forum You promise you won't forget us?

Started June 22, 2021 by @Festive_Fenrir

tune

Jas shook his head slightly, knowing Connor deserved a better chance than Jake, a better chance than him. But his love was a stubborn one, one of the many reasons Jas loved Connor. "All, completely yours." He promised softly, breath fluttering as Connor's kisses migrated to his neck. He hesitated slightly before gently pressing his hand against Connor's chest and feeling his quickened heartbeat. He laughed softly, resting his head against Connor's brow and pressing a kiss to his lips. "it was one of your favorite nicknames last life, I guess it stuck." He chuckled lightly, raising his gaze as Connor straightened, arching an eyebrow in intrigue. "oh really? I'll have to keep that in mind for later, my heart. Seeing that you love the idea of being beneath me." He purred, trailing slow kisses along Connor's neck and shoulders, that is until he saw Asher poking his head out of the guest bedroom, and paused.
He straightened off the wall and nodded, a bit flustered from being caught by the child but it offered him some much-needed relief. He chuckled as he slipped out from between the wall and Connor to heat the leftover pasta for both the kids and at the same time feed his cats, who had poked their heads out from the sunroom, already back in their routine. "Little scamps." He muttered, placing down their food and water. He glanced back over his shoulder, watching as Connor struggled to explain things to Asher. "Perhaps not something he needs to figure out right now, love." He came over to the two and lightly ruffled Asher's hair, giving him a wink before disappearing into the guest bedroom to gently wake up Charlotte, promising her good food and cuddles with the cats if she got up.
"We really need to be more careful, don't we?" Jas asked with a knowing grin as he walked back into the kitchen and found smaller bowls for the kids. "If you want more there's always more." He reassured, placing the two bowls of food on the table and grating fresh cheese on top of both.
"While they eat, I'm going to shower," he told Connor, pressing a kiss to his cheek as he walked to his bedroom.

He chuckled while setting them up at the table. "It seems so." He watched Jas walk away as his toddlers were eating their food. Once they finished, he cleaned up again, including the places they were eating, before returning them to bed. "I'm going to go check on Jas. You two get some sleep and are not getting up. We have a big day tomorrow, okay?" They both nodded and once they fell asleep, Connor went to the shower to check on how Jas was doing. A child ran down Connor's spine as he was walking to find the bedroom. A good one, as he remembered the kiss Jas planted on his neck. His body felt hot, and he felt like he wanted no needed more. He hung his head low because he remembered the kids were here, and even if that wasn't the case, he wanted to take it slow before jumping into a new relationship so soon after ending his incredibly poor one with Nick. Once he reached the bedroom, he saw the light terminating from the bathroom door and lightly locked it. "Jas? Are you all good in there? Do you need anything, or did you forget anything out here?" He figured once Jas would done, he would then be the one to go in the shower, and although he should've given Asher and Charlotte a bath, it was too late for them to be up, so he realized that morning would be the best time. It would also give Connor a chance to wake them up so they could be prepared for the next day.

As much as Jas wanted to spend every single moment by Connor, Jas had desperately needed a shower, and a bit of space. Connor had just gotten out of serious divorce and he had kids to consider before any further relationship with anyone were to happen. But then again, Connor seemed to want to be with Jas and despite everything, Jas couldn't help but feel a giddiness at that. That even without his memories Connor still picked him of all (arguably better) people to share this lifetime with. He smiled to himself, silently vowing repeating the vow he had made last life. He'd love Connor to no end, no matter what may separate them. Jas glanced up at the knock on the door. By now he had gone into auto pilot, showering like normal though for longer, and slipped into some pj's, just a random graphic shirt and shorts. He still had the towel over his head to dry his hair but other than that he was dressed. He opened the door to the backroom and leaned against the threshold. "You have a tendency of finding me while I shower you know that right. I'm starting to think you want to join me." He teased stepping aside to kt Connor inside. "It's all yours my love. Take as long as you need."

Connor's cheeks flushed crimson as he struggled to articulate his thoughts, his words stumbling over each other in a jumbled mess. Frustration crept into his voice as he attempted to convey his intentions, but his efforts only exacerbated the situation. With a resigned huff, he abandoned his futile attempts at coherence, his cheeks burning with embarrassment. "Whatever. Maybe I want to join you, Kitty," Connor finally blurted out, his words trailing off awkwardly as he closed the door behind him, seeking refuge from the awkward exchange. Leaning heavily against the door, he pressed his hands to his flushed cheeks in a feeble attempt to regain his composure. Suddenly realizing his oversight, Connor's eyes widened as he remembered his forgotten clothes. Peeking cautiously outside the door, he breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing Jas preoccupied, his attention elsewhere. Seizing the opportunity, Connor hurriedly retrieved his pajamas from the open suitcase beside the dresser before retreating into the bathroom's safety. Alone in the shower, Connor let the warm water cascade over him, washing away the lingering traces of embarrassment and uncertainty. With each scrub of his skin, he sought solace in the rhythmic motion, allowing the steady stream to soothe his frazzled nerves. Emerging from the shower, Connor draped a towel around his neck, its soft fabric providing a comforting embrace. With practiced movements, he began to towel dry his damp hair, the familiar routine offering a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of his swirling thoughts.

Jas grinned knowingly as he watched Connor stumble over his words for a few moments. He raised his hands in defense as he stepped aside to let Connor in and then was promptly shut out. "As you wish my heart. Next time I'll be awaiting you." He promised, chuckling lightly as he threw his clothes into a hamper basket and started unpacking his things from the suitcases. It amused him to no end knowing he still had a similar effect on Connor, even as the other had gotten far more confident and bold with his teasing comments. A smile still lingered on Jas' features even as he caught slight movement from the corner of his eye when Connor darted out of the bathroom and hastily grabbed some clothes. Jas decided not to comment or pursue, knowing Connor was flustered as it was and not wanting to add to the humiliation. After putting everything away, Jas grabbed a jacket from the closet and tugged it on along with a pair of slippers before heading out to the sunroom and relaxing before bed. He grabbed a glass of wine to sip at before bed as well as a good book and stepped out into the adjoining sunroom, most of the room covered in glass panels. He settled in a comfy lounge chair and tugged an already awaiting blanket over his lower half, a nice chill settling in that night over Italy. Letting his cats settle on top of him, Jas poured two wine glasses and chose one for himself. Toying with the wedding bands at his neck while simultaneously stroking his cat's, he began humming a tune, most likely something their band had come up with for a set but Jas wasn't paying much attention to the accuracy of the song. He was more interested in searching the skies for familiar constellations, naming them off followed by the stars within them that he could recall. He found one in particular, a red ball of light in the sky, a star he was fairly certain a part of some galaxy or another but he had come to associate the star with his Winston. Back when they had their life together, Winston's eyes had reminded Jas of that star and he had always told him he'd rather get lost in his eyes than the skies above since all the stars were captured right here in front of him. He pressed the wedding band to his lips, sending a small prayer to his star and smiling softly. "I'm okay now, bunny." He murmured reassuringly. "I found him again, and soon, I hope I can finally find you again."

Connor's brow furrowed as he skimmed the bedroom, a faint frown etching his features when he didn't spot Jas. He sat on the bed momentarily while he decided on what to do. Against waiting idly, he quietly padded through the house, his steps cautious as he sought out his partner. Eventually, he found Jas in the sunroom, a scene so picturesque it momentarily stole Connor's breath away. Leaning against the doorway, Connor watched in silent admiration as Jas sat bathed in the gentle glow of moonlight, a glass of wine cradled delicately in his hand. The tranquil sight of Italy's landscape stretching out beyond the sunroom window only added to the enchantment of the moment. Jas seemed lost in his own world, humming a tune that danced through the air, a melody Connor couldn't quite place. "Enjoying a quiet evening, Kitty?" Connor's voice, soft and teasing, broke the stillness of the room as he observed Jas, his gaze flickering to the two feline companions curled up beside him. "Looks like you've got quite the company there—three kitties indeed," he quipped with a playful grin. Noticing the untouched glass beside Jas, Connor surmised it was meant for him. With careful consideration not to disturb Jas's peaceful repose, he settled onto the edge of the chair Jas was sitting on careful not to disturb his current position, reaching for the wine glass. "Cheers?" he proposed, lifting his glass in a silent toast to their quiet evening together.

Jas' ears perked up as he glanced away from gazing at the stars, the still pinched between his fingers as he toyed with it, a gesture of comfort for him over the years. He smiled softly and nodded. "I come out here before bed to say good night to the cats and to relax a bit." He explained, gently rubbing the top of Winnie's head as he reached up for more pets. Ash had lazily stretched himself out across Jas's legs but picked his head up with a lazy blink when Connor approached. "Yep, it's been the three of us for a while now. This sweetheart is turning seven soon and that rascal just turned nine." He set the wine down and gently scooped the cats up to make space for Connor. "There's always room for more." He offered, handing off Winnie to Connor and cradling Ash in his arms, pressing a kiss to his nose. He grabbed his now near-empty wine glass and gently tinked it against Connors. "To a long and healthy life together, no matter how long or short that may be." he toasted, downing the rest of his wine before setting aside the glass. He glanced down as Ash pawed at his cheek and meowed for attention. "Now that COnnor's here you want my attention when you were lazing about before?" Jas shook his head and peppered Aher in kisses before standing to set him in his preferred spot in his cat tree to rest. "They'll eventually wander back to the bedroom later." He reassured, kneeling before Connor and stroking Winnie, the sweet cat already drifting off in Connor's arms. "I think that's our cue to head to bed too, love." He murmured, gently scooping Winnie, softly apologizing for disturbing him before putting him with Ash who immediately curled around Winnie and pushed his head against the other's cheek for comfort. Jas smiled and turned back to Connor, offering his hand to guide them back to his bedroom for much-needed sleep. "I'm honestly surprised you didn't collapse at the sight of a bed since you didn't sleep on the plane."

"I slept a little bit. I'm used to staying up late, so it's not that big of a deal besides," Connor's words tumbled out quickly, his voice carrying a hint of playfulness as he finished his wine in a swift motion. He reached out to grasp Jas's hand, fingers entwining in a comforting gesture. "As if I could ever sleep without you," he confessed, a fond smile gracing his lips. "It's like being wrapped in a cocoon of safety, especially when you're in your cat form. Your presence lulls me into such a deep sleep." With their fingers interlocked Connor gazed up at the night sky for a moment before guiding Jas back towards their bedroom. The transition from the cool night air to the slightly warmer interior caused a shiver to run down his spine, goosebumps prickling his skin. "I did consider waiting for you to return to bed, you know," he admitted, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. "But it seems I'm irresistibly drawn to you, like a magnet. I can't resist being near you." He joked and kissed Jas's cheek. He opened the door to their bedroom and flopped face down on the bed. He turned over on his back and gestured for Jas to join him.

"Ah, I see how it is. You only sleep with me because I can shift into a cuddly feline." He chuckled lightly and pressed a kiss to Connor's cheek. "I'm more than happy to be in whatever form you desire as long as you sleep as soundly as possible, my heart." He promised, following Connor back to their bedroom, making sure that the lights were turned off and the doors and windows were locked on their way back. "That would have been a lovely surprise, but then a glass of wine would have gone to waste and I would have kept you waiting." he reasoned as they reached the bedroom. Jas let Connor go for a moment to carefully unclasp his necklace from his neck and set it by his photo of him and Winston. "Now you have a taste of how I've felt for lifetimes." He teased, closing the bedroom door just enough to give them privacy but to let the cats or kids in if they needed them. Jas pushed aside the comforters and blankets and settled beside Connor, gathering him in his arms and nestling his head against his neck, kissing his neck in retaliation to when Connor had pinned him against the wall. "No matter what life we've been in, no matter for how long, I have always found you, Connor. I know it may not have been a comfort for you in the past but to me you were the only one keeping me sane, keeping me from not caring what happened to either of us. You were and still are my purpose for living." he murmured against his skin, tilting his head back slightly to gaze at Connor. "I love you, whether this is our last life together, if you forget about us against next life, or if we live forever, I will always love you." He reached up and pressed a kiss to Connor's lips, solidifying a promise of eternal love without condition.

"Whaaaaaaaaaat," Connor exclaimed playfully, his eyes widening in mock surprise. "No, I like cuddling you no matter how you take me, my dear," he added with a mischievous grin, teasing Jas gently. But beneath the banter, there was a deep affection in Connor's gaze as Jas spoke. He could feel the sincerity in every word, and it warmed his heart more than any fire ever could. Leaning into Jas's kiss, Connor savored the familiarity of their connection, finding solace in the comfort of their embrace. "I know, Jas," Connor whispered softly, his voice tinged with a reverence for their bond. "And I love you, too. More than words could ever express." As Jas held him close, Connor felt a wave of tranquility wash over him. Despite the uncertainties of life and the myriad challenges they had faced together, one thing remained unwavering: their love. It was a force that transcended time and space, binding them together across the ages in a tapestry of shared experiences and enduring affection. With a contented sigh, Connor nestled closer to Jas, his heart swelling with gratitude for their enduring connection. Connor ended up sleeping soundly that ni; despite it being a new place and experience, he could not resist Jas and the warmth of his body.

Jas playfully rolled his eyes but kissed Connor's brow affectionately regardless. "I'll gladly have you any way you wish so long as you let me uncontrollably love you." He murmured, pausing and watching Connor for a stunned moment. That small secretive little 'I know' had Jas' heart aching in longing. At that moment Jas desperately wanted to apologize for everything, for not finding Connor sooner than life like he had promised, for being blinded by his own selfish desire and not seeing what Jake was doing sooner, for ever allowing Jake to lay a hand on Connor. even just beyond this life, for being a terrible person, for not accepting Connor's rejections and moving on, for making their lives harder than they probably had to be. For everything. Jas couldn't quite tell if Connor meant that "I know" from knowing Jas in this life or if something deeper in him, beyond what his memory allowed him to remember knew just how far Jas's love ran for Connor. Either way, Jas squeezed Connor close, no longer shy of crossing boundaries, though he kept his embrace ever so slightly loose just in case as he entangled himself with Connor, threading his fingers through his hair and peppering him with kisses and "I love you's" as they both relaxed for sleep. With one last kiss to his brow and a final "Ti amo, tesoro mio" Jas settled into sleep, for once since he moved to Italy letting himself have his favorite dream and now sharing that with Connor, hoping to give him hope, and the promise of a lifetime of unrelenting love.

Connor awoke with a heavy sensation pressing down on his stomach, groaning as he rolled over. His discomfort multiplied when he felt an even larger impact on his side, prompting a loud exclamation as he opened his eyes to find Asher poised to leap onto him with all his might. "Alright, alright," he grumbled, reaching out to scoop up Asher before he could pounce. "I'm up, so let's put an end to the jumping, yeah?" Rubbing his side, he marveled at Asher's unexpected strength.

Attempting to avoid waking Jas, Connor glanced over to see Charlotte playfully poking and prodding Jas's sleeping form, her tiny fingers exploring his features with innocent curiosity. The sight left Connor feeling like he'd been turned to stone, his surprise momentarily paralyzing him. Silently, he lifted Charlotte into his arms, gently hushing her. "Hey there, sweetheart. It's not nice to play with other people's faces, you know?" he whispered softly.

"But it's time to wake up! You promised we'd have fun today! The sun's up, so I'm up, and that means it's playtime!" Charlotte declared theatrically, her enthusiasm mirrored by Asher's eager nodding.

"Alright, alright, just keep it down a bit, okay? Let's get you two some breakfast to settle you down." Planting a tender kiss on Jas's forehead, Connor slowly made his way to the kitchen, his steps sluggish with exhaustion. While he was surveying the fridge, he found only leftovers from the day before, which were hardly suitable for breakfast. However, a glance into the pantry revealed the ingredients needed to whip up some homemade pancakes, a task he enjoyed on occasion. Instructing Asher and Charlotte to stay put, he began mixing together the batter, the rhythmic sounds of whisking and sizzling slowly coaxing him into wakefulness.

At one point or another throughout the night Jas had shifted into his alternative cat form and had comfortably curled around Connor for the majority of the night. That is until every living being in his house came to wake them, including the kids and WInnie and Ash. Winnie, ever the sweetheart had made himself into a little ball on Jas's side and had fallen back asleep. Ash, being the more aloof one, had splayed out above Jas's head and was now flicking at his ears. It seemed that he took after Charlotte who he felt poking lightly at his face. Usually, if it was Ash, and oftentimes it was just him being annoying, Jas would give him a warning cuff over the ear. But it wasn't just them in the house anymore and Jas didn't want to scare the little girl. He purred softly, still not ready to wake up and he shook his head slightly and tucked his head against Connor's back to shield himself from being poked at further. That was until Connor disappeared from his side and theft the three cats in the bedroom and Jas with a sense of familiar loneliness.
Deciding he didn't like that all that much, Jas carefully nudged his cats to the side and stretched himself out with a wide yawn before shifting back to normal and tossing on a jacket while he got used to the morning chill. Pushing aside the curtains to let the morning sunlight in and warm the cats up while he prepared their breakfast, Jas took a moment to marvel at the situation. He had just spent a night with Connor in his arms, something he didn't think possible in this life or future ones. And in a few weeks or so they'd be seeing Finn and trying to get his memories back. In the meantime, Jas would show Connor and the kids his home, something he had only dreamed possible last life. He smiled to himself, the memory of their last few weeks together last life resurfacing. He had promised to bring Connor here one day, with the secret promise that it would be their honeymoon spot after they got married.
Bringing himself out of his thoughts, Connor scooped up a mewling Ash and Winnie and set them on his shoulders before heading out to the kitchen. He leaned against the threshold, watching as Connor easily fell into old habits of cooking and including the kids. "It smells amazing so far, love." He greeted warmly, pressing a kiss to Connor's cheeks and playfully ruffling the kid's hair before he grabbed the cat's feeding bowls and filled them with food and water.

His heart skipped a beat in response to the compliment accompanied by a kiss. "Good morning to you, too," Connor replied with a warm smile, feeling a rush of affection for Jas. As he watched Jas effortlessly move around the kitchen, he couldn't help but admire his ease and familiarity in the space. However, a twinge of guilt nagged at him as he realized he hadn't asked permission to use the kitchen. "I hope it's alright that I'm using your kitchen and digging around your house like this," he mentioned apologetically. Continuing his train of thought, Connor addressed the earlier incident with Charlotte. "Also, sorry about Charlotte earlier," he added, his voice laced with sincerity, "she was just trying to wake you up, or maybe she was curious why there was a big kitty in the bed, but either way, sorry." He hoped his apology would suffice, knowing that Jas understood such matters. Returning to the present task, Connor resumed humming the tune he had heard Jas humming the night before. Although unfamiliar, the melody had become lodged in his mind, a pleasant echo of the night's serenade. "At least you didn't get Asher jumping on your stomach," he remarked with a wince, recalling the discomfort from earlier, "I still have pain from that. I don't know how many times he jumped on me, but when I finally woke up, it wasn't the first time." As he finished preparing the pancake batter, Connor turned on the stove and retrieved a pan from the lower cupboard. With practiced ease, he spread a thin layer of butter on the heated surface before pouring out two pancakes. "Now all we have to do is wait," he announced with a grin, leaning against the counter next to the stove, his arms crossed over his chest. "You know what would make my body feel better," he teased, a playful glint in his eyes, "a massage from you."

Jas paused and shook his head "My heart, you have nothing to apologize for. Whatever is in this house is for you and the kids to freely use, I promise." He carefully scooped Charlotte up in his arms and balanced her on his hip as he leaned against the counter. "As you this little one," He gave the girl a wink "it was nothing compared to what Ash has done, so don't worry, dear. I'd be curious if I saw a giant cat too." He set the girl down to let her play with her brother while they finished up breakfast in the kitchen. Jas carefully encircled Connor in his arm, pressing a soft kiss to his exposed neck. He muttered a few of the lyrics to the song in Italian, still trying to wake himself up. "I'll gladly trade the cat's sharp claws for being jumped on any day, love, just say the word. Those two rascals are vicious when they're hungry." He warned, nodding to his two cats, now angellically sitting by their empty bowls of food, looking up at Jas expectantly. Jas glared at the both of them before letting Connor go to attend to his cat's every want and whim. He scooped the cats up and put them in the sunroom before returning to clean their bowls and get them fresh water. Once they were situated and taking an after-breakfast nap, Jas returned to the kitchen. "You poor thing," Jas cooed, a playful grin on his features as stepped closer to Connor. "So long as you made pancakes to spare." He pressed a kiss to Connor's cheek and slowly started massaging Connor's lower back, putting slight pressure on the muscles and moving in slow deliberate circles. "Better? He asked softly, keeping an eye on the pancakes while trying to alleviate Connor's discomfort. "I'm honestly surprised you're not used to this, my heart. This can't be the first time you've been awoken by your kids jumping on top of you."

He pouted his tone, a mix of frustration and playful whining. "Yeah, it's not the first time, but that doesn't mean it doesn't still hurt every time," he admitted. Connor found himself leaning into Jas's touch, momentarily forgetting about the pancakes sizzling on the stove. With a quick flip, he revealed perfectly browned pancakes, a sigh of relief escaping him as he avoided any potential burning mishaps. "He's such a little ball of energy, though. It's so hard to stay mad at someone excited about everything," he chuckled, shaking his head at Asher's boundless enthusiasm. "But being attacked by a cat every morning doesn't sound like fun either." As he continued to cook, Connor's thoughts wandered, "I think I had a cat once…" He trailed off, "Wait, no, I had a run-in with a cat in a library. Yeah, that's what it was. A strange little black cat, if I remember correctly. It was at the organization I used to be a part of. Weird, right? You wouldn't expect to find animals roaming around a place with that level of security, especially at those hero organizations," he mused, the memory bringing a quirk to his lips. Turning to Jas, he planted a gentle kiss on his cheek. "Why don't you go sit down? I was only joking about the massage before, but thanks anyway. The pancakes will be done soon," he reassured, a warm smile accompanying his words.

"It's fully expected of a young growing boy. We'll have to get that energy outside today, won't we?" Jas asked, watching Asher run around the dining room table and then zoom back into the living room. "I'll trade you my cats for the kids anytime you need a change of pace, heart." he teased, playfully glaring as Ash rubbed against his leg. Jas paused to scoop the cat up and set him onto his shoulder's before resuming his hug. Jas pressed his face against Connor's neck, falling silent as Connor recounted another memory. "No, I suppose you wouldn't. Lucky cat I suppose." He murmured, unable to tell Connor that it was him. He didn't want to bring down the morning's mood by making Connor feel guilty about not remembering Jas. He was grateful that Connor remembered anything from their past lives. Ash purred softly and licked at Jas's hair in comfort. Jas chuckled softly and scratched the cat behind the ears as a silent thank you before moving to cradle him in his arms. "Consider it a thank you for cooking for us this morning, darling." He leaned into the kiss before setting Ash down to help start setting up for breakfast. "What host would I be if I didn't help with breakfast, hm? Besides, what would I do just sitting there while you did all the hard work." He shook his head and grabbed plates from the cabinets, bowls, utensils, and anything Connor might need to serve breakfast. "They look amazing, my heart." He pressed a kiss to Connor's cheek in thanks as he grabbed fresh fruit and a whipped cream can from the fridge for the kids to top their pancakes off with.

(MY APS ARE OVERRRRRRR)
Connor's voice conveyed genuine appreciation as he addressed his companion, his eyes alight with warmth and gratitude. "Mmm, look at you. You've always had a knack for lending a hand. But if I'm being honest, you've been there for me ever since the day we met. So, let me return the favor. How about you take a moment to relax and let me handle things for a change? After all, you're the one guiding us around today, aren't you? Consider that your contribution for the day." With a gentle touch, Connor carefully placed the stack of golden-brown pancakes in the center of the table, arranging them precisely so that each kid would receive their fair share. He put out two pancakes for each little one while allowing himself three, a small indulgence he felt he had earned. He then gestured for Jas, to take his portion. "Thank you for the fruit," Connor remarked, nodding appreciatively towards the bowl of vibrant produce. "It's something I often overlook, you know, I should really be feeding them more so when they're older they'll get used to it but I always forget. I still feel like a new parent sometimes." A thoughtful expression crossed Connor's face as he considered the challenges and joys of parenthood. "It's quite the journey. But having you here by my side makes it all the more manageable." He glanced affectionately at the children, their faces illuminated with anticipation as they awaited their breakfast. "And seeing them enjoy a wholesome meal like this reminds me why I embarked on this adventure in the first place. It's about nurturing their bodies and spirits, guiding them towards a brighter future."

(let's go! Hope they went well!)

Jas eventually relented to Connor's request but not without a quick kiss and gentle squeeze around his waist. "You're the one who deserves to relax my love." He murmured, already coming up with places to go to that would be fun for the whole family. He let the other go and settle at the dining room table with a cup of espresso, his cats joining him and then soon the kids as breakfast was served. He sipped at his morning brew and petted his cats, his ears relaxed against his head in content as he watched their morning begin. "To be fair, you are a relatively new parent, dear. You'll learn as you go, and you have plenty of time with these two to make mistakes and learn every which way to be the best parent to your own kids. Which by the way, you already are, so don't worry." He reassured, taking two pancakes and a few slices of fruits with a bit of whip cream. "I'm glad I can help in any way, heart. Regardless of what we may have been through, I would do anything for you and the kids." He gently nudged his cats away from the plate, chuckling lightly when Winnie accidentally got some whip cream on his nose. "I couldn't have put it better myself, dear." He agreed, gently squeezing Connor's hand before beginning to eat.

Charlotte and Asher hummed and nodded at each other as they stuffed their faces with food. Soon enough, they were trying to steal bites from each other's plates as if the food on one plate was better. Connor chuckled at their antics, telling them to slow down since he had made plenty for everyone. "So, what's the plan for today, honey?" Connor asked, cutting himself a piece of pancake. After chewing thoughtfully, he added, "I'm also fine with staying here all day with you. However, this city is too beautiful not to go and see it. But you are also too beautiful for me not to give my full attention to." He smiled warmly, glancing around the table at his family. The morning light streamed through the windows, casting a golden glow on their faces and making the room feel cozy and inviting. The aroma of freshly cooked breakfast filled the air, mingling with the sounds of contented munching and soft giggles from Charlotte and Asher. Connor reached out to gently squeeze his partner's hand. "Whatever we decide to do, I'm just happy to be spending the day with you and the kids. The see is too beautiful not to see but you are too beautiful to not have my full attention on." He took another bite of his pancake, savoring the sweet, buttery flavor. Asher, with a mischievous grin, attempted to swipe another bite from Charlotte's plate, and she responded with a playful swat at his hand. Connor couldn't help but laugh, "Asher please, let your sister eat in peace."

Jas gently kissed Connor's knuckles and gave a charming smile, "What has this kitty ever done to be deserving of your undivided attention, hm?" he asked, loosely intertwining their hands as they continued their peaceful morning. "I was hoping to take everyone to the main city today and explore the shops and restaurants. Let the kids explore the toy and candy shops, and treat them a little for taking the situation so well. Once the sun goes down, we could go to the beach, let the kids run and play out the rest of their energy, and enjoy the cooler weather before heading home. How does that sound, love?" he glanced down at his lap as Ash hopped up on his lap and pawed gently at the plate, meowing softly for food. "you had food, sweet thing." Jas chided softly, gently nudging his cat back before tearing off a piece of the pancake and offering it to him. "We'll have plenty of time to spend here at the house and to make it more of a home for you and the kids," he promised, watching as Winnie came over from the sunroom and flopped on his side in a sunspot provided by the window across the room. Jas smiled and set Ash down so that he could join his companion.

Connor smiled and squeezed Jas's hand gently. "Sounds like a plan. You're right. I'm so happy they handled it well. I was afraid they would look at me differently or side with Jake. But I'm glad they trusted you and me." Finishing his breakfast, Connor stood and carried his plate to the sink. "Charlotte and Asher, hand me your dishes when you're done. I'll wash them for you. And no running—I wouldn't want you dropping the dish and risking it breaking."

"Okay!" they yelled in unison, their voices filled with innocent enthusiasm. They continued eating, but soon after, they stood up from their seats, holding their dishes up to Connor with proud smiles. Crumbs adorning their faces made the gesture all the more endearing.

"Thank you," Connor said warmly, taking the dishes from them. "Now go wipe your mouths. I'm sure Jas can show you where the napkins are."

Jas guided the kids to the napkins, his gentle demeanor calming and reassuring them. Meanwhile, Connor started washing the dishes, rinsing off the syrup before soaping them down. He couldn't help but smile, a warmth spreading in his chest. "Ah… They're so adorable," he said, his grin growing wider by the second.

As he worked, he heard Charlotte's voice behind him. "Hey, is Jas, our new mommy?"

Connor choked, starting to cough in surprise. "Charlotte, what?" He took a deep breath, trying to organize his thoughts.

Charlotte looked up at him with innocent eyes. "Well, you're our dad and you seem to like Jas. And you're always together, and you like putting your faces together, so it makes sense."

"Putting our faces together? You mean kissing!?" Connor exclaimed, feeling a blush creep up his neck.

Charlotte nodded solemnly. "Yeah, like that. Isn't that what mommies and daddies do?"

Connor took another deep breath, trying to find the right words. He dried his hands and kneeled down so he could be face-to-face with her. "Well, Charlotte, it's a bit more complicated than that," Connor touched her head, moving his hand side to side as if she were a cat. Jas is very special to me, and we greatly care about each other. But being a family means a lot of different things. It's about love, trust, and caring for each other. For now, go wipe your face, okay?"

Jas shook his head "I'm sure they have their own opinions about everything but for now, I think it's best if they work them out themselves. They'll talk when they're ready." He said softly, watching in amusement as the kids devoured their breakfast. He stood with his own finished plate and put it in the sink, leaning in and pressing a kiss to Connor's shoulder as a silent thank you before heading off to change for the day and tidy up the bedroom. Apparently, his cats didn't get the memo of organizing, as they were adamant on making that as hard as possible for Jas as they played on the bed he was currently trying to make. "Play nice you two." He begged, gently pring ash off Winnie where he had triumphantly pinned the other down. By now he just gave up on trying to straighten the sheets and covered the bed and his cats in the comforter, letting them struggle their way out when they were done playing.
He changed into something more appropriate for the warm weather, a light breezy shirt and some shorts, something he didn't mind getting sand and water on when they went to the beach. He was vaguely aware of the conversation in the kitchen as he found an extra pack of napkins in a storage closet for the kids. As much as he loved Connor and the kids, Jas wouldn't even pretend to be a replacement parental figure. They still had to get Connor's memories back and he had just gotten out of a serious relationship and divorce. Jas would do his absolute best to make them comfortable and be as supportive as possible but he wouldn't push for any title or claim on a family that wasn't his own.
He stepped into the kitchen, offering a reassuring smile as he helped the young girl clean her face. "Your dad is right, princess. I love your dad and you and your brother very much, but for now your dad and I are good friends. We just might do things a little differently than other people."

Connor paused, the words “Good Friends” echoing in his mind. He glanced back at Jas, feeling a storm of emotions churning. Connor had first labeled their relationship as complicated, a sentiment that still held true. They weren’t just friends, yet that’s all they were, at least for now. Connor didn’t remember the Jas he had loved from a past life, and he certainly wasn’t the Connor Jas used to know. Until his memories returned, he couldn’t truly understand his feelings. His mind raced in circles, always returning to the same question: what were they? His kids had a point—if they weren’t together, why were they doing things only couples did? “Maybe I should hold off,” he muttered, scrubbing the dishes more force than necessary.

“Oh…well, I hope you figure it out soon. Cause Dad seems to smile a lot when you’re here!” Charlotte chimed in, her face smeared with food. Jas gently helped her clean up, prompting Charlotte to giggle. “Oooo, let me do it for Asher!” she exclaimed, grabbing a napkin.

“No, I can do it myself!” Asher protested, but Charlotte chased after him with the napkin, mimicking Jas’s earlier actions. “Dad, help me!” Asher called out, dodging his sister.

“Hey, what did I say about running? Your powers are still new, so you could—” Connor’s words were cut off by a loud bang, causing him to flinch. He sighed and walked over to where Asher had collided with the wall. Charlotte was a fair distance away, so he suspected Asher had activated his powers. “Asher, let me see,” he said, kneeling down to inspect his son. Fortunately, Asher wasn’t hurt, but there was a small indent in Jas’s wall. Connor took a deep breath, quelling his initial anger. This wasn’t his home, after all. “Just be more careful next time, okay? Maybe I shouldn’t give you this much sugar,” he added, ruffling Asher’s hair.

Jas gave the girl a kind smile and laughed lightly "As do I, princess. I'm glad I make your dad happy. I hope you and Asher are also happy." He ruffled the girl's hair once he was done cleaning her face, his smile faltering ever so slightly as he breifly glanced at Connor and found turmoil in his eyes. He wasn't entirely sure if what he had told Charlotte was accurate but it was the easiest way to explain their relationship to the young girl. He only now realized how cold that may have seemed. 'Good friends' was so simple and uncarring when Jas cared far too much. It had taken him a long while to sort out his feelings, and sometimes Jas still struggled with them. Jas knew Conor far beyond just one life and even when Connor hated him Jas still gave him his heart. So Jas learned to love this Connor as he had done every other life. With or without the memories, Jas would do nothing less than love his hero.
His grin returned as he watched the kids chase each other around the house. "Those two remind me so much of Suni, Sash and I growing up. We'd always want to be like the others or take care of the others." He reminiced, shaking his head fondly as he took up Connor's spot at cleaning the remaining dishes, pausing to make sure Asher was alright before returning, paying no mind to the small indent on the wall. "Don't worry, heart. The cats have done worse." He reassured, watching as Connor consoled the young boy. "Go change with the kids. I'll finsih up here and then we'll head out for our little day of adventure."