"Yeah, when you put it like that, I guess your right. No need to put me in harm's way when I have two beautiful children waiting for me at home. Or rather your house." Connor corrected. He made a flustered noise, "Well-I just-if you-when people like-ughh." He groaned. "I can practically hear the smirk on your face right now. You act like you don't get all giddy inside whenever I pet you. I just…don't have much experience with holding hands. Sure Jake and I held hands, but it was never long. It was because he had to pull me somewhere or show me something. So…yeah, I get red when you hold my hand. It's partially the fact that you're holding it…" He trailed off, scratching the back of his neck. Connor shouldn't be feeling this way; she wasn't ready to enter any kind of relationship with anyone.
"oh I most definitely do dear." Jas reassured with an ever widening grin. He tilted his head, mildly surprised Jake would actually go to he lengths of showing any affection, considering how much he seemed to hate it when Jas had last talked to him. "I feel honored that you react so beautiful to hand holding with me. But tell me, what so special about this that makes you so flustered, hm? Jas asked laughing softly, before slowly loosening their linked hands so that it was only their pinkies connect. "If it makes you that uncomfortable, I'll let go, but for now us this okay?" He asked softpy, a bit more serious but there was still a lightheartedness to his question. It had felt like ages since he had held Connor's hand, let alone been in such close proximity to only him. Jas wanted to enjoy it while it lasted.
"No!" He yelled before quieting down. "No…it's okay; it doesn't feel uncomfortable. At all, actually…" Connor looked down at their hands and slowly intertwined their fingers again. "What makes it special is that it's genuine. You're not holding my hand for pity; you're holding my hand because you want to. It sounds stupid, I know. Do you know when you just have this feeling that everything fits together perfectly like a puzzle piece? That's what our hands feel like. It sounds crazy because we've never done this thing before, but it feels right." Connor walked closer to Jas, so their hands almost touched his leg. Connor ten flicked Jas's forehead. "You always get these assumptions in your head. Trust me; you'll know when I don't like something. We've known each other for what…who knows how long. I used to keep track, but I stopped far too long ago to remember." He shrugged and opened the door for Jas.
Jas gently squeezed Connor's hand. "I'm glad you feel comfortable around me." He murmured softly, head tipped to the side. "It's not stupid, darling. Believe me it's not. But yes, I do know what you mean. This feels right. It feels safe and comforting and really nice." He nudged Connor's and shook his head with a laugh, "hey, just because you don't remember what happened between us last life, doesn't mean it didn't happen. We did far more than hold hands." Jas paused and lightly brushed his thumb along Connor's hand. "But that doesn't mean you have to live up to that memory. It took me an embarrassing amount of time to realize that. After everything you've been through, I have no doubt the last thing you'd want is start a relationship with anyone, least of all me. I will always love you without condition Connor, as I've done for all these lives, but if all you want to he is friends, until you decide to get your memories back, if that's what you still want later on." He gave a soft meow if surprise at being flicked, "here I am trying to be a good person and you're reprimanding me!" He whined, following Connor into the bakery with a point, waving to the barista behind the counter once he regained his smile.
"You are a good person even when you're not trying." He laughed. Connor waved as well to his friend. She waved back to both of them. She caught a glimpse of their hands and made a shocked face. She then smirked and curled her finger, signaling to come to talk to her. "Hey, can you get me a mocha latte, please? I'm going to talk to my friend." He was about to leave and let go of their hands well, but he came back and pulled Faybian close. "I also think that friends sound like a great idea for now. It's not because of the memories, but considering everything that's happened recently, it's best if I just take it easy for a bit and focus on myself. Can you wait a little longer? I know it's been forever, but just a little longer. Thank you for never giving up on me all these lives." Connor pressed a kiss to his cheek before walking over to his friend
Jas nodded "of course, go ahead. Tell your friend I said hi." He smiled softly and went to go stand in line before he was yanked by Connor back to his side. Jas stumbled into Connor's arms, still not used to being shorter than him. He snapped his attention up to him, "I'm sorry! I-" the apology fizzled out as Connor spoke. He slowly nodded and offered a reassuring smile. "I'll wait as long as you need me to, dear. Not for a relationship but for you to be okay." He gently squeezed their hands, blinking in surprise at the kiss. He hadn't even realized Connor had pulled away until a few seconds of awkwardly standing there. He laughed to himself before turning towards the counter and smiling at the barista. "I'll take a mocha latte and strawberry bubble tea. Oh and some of the orange biscuits please."
Connor leaned over the counter, and he stayed silent. "So…what's happening between you and this guy. The last time you were in here, you were ranting about how much you hated him." She looked at him with a smirk. He bit his bottom lip and looked back at Jas. Then switched his focus back to his friends. "A lot's happened since then. We don't talk about Jake. He's a scumbag." She waved her hand like she was shooing a fly away from her nose, "Never supported it anyway, but continue." Connor chuckled and took a deep breath in. "Well, we're just friends for now. After everything I've been through, I don't think I can handle another relationship so soon, even though he has been waiting for me forever. I feel bad, but I just can't. Right now, we're going to divorce my husband. Then we're going to get my memories back in Italy. I promise I'll explain everything in more detail when everything has calmed down." She shook her head with a smirk and gave Connor one coffee and a bubble tea. "You better." Connor waved and walked over to hand Jas his bubble tea. "I didn't know you liked bubble tea…"
“You’re popular kitty, arentcha?” The barista asked with a smile, gaze flickering to Connor. Jas chuckled lightly and shrugged. “Believe it or not he’s the one following me around this week. He hasn’t had the best of weeks so he’s staying with me for a bit.” Jas explained softly. “He has kids, right? They come in here sometimes with Jake. Never really liked him. Gave off all the the wrong energies but I had never said anything before.” Nico, the barista said. Jas nodded slightly, his smile falling slightly. “Yeah, unfortuneately it was more than just bad energies.” Nico nodded solemly, “At least he has you. I’m sure the kids love the cats though. I don’t think there’d be a safer place for them than with you.” Nico gently squeezed Jas’ hand as he handed over the biscuits. He had always had a knack for making Jas feel better while also completely understanding any situation he seemed to be in. “Anyone ever tell you you’re a really good physic?” Nico gave a laugh, a light blush on his cheeks. “Most people call it annoying but thank you, cat. I appreciate it.”
Jas grinned “Ever witch needs a cat.” He teased, earning him more blushes. Then was was reminded of what Suni had said. He could be happy with Nico, he genuinely could be, even if they never got married, has could picture a happy life with him. “He needs you more,” Nico whispered as he pulled his hand back. Jas snapped his attention back up to Nico, a blush on his cheeks.
“Don’t worry cat, in another life, perhaps.” He winked before pulling away to tend to another customer’s order. Jas felt a familiar tug at his heart before he looked over at Connor. “Uhm y-yeah. I just found out about them this life.” He said a bit distractedly. “I tried the brown sugar milk teas but didn’t like them much. These are pretty good though.” He rambled, looking up again to at least wave goodbye to Nico but Jas didn’t see him anymore, he assumed Nico had gone to the back. Jas took a sip of his drink before grabbing the back of orange biscuits and nodding towards the door. “Ready to go?” He asked softly, already dreading their walk to the institute.
"Well, I actually have two places I got for bubble tea. One has a really good oreo milk tea, and the other has a great strawberry lemonade bubble tea. I should go there more often, but I only want it when I'm in the mood for it." Connor looked back to Nico and then opened the door with a smile. He followed Jas out of the cafe and started on their way to the institute. "Who was that?" He asked passively. He was genuinely curious as to who Jas was talking to. He sipped at his mocha, moving the straw around when he wanted more of the chocolate flavor. He looked at Jas's hand but realized he was holding a bag, so he decided to hold off. He bit his lip distracted by the echo of Jas's warmth. I really need to get over myself…
Jas nodded, sipping at his drink. "I've never tried those before but they both sound good, heart." He offered his drink to Connor and glanced back behind him for a moment before focusing back on Connor and their walk. "A friend of mine from college. We were close back then but grew apart when I moved to Italy. Lately we've been trying to reconnect but he has just got the job at the cafe so it's been hard." He explained with a proud little smile. "A psychic working as a barista seems fitting, especially for him." He bushsd their hands together and bumped Connor's shoulder. "And your friend? She looks familiar. Wasn't she with you thize years back when I met Finn?" Jas asked. "I hope they're doing well."
Connor took the offer but stared at the straw for a second. He acted like a middle schooler, but his logic was still correct. If he drank, this would be like they kissed. Indirectly, of course. He shrugged and took a sip of his tea. "You like your things bitter, huh? I know it's not that bad, but I like my stuff sweet." He gave back the cup and wiped his hands of the condensation. "Yes, it does. Well, I'm glad you two had a chance to chat up-" He was distracted by the question asked of him when their hands bumped together. "U-Uh, yeah, yeah, she was there. I visit her everything morning, so…" He pulled Jas's hand gently with his finger and intertwined their hands. "I guess she got worried when I didn't see her for two days. She also helped me a lot of the years with stress and getting through college."
An amused, if not a smug smile crossed Jas's features whenConnor started stuttering in response to his mostly innocent teasing. "Every morning? I'm surprised I didn't see you there more often. At least in the months that I stayed in states." He glanced down when he felt Connor's hand brush against his, thinking he had gotten too close for comfort, but then he realized whatConnor was actually doing and quickly switched the bag of cookies in his hand to the other, ever in true gay fashion, holding an obsene amount of things in one hand while the other remained free, or at least in this case, holding handswith another person. "I'm glad someone was there for you. Even more so that she's still in your life. She seems like one of those people you never want to let go of."
(lmao that's one way to describe him holding the bag!!!)
Connor breathed a laugh. "Yes, she is definitely not one you want to lose. I almost lost her when I put Jake first instead of her. Luckily she put me back into my place. I couldn't have asked for a better friend. She did like me at some point, and then I told her that I was dating Jake and she was surprised. We figured out that it's better if we were just friends." He smiled. "I was such an idiot back then. Of all my years of handling high school, I never get better at it." He sighed. "If we were friends, you probably would've been there to set me straight." He realized the institute was closer than he realized when the path they were going on started to enter the institute. They got rid of their long-ass driveway and just put stairs instead. Yeah, it didn't get better.
(drink! Biscuits! Probably keys! Maybe a wallet! Definitely a phone! Everything in one hand!😌🏳️🌈)
Jas surprised even himself when he gave a gentle smile at the mention of Connor'a friend having previously liking him. He could see Connor happy with the girl he had seen in the cafe, genuinely, not like Connor had been with Jake. He gave a small laugh, "maybe not straight per se but if I had been friends with you in highschool and had known Jake and your friend, I'd probably try to convince to go with your friend." Jas glanced up as they approached the institute and groaned in annoyance. "We could always email them the situation." Jas muttered, even as he started the trudge up the stairs, gently tugging Connor up with him.
(XDDDDD)
"So, what would I say in sai email? Hi, so one of your criminals has been manipulating me for years. I want to ask for a divorce if possible, don't forget the part where he's a total asshole." He laughed. "It's better to do it in person. Besides, they'll know me when I walk in. Why do you think they don't put our names in the news when we die? They do all the behind-the-scenes work." Connor smirked. "Besides, if you think about it, it's just exercise. Maybe it will make you taller. You never know." He teased. "See, look, we're already halfway there. Sort of." He was right. They were almost halfway there. He gasped. "Jas, we're walking fast. Do you know what this means?"
Jas shrugged "it'll be easier on your part. They deserve a little bit of trouble for that they've caused us." Jas rolled his eyes and glared up at the rest of the stairs they had to go. "Dear, climbing the stairs to my apartment every day for my entire college career and then some didn't make me taller, i highly doubt this will." He blinked and looked up at Connor in surprise "the faster we walk the closer the chances I'll get to punch Jake in his face?" Jas asked innocently, "if that's what you meant then can I suggest we go faster?"
(I never realized just how short these look on like an iPhone before. Like, I usually read them on my phone, and then I respond, but they look so small sometimes, but I feel like I'm writing a whole essay XD)
Connor slowly turned to Jas with a wide smile. He started laughing and nudged Jas's shoulder playfully. "No, that is not what I meant." He said through his laughter. "Besides, even if you were to punch him, I'm pretty sure you would be arrested too. And we couldn't have that, now can we, kitty." Connor rubbed the top of Jas's head with his free hand. "But, no, I meant that since we're almost there and it's only been a few minutes, we're officially gay. How do you feel? Any changes, maybe? Do you feel more alive?" He joked.
(ikr! I type on my phone too but the few times I write on my laptop it always looks so short!)
"Hey, it wouldn't be the first time. Last life we started dating after you had arrested me. Well, after I let you arrest me.it seems like a lot things relating to relationships tend to happen here." Jas softly purred and nudged into Connor's hand, his heart melting at hearing Connor's familiar nickname for him. Jas tilted his head confused. "Darling, I've always been gay. And for as long as I've known you, you've had an attraction to pretty much anyone. I don't think climbing stars would affect that." He looked up as they finally reached the doors and took a deep breath, silently promising himself not to do anything too rash until Connor had signwd the divorse papers. He tugged open the door, dreading being back in a place that had been the cause of a lot of his pain.
(XD)
"Okay and? Walking upstairs fast just makes it official." He nodded, "Yeah, that sounds like something I would do." Connor threw his hand forward. He was about to open the door and then stopped. "Please, don't do anything rash. I would hate for the one person who I feel safe around to be arrested. I trust you on this, Jas." He finally said before opening the doors. He got stares from people he didn't exactly remember all that well. He put his hand on Jas's arm, clearly not liking all the attention from people he didn't recognize. Soon the divorce attorney found them and tapped on Connor's shoulder. He was prepared to turn around quickly and apprehend the person, but it was the lady he had called earlier.
"Hello, my name is Joyce. Finally great to meet you in person. Should we go somewhere a little more private? I hear you have a library of some sort. I'm sure we could discuss all the divorce terms while we're there?" Joyce spoke with a joyful tone; however, that didn't stop Connor from giving her a straight face with piercing eyes.
"Yeah, that sounds perfect. Right, this way." He nodded toward the hallway past the prison cells and to the library.
Has sighed softly but gently squeezed Connor's hand. "I won't, heart. But I do think I deserve a free pass for all the shit this institute has put me through." Jas followed Connor inside, refusing to meet anyone's gaze as they walked through the building. He hated this place, dispised it to it's very core for what they had made connor do throughout the years solely because he was a hero. But he had promised to keep his composure, so he did. He momentarily forgot his hatred when he felt Alexander touch his arm and stiffen. he lightly brushed his opposite hand over Connor's trying to give some comfort, ears flicking up when he felt somone approach. Jas couldn't help but smile a little at Connor's sudden change in modd despite the entire reason they were there. He took a deep breath as he followed Connor and Joyve to the library. "The sooner we get this over with the better." He muttered, remembering backnto when he has escaped his cell and explored around a bit only to find Connor worrying about him in his cell the day after.
Connor led Jas and Joyce to the library and sat at the table between the bookshelves. Joyce sat down across from Connor and Jas. "Okay, I understand you have two children you adopted together three years after marriage. How would you like that custody to be handled?" Joyce opened her bag, taking out the papers that Jake would have to sign.
Connor wondered if the kids would want to visit their father, but visiting him in jail would be… "Yes, that is correct. I would like full custody of my children, please."
She nodded and jotted that down. "Since you were the only one that went to the adoption center that day and signed the papers, it shouldn't be a problem to prove that you deserve full custody if this does get to court. It shouldn't, but just in case, I have full evidence." Joyce looked over the rest of the papers to see if there was anything else to discuss. "Your bank accounts aren't merged, and you did buy the penthouse you are currently staying at, so that won't be a problem in terms of money. So, everything should be in order. Just sign here and here. These are saying you understand and are okay with the terms of the divorce; the other one is the finalization of the divorce. Then it's time to pay a visit to Jake and see if he will also accept the divorce." She slid the paper towards Connor with a pen.
Connor took a deep breath and sighed. He took the pen but stopped when it was time to sign his name. He looked at Jas, looking for something that said he was making the right decision.
Jas slowly settled beside Connor, watching Joyce carefully as she read over the documents. As sad as it was, Jas wasn't surprised when he heard Jake hadn't gone with Connor to adopt their kids. Though not surprised, it didn't stop the immediate urge to want to rip Jake's throat with his teeth and watch him slowly struggle and fail for air. For everything that he had done to Connor, Jas would have considered that a small mercy. He eventually refocused on Connor and the documents, arching an eyebrow slightly when Connor hesitated and looked at him. He pressed a soft kiss to his hair and gently rubbed his arm. "I can't make a decision for you, heart." He whispered softly. "But I know no matter what you choose, whether to divorce Jake now or a little later, he will never touch you or the kids ever again, I promise." For all the shattered pieces of his heart, he would never stop loving Connor, wanting protect Connor, and even more now his kids, no matter how insignificant Jas was in their lives.
(Sorry it took so long! I'm getting ready to go away so this week I've been trying my best to reply as fast as possible before I got away!!!)
Connor swallowed the lump in his throat. He nodded and sucked in his lip. Connor must've hesitated about three times before finally signing it. He was thinking about what the kids would want and how they would react to this news. He would have to tell them when they're a bit older, but hopefully, they'll understand for now.
Joyce took the papers back and double-checked to ensure there was nothing else to go over. "Wonderful! Shall we go to meet with Jake? I was told by the institution that we would be in a holding cell with a table. That holding cell will have power dampening, and Jake will also wear power dampening cuffs to ensure he won't try anything. It is also to ensure that you do not influence him to hinder his decision. As much of a dick, he has to make his own respectful choice given to any human being." She instructed and led the way towards the cell. Then again, she was leading because Connor knew exactly where she was talking about.
Connor took Jas's hand tightly and followed Joyce. He was practically shaking at the thought of seeing Jake again. As much as he loved Jake hating someone is much easier than loving someone.
(it's all good! Don't worry about replying, just enjoy your trip and relax, hope you have fun!)
Jas waited patiently for Connor to make a choice. He had never been divorced, but he imagined this was difficult no matter the situation. Jas could clearly see Connor had genuinely loved Jake, and had thought of him as a good person and father up until recently. When Jas had been married to Winston, divorce had never been an option to them, as he assumed most couples felt when they were in love. Even when they had disagreements, Jas wanted nothing more than to be closer to Winston, no away, so for Connor to make a decision not even Jas could have fathomed himself making was impressive.
He glanced up at Joyce when she spoke, his opposite hand that wasn't holding Connor paused in toying with the bands at his neck. Jas flinched at the mention of the power dampening cell, the memory of being in one in his last life still a bit too fresh for him. But it was to ensure Jake wouldn't hurt Connor again, he reminded himself. However long they'd have to stay in there until Jake signed those papers would be worth it if Connor and the kids were free from that terrible man. "Funny how respect was never an option in there marriage, yet is one in their divorce." Jas noted humorlessly, even as an annoyed smile crossed his features. He slowly stood and followed Connor and Joyce to the cell, not really needing much guidence but he stayed by Connor's side. He stroked the back of Connor's hand with his thumb and gently nudged his shoulder. "Rethinking that email option, huh?" He teased lightly, keeping an eye on where they were going. "Even if he doesn't sign, you did your part dear. He can't touch you or the kids." He reassured for what seemed the millionth time. But jas would make sure he kept that promise, no matter what. As long as he was around, Jake would never see Connor or the kids again.
(I have returned from my long arguing-filled vacation!!! Sorry for the wait!)
He nodded slowly as they entered an empty power dampening room with a table and four chairs in the middle. Joyce sat down in one of the three chairs that were closer to the door leaving the one chair on the other side for Jake. Connor sat next to Joyce, leaving Jas a seat on end. He was in the middle, protected by people who cared about him. Not to mention this whole facility is like a family to him. After the years he's spent here, he knew that no matter who was there, he could rely on them for protection. Then again, he did have his powers, but he didn't master them like the other lives. He rarely used his powers, so they would be a bit rusty when attempting to use them again. Just then, the sound of chains came through the door. His head didn't want to turn to watch him come in, except he put his head down, looking at the mental table, and holding on tightly to Jas's hand. He felt the tumb of another pair of hands in front of him. He looked up just lighting to see the power dampening cuff he put on villains daily.
"So," Joyce broke the silence. "I assume you know why you're here today, Jake." She took out the papers that already had my signature on two pieces of paper. "These are divorce papers. Connor has made a request, and now all that's left to do is sign on this ling and the line under it. It shouldn't be too hard, yes?" She turned the papers toward Jake and gently placed a pen on the documents.
"Connor, is this what you want?" He deadpanned. Connor nodded. "Look at me when I'm talking to you! Is this what you want, Connor?! Use your goddamn words!" Jake slammed the table, causing Connor to look up with tears.
"Yes, Jake! This is what I want…" He was practically cutting off Jas's circulation to his hand by now. Jake took the pen and signed in the designated places. Connor, however, had his eyes closed, waiting for a slap of some kind, but it never came. His eyes fluttered open, and he stared at Jake in awe.
Joyce took the papers before anything else could happen. "Wonderful! We'll be taking out leave now."
First, Jake was the one to leave, and then they were instructed to leave a few minutes later.
