(Yay! I hope you enjoyed your vacation minus the arguing!)
Jas shuddered as they entered the power dampening room. He had forgotten how bad not having powers was, or perhaps the institute had made their security systems better, either way, Jas still hated it. He eventually settled into the chair beside Connor, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze as they waited for Jake. He glanced up as he heard multiple doors opening and chains, ears flattening against his head and teeth barred when Jake came into the room. He straightened and carefully watched Jake settle across from them, keeping his features neutral even as he internally screamed at himself to get away from the man who had made Connor’s life a living hell. He eventually looked away when Joyce began to speak and read out the legal actions of the divorce. As Joyce spoke, Jas realized with much delight, Joyce, for all her sweet talk and aggressive politeness probably hated Jake as the rest of them did. Jas couldn’t help the grin that spread on his features as he watched her slide the papers to the prisoner. He jumped and snapped his attention to Jake when he raised his voice. How could Jake of all people make demands of Connor now? Jas’s mind fogged with a slow rage as he struggled to stay in his seat instead of leap over the table and straggle Jake. He couldn’t even imagine how he had acted when around the kids. He tore his gaze away for a moment to look don at Connor, his rage dissipating as he felt Connor squeeze his hand. “Just a few more moments, then we can leave.” Jas whispered softly, rubbing Connor’s hand with his thumb. He refocused on Jake, mildly surprised that Jake didn’t put up a fight. It was the least he could do, but it still surprised Jas enough to garner his attention. He stared at the papers even as Jake was walked out before slowly rising from the chair and gently tugging Connor up. “Lets go back home dear.”
(I did thank you!!!)
Joyce also packed up her things and exited the room after Connor and Jas. "It will take a couple of days for the papers to get through, but once they are done, your last name will revert to the name before marriage, and all of your government identification regarding your old last name will be sent to you in the mail. There will be a return label in which you need to return anything regarding your last name during the marriage. Things like health insurance cards, driver's licenses, passports, and yeah, you get the point. It was lovely meeting you two. I hope you find the person who will make you happy, Connor." With that, she left Connor and Jas alone.
Connor fell against Jas. His knees felt weak after everything that had just happened. It may not have taken long, but a wave of relief washed over him. He stood up properly and turned towards Jas. Connor wrapped his arms Jas's waist, practically hugging the life out of him. "Thank you…" He whispered. "For everything." He wanted to stay there for a little while, feeling his warmth for a little longer. "I'm sorry for dragging you into this. You didn't deserve that. I'm sorry…" Connor loosened this grip around Jas just a bit.
Jas slowly nodded as Joyce explained the aftermath of the divorce. His only remaining worry would be the kids. As odd as it was in a situation like this, Jas knew Connor could handle this, despite all the pain that came along with it, his hero would be alright. But it was going to be harder for the kids, not being able to see their other dad. It was going to be hard to explain what had suddenly happened without destroying their knowledge of their two loving dad's. Jas took in a tired breath, and waved as Joyce departed.
He stumbled in surprise at Connor's sudden weight and wrapped his arms around him to hold him up, "are you alright?" He asked, keeping close in case Connor felt like passing out. “Do you need me to get some-“ Jas froze for a moment before hugging Connor back, burying his face into Connor’s shoulder and closing his eyes. It had been so long since they hugged, like a true, needing hug. Jas hadn’t realized just how much he missed this. “Its the least I could do, dear. There was no way I was going to let you go alone.” Jas didn’t believe his actions deserved any thanks, being by Connor’s side seemed so natural to him by now that being thanked for it seemed odd, but he didn’t think telling Connor that now was going to help. Instead, Jas pressed a soft kiss to Connor’s hair and shrugged with a small smile. “I’m used to you dragging me into your crazy life, what makes this any different? You don’t have to be sorry about this, Connor.” Jas reluctantly loosened his tight hug but didn’t step away from Connor. “Do you want to do something before we head home? Buy anything for the kids or yourself before our trip to Italy?”
Connor chuckled. "Just because you used to it doesn't mean it's good." He hummed on Jas's shoulder. "I think we'll be fine. I can also get them something to eat on the plane so they won't be hungry. I know it's a bit of a long flight. They'll get antsy and stuff." He stood there for a while, staring at Jas. His eyes flickered to Jas's lips before pulling away from the hug. "We should probably get back. I don't want to keep them waiting. Besides, today has felt like the longest day of my life, so I want to go home and rest…quietly…with you." He tugged at Jas's sleeve and started to walk down the hallway. "Do you want to go anywhere before we head back? I'm fine to tag along if you want."
Jas nodded in agreement, "probably a good idea. A 12 hour flight can take a tole, especially on the kiddos." He watched Connor for a moment, lightly holding Connor's elbow in case he felt like fairing again. He huffed a small laugh, also stepping away. "Yeah it's been a very long day, and we still have to get on the plane." He sighed softly and ran a hand through his hair to distract himself from being so close to Connor. He only glanced up when he felt Connor tugging at his sleeve, soon after falling into step beside him. "Hm with me?" Jas purred, tilting his head innocently "am I to be your designated pillow once again dear? Not that I have any argument again doing so, it just seems like a continuing trend in our lives." He grinned before gently taking Connor's hand in his. "Not necessarily. Most of what I'd be picking up can be found back in Italy." He said, already looking forwards to the plane ride back to his home in Italy, mostly to rest and get as far away from Jake as they could
"Don't look at me like you don't know what I'm talking about. So what if I want you to be my pillow? You got a problem with that shorty?" He huffed. "Since you're such a big cat, you're all fluffy and cuddly. This is going to be great." He grinned. He looked at all the steps when they exited the building and sighed heavily. While glaring at it, he saw a flash of something. He was wearing his uniform, and Jas pulled his tie, whispering that he seems him later. That made him shiver, and his ears grew red. "Jas…have we ever been here together at one point in our lives? I don't know, and I just got some freaky flash of you whispering his my ear. I couldn't tell if it was a memory or a fantasy." He covered his ear. Why did that have to come out now? His whole body felt hot just thinking about Jas whispering to him.
Jas rolled his eyes, though he’d be lying if he said he didn’t absolutely love the idea of cuddling up with Connor again, even if it was in his cat form for now. “you love me, don't deny it." Jas teased as they started back down the rediculous amount of stairs the institute had. He glanced up at Connor and tilted his head, brows knitting together when he recognized what Connor was saying. "Y-yeah, we did actually. In the last life. We got together after I was let out of here. I let you arrest me, I stayed for a few weeks before Suni convinced your higher ups to let me go. In that time we sort of stopped being enemies and got close. We went to your place after everything was settled." Jas explained carefully, making sure to leave out the fact that they had been closer then friends in the time they had spent together in the institute, already seeing how uncomfortable the smallest memory of them lovingly teasing each other made Connor now. "It seems like a fantasy." Jas agreed whistfully. "But It was defiantely real." He offered a small smile and gently tapped Connor's hand. "If it's any consolation I wouldnt be able to whisper in your ear now unless you bent down to my height do I don't think you have to worry about that anymore."
"I didn't mean it like that. I'm not worried about you doing anything to me because, in all honesty, it feels natural to do things like that with you. Not saying you should, but you know what I mean." He started to walk down the stairs pulling Jas next to him gently. "The memory got me flustered because my ear is very sensitive, always has been, and always will be. So feeling your breath on my ear was a bit of a surprise, even if it was just a memory." Connor laughed and shook his head. "Even though you are shorter than me, you still have the skills to get me all flustered, and you know it. Don't act like you find a way. That's not that Jas I know and love." He grinned as they reached the end of the steps. "Now, let's go home and rest before we get on that plane."
"I wouldn't dream of doing anything as scandalous as whispering in your very sensitive ears." Jas said sarcastically, laughing softly and gently squeezing Connor's hand "in all seriousness, I wouldn't do anything to you, affectionately or otherwise without knowing you were okay with it beforehand." He smiled softly as they finally reached the end, half tempted to teleport back home instead of walking. "Oh? So you do love me?" Jas cooed with a snicker. "Took you long enough to admit it." Jas sighed softly and nodded in agreement. "A nice long nap without needing to worry about anything sounds great right about now. I'm sure we'll rest plenty on the plane and once we get back to Italy."
He rolled his eyes. "Okay, mister. Don't get cocky now." He hopped on Jas's back and pointed towards the house. "Alright, my transportation, it's time to go home." He chuckled. "Don't act like I'm too heavy for you. I know what your strengths and weaknesses are. Do you want to teleport home or run home?" He grinned. "I'm not getting down either way. Whatever you feel is best." Connor didn't know how he felt about Jas. There were so many mixed emotions, but he knew one thing for sure. Whether it was in a friend way or something more, he loved Jas with all his heart. Way more than he ever loved anyone else.
"I'm not! I'm merely stating what is true, heart." Jas defended, laughing in surprise when Connor jumped on his back. He adjusted his hold on Connor so that his legs wrapped around his waist. "I'm a cat darling not a horse." Jas reminded with a laugh as he started their walk home. "Considering you did just jump on my back I would think just popping back home the easy way would he a waste of energy on your part." He said, glancing over at Connor over his shoulder, breath hitching slightly as he realized just how close they were. He looked forwards quickly before he could make the situation more akwards and started down the sidewalk. "I suppose this is payback for all the times I've used you as my own mode of transportation in our past life." Jas reasoned, suddenly hyperaware of every point where he and Connor came into contact. "You're light as feather dear." Jas reassured with a laugh
Connor rolled his eyes and looked ahead to where Jas was walking. "That's the correct answer. I would've knocked you over the head if you said anything else. I am light as a feather." He hummed, looking at Jas when he wasn't looking. Instead of looking away, he stared for a moment. Maybe that moment was longer. Connor looked over his features and swallowed hard at his neck and lips. Connor's mouth opened slightly, trying to think of something else, but how could he? Connor was sure Jas could feel his heart rise and his chest steadily rising and falling faster than usual. He wondered if Jas was the one with his legs wrapped around Connor. He thought about what jas's facial expression would look like if he were pressed against a wall and if their lips touched…"Fuck." he groaned.
"something wrong, dear?" Jas asked, concern laced in his voice. He ignored the glances he got as they walked through town back to his apartment. "Please don't tell me you forgot something at the institute. I'm not going back up all those stairs, especially if you're on my back. If it's something for the trip we can buy it when we get to Italy. If it's something we need now I wouldn't mind going to a nearby store." Jas said, trying to think of anything that they might have forgotten for the kids or the trip, or something that could have gone wrong that day. He couldn't think of anything other than their interaction with Jake but Jas had assumed Connor had been fine after that. The more he thought about it, paired with the feeling of Connor's quickening heartbeat and breath, the more has grew anxious.
(OMG, SORRYYYY, I forgot about this because I forgot to mark it as unread!!!)
Connor looked up and shook his head, his slight blush increasing to a more visual one. "No! No! I wasn't-I mean, I didn't forget anything, I swear. I was thinking." He dug his head into Jas's shoulder. "It was nothing important, I swear." He tried to calm his heartbeat down, but it wasn't working. Why did thoughts like those have to come into his head right now? He wasn't even thinking about them until recently and…."Shit." I'm fucking in love with Jas! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!! He was internally screaming. Not at Jas but himself. How could he fall in love with someone else while still in a relationship? I mean, he just got divorced like 5 minutes ago. The papers haven't even gone through, so he still shares his last name with Nick. "I'm sorry, I'm trying to figure out some stuff in my head right now."
(it's all good!I've done that way too many times 😂)
"hm, if you're sure." He replied skeptically, gently nudging Connor's head with his own when he felt the other bury into his shoulder. He carefully lifted a hand and gently brushed through Connor's hair. Has relaxed only slightly as they reached the apartment building, glad to be somewhere safe. "It's alright, love. You don't need to apologies for working through your thoughts. It's been a very long day, it's understandable if you need some time to process all of it." He replied, slowly setting Connor down so that he could dig out his keys from his pockets. Upon opening the door, he was immediately met by Suni. Jas glanced around fir the kids before finding them in the living room. He crouched down, letting Suni jump up onto his shoulders before heading into the kitchen to set down the goodies they had bought from the bakery.
Connor had slid off his back making sure he didn't bump into Suni. He was going to help the kids, but a question stuck in his mind like gum under a desk. He leaned against the counter looking up at Jas while he watched Jas unpack the bag full of food. "Why are you so nice to me?" He stood up straight and looked down at Jas now. "I just don't understand it. I've been a dick to you for years. Not to mention in this life and since I don't remember all these memories you're saying I have, I don't know what to believe. Not to mention I'm a wreck! I don't get why you're so nice to me and you care for me and my children, I just…" He sighed putting his hands on the counter to study the marble that felt all too familiar.
Suni gave Jas an affectionate nudge before hopping off Jas’s shoulders and landing back down on the floor, trotting off with the bag of biscuits to share with the kids. “Not so many, Suni. We have to get on the plane soon and I don’t want the kids getting sick.” Has called to his brother, only being met with a string of yips and snickers. Jas moved around Connor, putting away the few things they had bought as well as making a list of anything they’d need to get for when they reached Italy. Jas paused and glanced up from his little task. In all honesty, making the list was pointless , he just wanted something to distract himself until they were ready to leave. It had seemed like a better option than sitting with his thoughts. He slowly set don his phone and tipped his head thoughtfully, staring at an imperfect tile in his kitchen floor. “Would it be cheesy if I said it was because I love you? I don’t need a reason other than that to be nice to you Connor.” He heaved a sigh and perched on the countertop. "You've always been there in every life. I know that might have been annoying for you but for me it felt nice knowing I'd always have a friend or at least someone who I could relate to that didn't leave after a lifetime. Even if you didn't notice I was there and even if I kept my distance, I was always watching you grow and become the man I love so much. I wanted to do the same, to become someone you could rely on and feel comfortable enough to share our infinite lives with. Last life was the start of that. It was the first time I could be myself around you, where I could could truly love you and be loved by the most important person in my lives. I“ He paused for a moment, searching for the right words without sounding desperate or worse, creepy. “I never will stop loving you, Connor. You or those beautiful kids. You're free to do what you wish with what I say, stay for as long as you want or leave whenever you like but know I'll never not care and love for you." The moment the last words left his lips, Jas felt a weight loft off his chest. He glanced up to watch Connor bit refused to take back what he had been holding onto this entire life.
Connor stared at Jas for what felt like hours. He didn't back away or look disgusted. He never thought someone could love him this much. He didn't know that Jas had been feeling this way since forever. And he thought he was in love. He shook his head, snapping his gaze away from Jas. His cheeks felt hot, and he knew why. "I…" He breathed and then placed his hands on Jas's sides. "Fuck Jas…" Connor pulled his face close, so their lips practically touched. "Jas…whenever I'm around, I think about the weirdest things. Whether it's going on a date with you or wanting to hold your hand, I shouldn't think about those things because I told myself for years I don't love you, but after the events that have happened recently, all I can think about is you and how I want to care for and protect you. Also, how badly I want to kiss you. I've been thinking about kissing you for the longest time. So, I guess my question is, I don't know what I feel, but telling me how you feel only makes me love you more, so if I could, can I kiss you?" Connor stared at Jas with soft eyes.
Jas' heart lept into his throat as Connor closed the space between them. His eyes fluttered when Connor nearly kissed him, hypnotized by his closeness, the familiar feeling of having Connor so close to him, at hearing his name whispered on Connor's lips. "Connor I-" he took in a shaky breath, tipping his head to softly press a kiss to Connor's brow, giving himself time to think for a moment. Was this ok? After so much that had happened between them, that happened today alone, was he allowed to love Connor again. He missed Connor, desperately so. "I told you once before love, no matter what may be happening between us, I will always accept any amount of love from you." Jas cupped Connor's cheek, gently stroking his cheek with one hand while the other traced over his lips. He pressed a kiss to Connor's nose, to his cheek, again to his brow before finally meeting his hazy gaze with a matching soft one of his own. "But Are you sure you don't want to wait? You just got divorced not an hour ago. And what about the kids?" He asked, as much as it pained him to suggest waiting he knew if the time ever came to slowly start rebuilding their relationship, he wanted everything to be right.
Connor frowned. He knew Jas was right, but the longer he waited, the longer he would feel the pain of not being able to call Jas his. "I know, the kids don't have to know for now, and we can still take things slow. I just…I've been staring at your lips for practically two days straight." He stared at the counter for a second before his eyes jumped back to Jas's. He was trying to push the feeling away, but being so close to Jas and having his finger run over his lips was not helping. Connor's eyes fluttered shut, giving into the warm feeling of his hand. "Jas, if you keep touching me like this, the idea of waiting will no longer be in my mind." He warned.
Jas arched an eyebrow, "you think you're going to be able to keep anything from your kids? Especially with one being a mind reader?" Jas laughed softly as he studied Connor, watching his reactions. It intrigued him, how such small gestures could make Connor melt. "Two days straight, oh you poor baby. How have you survived that long?" Jas teases sarcastically, continuing to run his thumb over Connor's lips while his free hand now came to rest at his waist, pulling him in closer. He dropped his voice as he hovered over Connor's lips, a hairs width away from kissing him. "Call this a little bit of payback, my Heart, for the countless lives I spent waiting for you. For the countless more I'd still wait to have you right here and call you mine once again." He murmured, finally giving in and removing his finger from Connor's lips in favor of wrapping his arm around him and pulling him as close as possible for the much needed kiss. Jas leaned in and gently brushed his lips over Connor's, shivering in delight at the found familiarity.
Connor felt a tightening in his chest. The pure joy from having his lips against Jas's was indescribable. "Fuck…" He mumbled against Jas's lips. He didn't pull away just yet, he wasn't kidding when he said he had been thinking about this for quite some time. He tilted his head to deepen the kiss and somehow found a way to pull Jas closer to him. Connor tried his best to keep his hands still on Jas's waist, but it was hard to do when he could feel the curves of his body moving. He mentally slapped himself and kept his hands still. His eyes would flutter open for just a second before closing back. He wasn't entirely sure this was real, but he was. He reluctantly pulled away to look at Jas so that he could catch his breath. "That was way better than I imagined it. We did this all the time in our last life?" Connor chewed on his bottom lip, that tightening in his chest giving him a good feeling called hope.
Jas hummed softly, gasping softly when he was pulled in by Connor, now halfway off the counter. He was still unused to their height difference but it made little difference. This was still Connor, the love of Jas' lives. Jas willed his hands to remain on Connor's waist, fighting the urge to bunch Connor's shirt in his hand, to find the scar on Connor's back or to remove the shirt completely. Jas followed Connor for a moment, pressing kisses to Connor's lips before he straightened and caught his breath, now back down on the ground. "you had doubts?" Jas asked with a teasing laugh, nodding his head "yeah, we did." Jas replied, hands dropping back to his side as they took a moment to breath, to organize their thoughts.
Connor gave a breathless, trying not to have his thoughts go any farther down the gutter. However, there was one question he had to ask. "Have we ever done anything more than just kiss and touch each other? I'm just wondering because it would be a shame if we did. Then I wouldn't be able to remember it. Just because we have a lead on where to find my memories doesn't mean I'll be able to get them back, you know?" Connor didn't want to let go of Jas yet; he still wanted to hold him close. He peeked down the hallway to see if his kids were still running around the apartment with the energy they had left. They happened to be sitting, playing with the action figures Jas had brought back. He leaned forward and snuck a kiss onto his lips.
Jas laughed softly and shook his head. "No, dear. We havn't, neither of us were quite ready for that yet in our last life. We didnt really get that far before your mission," he explained, a slight frown falling to his lips at the reminder of what had been Connor's last days. "I'd be more than happy to make new memories with you my love, but I really don't want to be the only one with our memories from our past life. They are far too precious to leave in the past." A muffled hum escaped him as Jas cupped Connor's cheek and kissed back, feeding into his love and proximity. He wrapped a secure arm around connor's waist before gently breaking away. "But If there is no true way of getting your memories back, I'd be more than happy to fill you in on what you've forgotten." He murmured, a hopeful smile on his features. "We'll have time for this later once we settle down." He promised, pressing one last kiss to Connor's lips before gently nudging him back and guiding him to the living room where suni was watching the kids play from his spot on the couch.
