up at Jas with a satisfied smile. Connor looked at the ground the entire time while Jas talked. Connor sent a weak smile to his children and hugged them tightly. He tugged on Jas's sleeve and took a deep breath. Words were hard for him a the moment, and he just looked at Jas. He opened his mouth, wanting words to come out, but he couldn't manage to say anything. Connor wanted Jas to stay. Even if he was sleeping on the floor or on the same bed, he wanted him to stay so badly. he looked at him with pleading eyes and hoped Jas knew what he meant.
Jas smiled gratefully. "Thank you, both of you." He gently ruffled Ash and Winnie's head before gently tugging Connor close to him. "Let's all get to sleep, ok? It's been a long day." He smiled softly and guided them all to his room, flicking on the light. The bed was just as he left it, fluffy comforters with a few pillows ontop. He glanced down at Connor and gently nudged his head. "Is it okay if I shower and change? I have some books in the living room if you want to read to the kids. I'll be quick, then you can shower. I'll find extra clothes for you to wear for now." He murmured, gently brushing through Connor's hair. This wasn't how Jas wanted this life to go. Not at all. Connor didn't deserve this, neither did the kids. Connor was supposed to live a happy life this time, to have someone that could love him unconditionally, without whatever Jake had done. Jas took in a controlled breath and tilted back to look at Connor, gently cupping Connor's cheek. "It'll be alright, dear. I promise. I'll get some food and extra clothes for the kids in the morning." He nodded towards the kids. "Make sure they're alright, Comfort them. I'll be right back, then we can sleep. Okay?"
Connor swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded. He steadily got up to get a book. Connor needed something appropriate and happy for the children. When he walked into the living room, he felt that warm feeling, something so familiar, and it made him feel like he was truly home. Not some fancy apartment in the city. It felt like this was all he needed. He looked on the book shelf for hours before Connor picked a book labeled, "All that's left in the world." He had read it several times more for school projects, but the book was still good. He made his way back to the room only to hear the shower running and Asher talking to Charlotte when he entered the room. He tried to speak, but nothing came out. Connor shook his head and believed it only to be the nerves from what happened before. He sat against the headboard and waved both of them over. Charlotte was on the right side holding the cat, and Asher was on the other side, clearly more calm about this than Connor was. "I…" He pressed a hand to his throat, feeling the indent of Jake's hand. It made him shiver.
"I-I um w-want you to know that I-I'm so sorry." He almost couldn't go a word without stumbling on them. However, it was better than nothing. "I never wanted t-t-to worry you g-guy like that I-I feel as if I've let you down i-i-in some way. But is i-i-it okay that I read you something? I-I want you t-t-to have happy dreams tonight." Asher and Charlotte nodded and got comfortable under the covers. He started to read to them, but he couldn't even get past the first chapter without hearing their soft breathing. He closed the book, put a marker, and placed it on the bedside table.
Jas grabbed a sweatshirt and pants before heading to take a shower. He stuck his head under cold water, welcoming the shock to his body. He scrubbed at his hands to get the blood off, before turning The water to warm and finishing off his shower. Once out he dried off and slipped into a sweatshirt and leggings. He leaned against the threshold between his room and the attached bathroom and listened as Connor try to explain to his kids what was going on. He grimaced slightly before stepping into the bedroom and settling on the other side of the bed. "You can shower if you'd like. There's extra clothes if you'd like in there as well." He said softly, standing and gently tucking the covers beneath the kid's chins, chuckling lightly when he saw Ash and Winnie curled beside each of them. He shifted and easily stepped up onto the bed, his massive size nearly taking up the other half of the bed. He gently nudged Connor's arm with his head and purred deeply. He flicked his tail towards the bathroom and tipped his head as if to say 'you can if you want to.'
Connor jumped, seeing the significant form Jas had taken on. "No, I think I'll be alright. I a-already t-took a shower today. S-So, I think I'll be fine." Connor leaned down to his arm and smelled it to ensure there wasn't a bad smell coming off him. "I'll be fine, but I'll go ahead and ch-change. I-I-I don't think s-staying in jeans i-is the best way to g-go." He slowly got up from the bed, making sure not to wake the kids. He walked to the bathroom to get the extra clothes. He took a look at the shower and sighed. He shrugged and figured he might as well take a shower. They'll be leaving tomorrow night for Italy, so it seems like he should take a shower now. At first, Connor had a bit of trouble turning on the shower, but he eventually got it. He had never imagined taking a shower would make him feel better, but it did. It allowed him to just think for a minute and let his body relax. Connor didn't see any other shampoo in the bathroom, so he had to use Jas's. When he got out of the shower, he put on the clothes Jas had laid out for him. Connor dried his hair on the way back from the bathroom. He opened the door and locked it behind him. His hair was a bit frizzy, but not too bad. "I-I went i-in there to get the clothes, b-b-but I figure a shower w-would be nice as well. S-So, I guess I took your advice anyway." Connor didn't know where to get on the bed, but Jas was a big fluffy animal, so he wanted to hug and lay with him. Connor crawled onto the bed and sat back on his feet. "Can I lay with you? I-I-I-It's just y-you're a big f-fluffy cat, s-s-so my logic is um, yeah. Can I?"
Jas glanced up from his spot on the bed. He gave a wide yawn, showing sharp teeth before sitting up to make room for Connor to lie down. He purred amusedly and kneaded the bed, settling comfortably against the bed. He had though to shift and be nornla but this wasn't their past life. This wasn't even remotely the appropriate time for that either. Connor needed the comfort and safety Jas had always provided in every life. This was romantic, this wasn't teasing or cute. This was Ja' job. To keep Connor and nahis kids safe. He continued his soft rumpling purr and curled his tail around Connor encircling him in warmth. For the first time in this life, Jas gave Connor and the kids his favorite dream. A happy, warm life. Free from Jakw, from anyone who dare hurt them.
