Jax closed his eyes for a short moment, leaning forward as if he was going to pass out. Time was going by frame by frame like a movie. He managed to stabilize himself and smiled slightly. “Sorry.” He croaked and looked up at Cass. “I appreciate the offer, but it might be difficult to make my favorite meals. I loved the ones my mom made, and I…” He paused, suddenly close to tears. “I, er, haven't…she.. she’s been gone for nine years.” Jax grasped into one of Cass’ arms for support. His hands were hot to the touch, the skin tough. “They’re dishes that are native to Greece. You think you can make it them if I gave you the recipes?” He laid back down, so he didn’t hit his head by falling over.
“No. I've been alone for nine years of my life. I never trusted many. Most of them took advantage and kicked me to the ground. My only companion was my dog, Pheonix, and…She’s… Well, you know.” Tears dotted his eyes. “She’s buried in peace.” He turned his head away from Cass, stressed out by his past. His heart rate was very high. His pulse could have probably leaped out of his throat. Jax took a deep breath and composed himself. “So no. I took care of myself and my dog. Mostly my dog. That's it.”
Cass smiles "i mean if you give me the recipes, im sure i could at least try to make them." he says with a shrug.
If Jax hadn't laid down sooner, Cass would have told him to lay back down so he didn't faint or anything of the sorts.
He nods with Jax's words, wondering how in the world he survived on his own. Did he avoid other people on purpose because he never trusted them? There was no way he could have gone throughout this whole thing without finding a single other soul…right?
It did all depend on where he lived and how he chose to live in this world that affected how many people he's run into… if any.
"That's alright" he says, his voice soft and low. "Did you run into anybody within the past six months-since this started i mean?" Cassius asks once again. "just answer what you can. If you don't feel like you can-or should…you don't have to"
(sorry it's a little short)
Jax sighed. His whole body felt fatigued, but he continued to talk. "Thank you. I’ll write them up for you in between the spikes of this illness." He placed his arm over his forehead, thankful that the natural light was dimming. "I'd appreciate it a ton." He relaxed his body as he sunk into the couch. "Do you have any medicine?" It didn't hurt to ask, but he didn't think he could fight this off on his own, especially with the fever fluctuating every few hours. He fixed his gaze on Cass. "I did, yes. However, they used me. I didn't want to be a part of any other groups. They were made up of horrible people who suggested that they eat my pet." He sighed and wiped his tears away. He huffed and wiped tears from his eyes. "Sorry. I find it difficult to speak about my dog. For six years, she was my only family." He tilted his head back and started to breathe through his mouth to get more air. "It's a dangerous world out there. Not because of the zombies— because of the survivors."
Cassius puts his hand on Jax's shoulder "thats okay. That's all i needed. Thank you Jax. I appreciate you" he says in a soft whisper.
His good eye looking over Jax and his body to make sure he didnt have any other injuries they should know about or if he was getting too hot.
He truly was getting worried for Jax and his well being, even though he hadn't known him for more than a few hours. He was already racking his brain with what he could do for him to help ease his suffering.
The first thought was shoot him. But he shook that thought away as it was one of those intrusive thoughts that he deemed not his own.
Cassius takes his hand away from Jax slowly, careful not to spook him in his fragile state.
"Uhm I've grown a little bit of ginger in the backyard. It wouldn't do a whole lot but it would help. Other than that, i don't have anything else that would help this. My apologies" Cass says.
Jax smiled at Cass softly. He hadn’t smiled at another like this in years. “Glad I could help in some way. I’d be careful if you go outside.” He closed his mouth instead of leaving it open to breathe. “You can always send me instead. It would be better that way.” His glance shot over to little Fia and lands back on Cass. “She can’t lose her father.” He whispers only for Cass to hear. He didn’t want the girl to think of that possibility. When Cass removed his hand, Jax grabbed it and squeezed it tight. He realized what his body had just done, and he let go. “Sorry. I’m not in the right frame of mind.” And that was the truth. He saw himself as eight years old when he had the flu. His mom would make him chicken soup and tell him everything was going to be alright. He shook his head. He had forgotten about the pain in his arm until it slipped under him, his body weight crushing it. Jax yelped in pain and grabbed Cass’ hand again. He frowned, “Sorry. It’s a habit. A bad habit that makes me seem like a young child.” He looked away out of embarrassment, and rightfully so. “Catnip helps with fever. Maybe if you had any around and made some herbal tea, it could help. There’s a list of helpful herbs in my bag.”
(It's okay Jax. Cass is there to tell you it's alright TT^TT)
Cassius shakes his head "I can't let you go out there like this Jax. I'll be fine" he says, his voice trailing off just a little.
His words hit Cass in the chest hard. He couldn't bare the thought of his daughter without him to protect her.
The possibility made his heart heavy and his head spin. Though he tries his best to not think about it…
So he pushes the thoughts aside and looks Jax in there eyes, giving his hand a squeeze when he grabs in. When he let go it was a little confused until he apologized for his actions.
Cass offers him a smile yet again (Lol so many smiles ^3^) "it's fine. I don't mind at all" he says in a reassuring whisper.
"I'm already taking care of one kid. What's one more" he shrugs? Trying to make the mood just a bit lighter.
"I'd love to look at that list later if you don't mind" he says? Keeping his hand in his. He wasn't about to let Jax be alone in this world.
Just then Ophelia comes in at a rather fast pace, almost spilling half a bowl of tomato soup, gripping her spoon in her fist. Cass looks over to her, watching as she sat down once again and starts eating. He was amazed by how much she could eat-but then again tomato soup wasn't the most filling.
Fia looks from one man to the other with her big brown eyes "Jack…s" she starts, correcting herself once she realized she said his name wrong. "Are you going to leave?" She asks, wiping the red soup from her lips and onto her shirt. Even though Cass had told her so many times to not do so. Just because the world's ended doesn't mean manners have to go out with it.
(Bucky wanted me to let you guys know that the reason she's been gone is bc she had a whole bunch of things (involving work stuff) pop up all of the sudden and she forgot to tell everyone she wouldn't be replying as much for a little bit. So that's why she wasn't been on this past week)
Jax takes one long look at Cass. “It’s better for me than possibly risking your life. You’re perfectly healthy and should care for your daughter.” Not in the right frame of mind was an understatement. “Plus, I know what catnip looks like.” He sat up and attempted to stand. His legs gave out underneath him like a newborn fawn. The room spun, making the scenery mash into odd colors. He fell back down on the couch, cursing under his breath. He needed to get better quickly. Lying around like a useless sack of potatoes didn’t get anything done. He tried to stand again to no prevail. Jax nodded his head when Cass said it was okay for him to hold his hand. He laid back down, “Well, Cass, I’m a 21-year-old adult. Not a child. I shouldn’t be acting like this. I should be taking care of myself.” Not in the right frame of mind, indeed.
Jax reached down next to Cass, looking for something in his bag. He pulled out the list of medicinal herbs and their healing properties. He gave Cass the list, “If you have any questions, please ask. I’d be happy to answer them.” Jax watched little Fia run over with her bowl of soup and softly smiled. “Be careful, little one. Don’t want to spill your soup.” Her little voice rang in his ear with the words Are you going to leave? He wasn’t sure if he should or not. He figured it’d be better to leave the two alone. Jax shook his head, “I don’t think so. Plus, I can’t leave right now. I am in no condition.”
(Let Bucky know she should take as much time as she needs. I know life can get a little hectic <3 Also thank you for relaying the message)
Cass sets a hand on his shoulder when he tries to get up, not forcing him down, nor putting any pressure onto him. "just stay down its okay. The more you move the longer its going to last" he says "Even adults get sick. And even adults need someone to care for them every once in a while. Even me" Cass reassures him. Hoping that would make him feel a little better about the whole situation.
He takes the list carefully, "thank you. Ill look at it later." he says setting it on the end table next to the two men.
"And thank you for being so open about everything. I really appreciate it. I don't expect anyone to be open with each other nowadays"
Fia speaks up after another spoonful of soup "When you get better" she starts, looking to her dad, then back to Jax "will you help us?" she asks
Cass lets out a deep sigh, knowing what she was going to ask next.
(yeah ofc! Ill let her know ^^)
Cass' attempt to keep him down serves as a warning to Jax, who sits down. "Are you certain? I have to get up and do something. I can't stand being off my feet. But I suppose I should get some rest." He drew the blanket up to his chest and put his hand on Cass' hand. "I suppose adults get sick…but it makes me feel childish. How I wish I were younger." He leaned his head on his left shoulder and closed his eyes. "Thank you for your assistance, Cass." He removed his hand from the man's. "I am never open to anyone. It's my first time, and I'm surprised by myself." He smiled slightly, glad that Cass was the only person to whom he had opened up. He sat up at an angle on the couch's arm, leaning against it. "It's no problem. I find herbs to be effective, especially since we don't have access to modern medicine." He smiled as he looked over to Fia. As if that was even a question, he waved his hand. "Of course, I'll help you." Then he heard Cass' sigh, feeling like he answered her question wrong.
Ophelia lets out a small gasp, her smile wide as she looks to Cass. "See!? I told you he would!" she says excitedly.
Cass looks to Jax then to his daughter "yeah. You were right" he says calmly, thankful he didn't ask any questions about it.
He looks to Jax once again "Here we can let you rest. There's nothing we can do during the storm anyway." He shrugs "once you get better though, it'd be nice to have another guy around here. It's just been Fia and i for-" he stops, his mind going back to his wife…how it wasn't even a full month ago that she had passed… "for a while now" his voice picks up once again.
Cassius didn't expect Jax to do anything for them, he only wanted him to get as much rest as he could so he could get to feeling better. Normally Cass would expect a good bit from someone who wanted his hospitality. From someone who walked right into their home wanting safety in his home.
But Cass liked to think he could tell Jax was a good man he could trust.
Jax laughed at Fia’s excitement. “Yes, I will help…with what?” And here came the question Jax probably should have asked. To be honest, he was curious about what he was helping with. He had an inkling Cass didn’t want him asking, but he just couldn’t help himself. “Of course, I’d help. You guys are sheltering me.” He was still unsure what he was agreeing to help with, but it couldn’t be anything bad. He repositions himself to be more comfortable. “I hate the sound of storms. They give me bad anxiety.” Jax was going off-topic, but he got himself back on track. “I’ll do whatever you need me to. I can tell you need some company.”
Jax watched Cass, his eyes closing on him. He didn’t want to go to sleep. He found his dreams to be scary, but a little cat nap wouldn’t hurt. Who knew, he might be out for an hour or two. That would be nice, but unfortunately, that fluttered open as soon as they closed. He grunted in anger. He listened to the rain instead, flinching when the thunder crackled.
Fia opens her mouth to speak, but Cassius speaks up first "we can talk about that later." he says to Jax and his daughter. Ophelia finishes her soup and stands, running into the kitchen without a word. She didn't seem sad or disappointed, just distracted.
A clap of thunder makes Cass jump as well and you could hear a small yelp from the kitchen from Ophelia as she wasn't expected the loud bang either.
The thunder rattles the floor underneath them and the walls around them. You hear Ophelia's small feet scamper back into the living room and to Cass. He turns to her as she puts her arms around him, her cheek squished against his chest. He wraps his arms around her "It's better upstairs. If you'd like to come up" he looks to Jax "you're more than welcome to"
Cass was never afraid of thunderstorms, seeing them as more comforting than something to fear. But he did understand how it would make one scared and anxious.
Ophelia on the other hand… it all depended on her mood and the mood around them. Normally if her and Cassius were snuggled next to the fireplace during a thunderstorm she wouldn't mind the loud roars of the thunder and flashes of lightning. The rain pattering on the roof and against the windows had always been calming to both Cass and his daughter. It was calming to his wife as well. She always said that it offered her a sense of grounding. It helped her know she was still here.
Cassius never knew what she really meant by that until she was gone. And now… its all he could think about.
Jax wondered why Cass what cut his daughter off from speaking. She was innocent enough and couldn’t have intentions of malice. “Alright.” Jax jumped at another clap of thunder. He couldn’t stand it. It made him feel sick to his stomach. He looked paler than before me, and his body ached. The pain was dull but still annoying. He looked at as and went back to holding his hand. Was it strange that Cass reminded him of his older brother? Possibly. Did was want comfort from someone who felt like family? Very much so. His skin was clammy and hot to the touch. It would be somewhat alarming to anyone who brushed against him. “Please, if you’d let me. I’d like to lay in a real bed. The couch is hurting my back.” He giggled weakly. “But I don’t know how well I can move.” Jax’s eyes stung, so he squeezed them shut, and little droplets dripped down his face. He felt like he was living on the sun.
Jax continued to hold Cass’ hand, feeling like a big child. “I’m sorry.. you just remind me of my dear older brother..” He looked away, not wishing to talk about his family any further. “He took care of me when my parents were away. And then it was my fiancé. And then it was no one.” He technically hadn’t been alone for nine years. He had his fiancé for a few years. He’d known her for four out of those nine. They had gotten engaged, but three months later, she died along with their one-year-old son. But those four years went by so quickly, that it felt like he was alone. From the blooming of their relationship, to engagement, and to her death. He was a father at the age of twenty for a brief time, yes. Now you find him silently singing happy birthday to each of his relatives to himself. Everything was just a distant, painful memory.
(Sorry for backstory inconsistencies. I decided to throw in his wife and kid, but make them dead. Just for the reason I didn’t feel like playing as his wife/fiancé if she were still alive.That’s pretty dark)
(lol thats fine! I love it )
There wasn't malice of any sort within their motives, Cass simply didn't want to talk about what Ophelia wanted his help with.
To anyone else it would seem like it was a small, miniscule thing but to him… something like this wasn't something Cassius wanted to take a chance with. It was dangerous and letting Jax in was risky enough as is.
Thinking about it gave him a headache so he cancels out his thoughts, shaking himself out of it.
He looks into Jax's eyes, his brows creased in worry.
Listening to his words made Cass feel a twinge in his chest. He didn't know whether it was from guilt or something else he couldn't put his finger on. But this pain wrapped around his heart didn't go away. It only grew stronger with every word that came out of Jax's mouth.
Cassius realized what the pain was when Jax mentioned his fiancé. He knew what it was like to lose the love of his life. Someone you've build a life with, a home with…a family with. His eyes start to gloss over the slightest before he blinks them away quickly. Cass squeezes his hand "you're not alone anymore" he says quietly
Tears were falling down Jax’s face. “Sorry. I’ve lost a lot of relatives, but… that was the worst one other than my mother.” He swallowed harshly and smiled. “I know I am not alone, but I wish I could bring them back. My child never got to grow up.” He glanced over at Ophelia and looked away. Was he jealous? Maybe. Jax sighed and sat up. “Can we go upstairs?” He asked hoarsely. “I have a crick in my back from laying on the couch.” Hungry had hit him like a train, but he didn’t have an appetite. “Could I also maybe have a hug?” He studied Cass steadily. “Maybe you need a hug.” He leaned in for a hug, collapsing against Cass from exhaustion. The wound on his arm looked red and swollen. After a few hours of having it, it wouldn’t be red and swollen. The big caveat to Jax’s whole situation was that Cass had glossed over a wound. Jax had a wound on his leg that was neither fresh nor old. It was also swollen and red with gross, infectious-looking stuff clouding around it. It had pained him for a few days, but he ignored it. Some could wonder how Jax managed to keep himself alive for five years. “I’m glad I’m not alone anymore.” He whispered to Cass, still slumped against him.
Cass lets his eyes water once again as Jax collapses into him. Her wraps his arms around Jax's body, holding him tight as he pressed his cheek to his head, closing his eyes. Cass wasn't about to let him be alone in this anymore. And he was glad Jax knew that.
Even though Cassius hadn't known him for even a full day, he felt like he's known him a lifetime. Well…if you could go a lifetime knowing a person but knowing barely anything about them.
He did need a hug so he greatly appreciated this. He believed hugs were the key to a happy life. So why would he ever reject one?
Fia watches for a few seconds before running upstairs, her hand sliding along the creaky railing as she does. She slips into the spare bedroom they had that she never really went into. She looks around the room for a blanket but decides to get one from her and her dads room. A quilt they found when they had first found this house. It was a bit heavier, fabric squares of green, red, and white had been stitched together. Cassius did a good job washing out all of the blood and it wasn't of any sentimental value so they kept it as a spare.
Ophelia carries the quilt over her shoulder, the edges and corners dragging along the hardwood floor as she did so. She heaves it onto the mattress with a bit of struggle before she tries to even it out and "make the bed".
Cass takes in a small, yet deep breath, pulling away just a little from Jax, looking towards the staircase then back to Jax "by the sounds of it, Fia's getting the room ready. Why wont we head up. Ill carry you if need be" he offers, saying the last part in a sort of joking manner. Though if Jax needed it, he wouldn't be opposed. Though he learned the hard way from earlier that Jax wasn't exactly light.
Jax let himself be helped by Cass. His entire body felt weak, feeling bad when he collapsed into the man’s arms like a weighted blanket. But Cass’ embrace was warm and delightful. He hadn't experienced such a warm hug since his fiancé died. Jax lay his head in the crook of Cass’ neck, his leg suddenly giving him signals of pain. His jaw tightened as he gritted his teeth and he let out a soft whine. He didn’t like being whiny. “Cass, thank you.” He murmured, closing his eyes. The leg pain was worse than his arm, and he knew it was best to tell Cass. “Cass? Don’t be mad at me… but there’s a wound on my leg. I forgot about it and it was never closed. I think it’s infected.” Jax realized saying ‘it’s infected' was not something you’d want to hear in an apocalypse. “With a normal infection. Not some zombie thing.” He whispered. He’s already accepted Cass’ kindness and likes the warmth it brought, but he wouldn’t be surprised if he’d overused this man’s kindness.
Jax pulled away from the embrace slightly and looked at Cass. Everything outside the hug felt cold. Especially him. Jax hated how cold he felt, his body shivering. “I could probably limp up the stairs with your assistance. I’m not stable on my own two feet.” Not himself anyway. He’d have to use Cass as a crutch. He heard the little pitter-patter of Fia’s footsteps and smiled. Jax urged to lay in a bed and sink into the soft mattress. He hadn’t laid in a decent bed for a year. “I don’t need to be carried.” He slowly stood up, his hand on Cass’ shoulder as he used the man as a crutch.
Cass looks down to Jax's leg, obviously not seeing anything over his pants, then back up to his face, "oh goodness" he sighs heavily "Are you sure it's not related to anything with zombies-" he asks, though almost interrupting himself "-wait okay lets get you in bed. Then I'll take a look at it" he says, heading towards the staircase carefully, making sure Jax was okay with the pace.
Worry filled his mind when Jax said it was infected. Honestly, he was plenty worried when he mentioned the wound in the first place… With the fever and all, it really seemed like it was something zombie related. But he could only hope for the best and let fate do what she does best.
Though Cassius wasn't mad at Jax in any way and it showed. Though he wouldn't blame Jax if he did think he was mad. Cass was always paranoid people thought he was mad at them or that he was a threat to them. All he really wanted to be was a sense of security to the ones he cared for.
His actions were soft and his voice was filled with care as he spoke with Jax, careful not to say or do anything that could come off as aggression.
He helps Jax upstairs at a rather slow pace, their steps inconsistent and a little wobbly the first few steps but Cass gains his sense of balance near the end. Ophelia runs out of the room. "do you need help?" she asks.
Cass shakes his head "thank you baby, but i think we got it. Can you keep the door open for us though?" he asks Fia as they neared the top steps.
Jax became really dizzy and limped to the staircase with Cass’ help. “I am sure it’s nothing zombie-related. I sliced it open on some barbed wire and because I didn’t clean it out or dress it, it got infected. It’s probably some bacterial infection like cellulitis. All I know is that it hurts like hell.” He slowly limped up the stairs with Cass, his major support. “Alright. I’m okay with that. I would really like to lay down.” He nearly slipped and fell off the stairs, regaining his balance with effort. Jax was sure this was not zombie-related. He had a fever and chills. That was it. “Last I checked. It was really red, swollen, and hot to the touch. I can be an idiot sometimes.” He wasn’t about to let himself be turned into a flesh-eating monster. Not today.
Jax was glad Cass only seemed worried about him and not angry that he didn’t disclose such a wound. He welcomed the soft tone and gentle actions. They reach the top of the stairs, and Jax looked out of it. Every time he stepped on the bad leg, pain spiked through it, and he whined. He was glad to have Cass. He probably would have died in a week from the infection. He nodded at little Fia, letting her know she should keep the door open rather than help,
Jesse uncrosses her arms, stepping towards the door "see? wasn't that hard to say now was it?" she grumbles her hand reaching towards the handle of the door as whatever was behind it grew more impatient by the second.
She likes Onyx much more than Clovis, not quite understanding this mans thought process. Why hide the fact that the kid fell? It would only make him more suspicious hiding things. And it's not like she could use the fact that he fell against them either. What was she going to do? Make fun of him? She didn't know him after all and simply wanted to make sure the kid was safe.
After Onyx's much better explanation, she decided not to pry anymore.
"He wont hurt you if you're not aggressive. But i do need to let him out" She tells Clovis, picking up a thick chain leash from the floor and putting her hand on the door, ready to slide it open.
Onyx turns his head with the sound of Jesse’s steps, listening as she picks up the chain link leash.
Clovis doesn’t roll his eyes, although he’s still irritated.
I should try to get along with her even if she doesn’t make sense. Anyways, we just met. And Onyx seems to be alright with her.
He turns around, not really minding that she had a animal and trying not to be upset that she’d basically threatened him with it. Facing Onyx again, he furrows his brow and quickly take’s Onyx’s wrist, making him jump just a little, “Hey, don’t touch that!” He quietly scolds.
Onyx curls his hands into fists and straightens his arms out against his sides, stiffening up. He wasn’t afraid or hurt or anything, he just was distracted and Clovis had startled him.
Clovis sighs, taking Onyx’s hand and unfolding it, wiping the blood from his fingers with his (Clovis’) shirt. “You’ll get your wound dirty, Onyx, don’t do that.”
Onyx still doesn’t answer, paying more attention to whatever Jesse was doing.
(I’m alive :’) Thank you guys for being understanding and I’m sorry I dropped off the place of the planet. I had work stuff pop up and then all the sudden a week long trip that I had to go on and it was Too Much all at once :’D Im back tho!)
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