(Ooooo, Now I'm excited)
Connor coughed, holding his throat. "Holy shit-" His sentence was cut off when Jas rushed him out of the apartment. He held onto Jas for dear life as he yelled at his feet to move quicker. Connor's heart broke seeing how scared Asher and Charlotte looked. It was only that, but the memories he got back. He didn't get the ones about his supposed life with Jas, but everything he remembered. Connor said sex wasn't in the books for him until marriage, but that didn't stand too well with Jake. The amount of time he tried to fight it and failed was too much. Memories of why he had so many injuries flooded into his brain; it was all too much to handle. He wanted to break down, but not in front of the kids and certainly not in front of Jas. Not while they were running from the one person who caused him so much pain. "I'm sorry." He felt like he was about to burst into tears, but he couldn't not until they were safe.
(I was gonna have him the one that stole Connor's memories, like maybe he did his research and manipulated Connor since highschool, and then they'd eventually get Connor's memories back when they got to italy but nevermind, this wasn't the original idea but I thought it'd be better than what I had in mind.) (I'll answer in a sec)
(that sounds amazing the plots u come up with my friend. Connor didn't get all his memories back just the ones that were replaced so there is still time for that!)
(awe thank you! And yeah if you're up for it!)
Jas didn't stop until they finally got to his apartments, frankly he didn't want to stop until they were all on a plane to Italy and finally safe. Jas fumbled for his spare key and finally managed to shove open the door, heaving in a very heavy sigh of relief at finding it empty. He had half expected to find suni hanging around inside but the apartment was quiet. He gently set Charlotte down and gently guided Connor and Asher into the room before clicking the door shut and making sure it was locked. "You don't need to be sorry for a single thing, dear." He said softly, flicking on the lights, giving a warm glow to the room. "The bedroom is for you and the kids. I'll sleep out here for tonight, if I can sleep at all." He smiled softly and glanced down as he felt Ash brush against his leg. Jas gently scooped him up and offered him to Asher. "Would you mind taking care of him for tonight?" Jas asked. "And for you, princess, would you mind taking care of Winnie?" Jas asked Charlotte, finding Winnie not to far from his companion and scooped him up as well. Jas glanced up to Connor and gently took his hand. "It's going to be alright, dear. You're safe. Get some rest." He prompted gently. "The latest we can leave for Italy us tomorrow night."
(Fenrir, you're asking the one person who has all the time in the world, yes, I am definitely up for it!)
Asher pressed a hand to Connor's back and nodded. "Of course, I'm not sure what much I can do, but I'll try my best." Asher leaned his head onto Connor's shoulder, giving him some reassurance. On the other hand, Charlotte was thrilled to have an actual anime instead of a stuffed anime. She held Winnie delicately and looked up at Jas with a satisfied smile. Connor looked at the ground the entire time while Jas talked. Connor sent a weak smile to his children and hugged them tightly. He tugged on Jas's sleeve and took a deep breath. Words were hard for him a the moment, and he just looked at Jas. He opened his mouth, wanting words to come out, but he couldn't manage to say anything. Connor wanted Jas to stay. Even if he was sleeping on the floor or on the same bed, he wanted him to stay so badly. he looked at him with pleading eyes and hoped Jas knew what he meant.
Jas smiled gratefully. "Thank you, both of you." He gently ruffled Ash and Winnie's head before gently tugging Connor close to him. "Let's all get to sleep, ok? It's been a long day." He smiled softly and guided them all to his room, flicking on the light. The bed was just as he left it, fluffy comforters with a few pillows ontop. He glanced down at Connor and gently nudged his head. "Is it okay if I shower and change? I have some books in the living room if you want to read to the kids. I'll be quick, then you can shower. I'll find extra clothes for you to wear for now." He murmured, gently brushing through Connor's hair. This wasn't how Jas wanted this life to go. Not at all. Connor didn't deserve this, neither did the kids. Connor was supposed to live a happy life this time, to have someone that could love him unconditionally, without whatever Jake had done. Jas took in a controlled breath and tilted back to look at Connor, gently cupping Connor's cheek. "It'll be alright, dear. I promise. I'll get some food and extra clothes for the kids in the morning." He nodded towards the kids. "Make sure they're alright, Comfort them. I'll be right back, then we can sleep. Okay?"
Connor swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded. He steadily got up to get a book. Connor needed something appropriate and happy for the children. When he walked into the living room, he felt that warm feeling, something so familiar, and it made him feel like he was truly home. Not some fancy apartment in the city. It felt like this was all he needed. He looked on the book shelf for hours before Connor picked a book labeled, "All that's left in the world." He had read it several times more for school projects, but the book was still good. He made his way back to the room only to hear the shower running and Asher talking to Charlotte when he entered the room. He tried to speak, but nothing came out. Connor shook his head and believed it only to be the nerves from what happened before. He sat against the headboard and waved both of them over. Charlotte was on the right side holding the cat, and Asher was on the other side, clearly more calm about this than Connor was. "I…" He pressed a hand to his throat, feeling the indent of Jake's hand. It made him shiver.
"I-I um w-want you to know that I-I'm so sorry." He almost couldn't go a word without stumbling on them. However, it was better than nothing. "I never wanted t-t-to worry you g-guy like that I-I feel as if I've let you down i-i-in some way. But is i-i-it okay that I read you something? I-I want you t-t-to have happy dreams tonight." Asher and Charlotte nodded and got comfortable under the covers. He started to read to them, but he couldn't even get past the first chapter without hearing their soft breathing. He closed the book, put a marker, and placed it on the bedside table.
Jas grabbed a sweatshirt and pants before heading to take a shower. He stuck his head under cold water, welcoming the shock to his body. He scrubbed at his hands to get the blood off, before turning The water to warm and finishing off his shower. Once out he dried off and slipped into a sweatshirt and leggings. He leaned against the threshold between his room and the attached bathroom and listened as Connor try to explain to his kids what was going on. He grimaced slightly before stepping into the bedroom and settling on the other side of the bed. "You can shower if you'd like. There's extra clothes if you'd like in there as well." He said softly, standing and gently tucking the covers beneath the kid's chins, chuckling lightly when he saw Ash and Winnie curled beside each of them. He shifted and easily stepped up onto the bed, his massive size nearly taking up the other half of the bed. He gently nudged Connor's arm with his head and purred deeply. He flicked his tail towards the bathroom and tipped his head as if to say 'you can if you want to.'
Connor jumped, seeing the significant form Jas had taken on. "No, I think I'll be alright. I a-already t-took a shower today. S-So, I think I'll be fine." Connor leaned down to his arm and smelled it to ensure there wasn't a bad smell coming off him. "I'll be fine, but I'll go ahead and ch-change. I-I-I don't think s-staying in jeans i-is the best way to g-go." He slowly got up from the bed, making sure not to wake the kids. He walked to the bathroom to get the extra clothes. He took a look at the shower and sighed. He shrugged and figured he might as well take a shower. They'll be leaving tomorrow night for Italy, so it seems like he should take a shower now. At first, Connor had a bit of trouble turning on the shower, but he eventually got it. He had never imagined taking a shower would make him feel better, but it did. It allowed him to just think for a minute and let his body relax. Connor didn't see any other shampoo in the bathroom, so he had to use Jas's. When he got out of the shower, he put on the clothes Jas had laid out for him. Connor dried his hair on the way back from the bathroom. He opened the door and locked it behind him. His hair was a bit frizzy, but not too bad. "I-I went i-in there to get the clothes, b-b-but I figure a shower w-would be nice as well. S-So, I guess I took your advice anyway." Connor didn't know where to get on the bed, but Jas was a big fluffy animal, so he wanted to hug and lay with him. Connor crawled onto the bed and sat back on his feet. "Can I lay with you? I-I-I-It's just y-you're a big f-fluffy cat, s-s-so my logic is um, yeah. Can I?"
Jas glanced up from his spot on the bed. He gave a wide yawn, showing sharp teeth before sitting up to make room for Connor to lie down. He purred amusedly and kneaded the bed, settling comfortably against the bed. He had though to shift and be nornla but this wasn't their past life. This wasn't even remotely the appropriate time for that either. Connor needed the comfort and safety Jas had always provided in every life. This was romantic, this wasn't teasing or cute. This was Ja' job. To keep Connor and nahis kids safe. He continued his soft rumpling purr and curled his tail around Connor encircling him in warmth. For the first time in this life, Jas gave Connor and the kids his favorite dream. A happy, warm life. Free from Jakw, from anyone who dare hurt them.
Connor had woken up in the morning with the best sleep he's had in ages. It was so good he didn't want to wake up. Connor looked over to the kids, who were still sound asleep. He turned back over to the giant cat he was cuddling. He nuzzled his head into Jas's soft fur and smiled contently. "I had the best dr-dream. You were there, and so were the kids. It was sunny, and I scolded you in Spanish while the kids laughed. It was great." Connor realized Jas and him weren't in a relationship, nor would they ever be, which made him want to pull away. However, he couldn't pull away from the cuddly cat. Who could? "G-Good morning. I-If you a-are awake, that is." Connor remembers why they were here in the first place. "Just a little longer, okay?"
Jas gave a soft meow as he woke up, a small smile crossing his muzzle as he gently nudged Connor's brow. He was glad the dreams had made Connor happy, even if it wouldn't last as long as he hoped. He watched Connor cuddle against his side, heart clenching painfully and his smile fading. This wasn't his to keep for long. Connor had made his point clear in highschool, in this life, he and Jas wouldn't be together. As much as he adored them, this wasn't going to be his family. Jas settled his head against Connor's head and gave a soft meow again, shifting his weight slightly and curling his tail around Connor and the still sleeping kids protectively. He'd have to get up eventually to buy clothes for the kids and food for breakfast but for now, all he wanted to do was stay here, enjoy the time he had with Connor, even if it stemmed from such a terrible night.
Connor touched his neck, still feeling the indent. He stiffed before sitting up suddenly. Connor put his hand back on the bed to hold himself up while he started to breathe heavily. He swallowed, which only made Connor's throat drier. He tried his best to take deep breaths before standing up completely. "I need some water…yeah" He left the room and sauntered to the kitchen. He was surprised when he knew exactly where to go for a cup. He pours the water out of the refrigerator. He sighed when the cool drink made its way down his throat. He leaned his elbows on the counter, pushing his hair back. "What the hell am I thinking. No puedo estar haciendo esto. Es demasiado. Pensar que podría acostarme en la cama y sentirme feliz cuando hay un psicópata tratando de localizarme. Además… no es justo para él si abrazo su calidez. Ni siquiera estamos enamorados. No puedo engañarlo así, no es justo. Debería traer a los niños e irme. No puedo hacerle pasar por la carga de albergarnos. Eso es como doble no justo." He planted his head into his hands, letting his guard down completely.
Jas sat up slightly in surprise, watching Connor in sleepy confusion as he meandered to his kitchen. Jas shifted back to normal, laying on his back and draping his arm over his eyes, definately not ready to wake up or to have let Connor go so soon. He reluctantly sat up, and tilted his head, frowning when he heard Connor muttering in Spanish. He couldn't understand much though some did sound similar to italien. He sat up and carefully got out of bed, not wanting to wake the kids up just yet. He silently walked into the kitchen and drowsily starter on coffee. "It has never mattered to me whether whatever goes on between us is fair or unfair, much to the detriment of my heart and mental state. All I care about is that you are safe. I don't need you to love me, as much as it hurts me. You wouldn't be using me, or taking advantage of me or anything if you decide to say. " He said, refusing to look at Connor. "As for the kids, they need you Connor. They need at least one of their dads and Jale is out of the question." He finally took a look at Connor, heart slowly breaking at seeing him so..done with life. "You're more than accomapant to meet Finn and his friend if you'd like as well." He chimed in, flinching internally. This wasn't the time for that. Retrieving Connor's memories wasn't a priority right now. It wasn't like they were going to fix anything anyways. He'd still have to deal with what Jake had did and now being a father of one. "I'm sorry, that's not something to even consider right now."
Connor wasn't sure if the memories would help or just worsen things. It felt like a chain had been wrapped around his head, squeezing it tight to the point where it felt suffocating. "I…I…I…fuck!" Connor turned around to face Jas with his hands over his chest. The proper word to describe the way he looked was absolute shit. His hair was messy and tangled, and his glasses were crooked; honestly, Connor would rip them off if he didn't need them to see. If dying were an option, he would've done it, but he has too many responsibilities, and besides, he would just live again in his next life. Why couldn't this be the one to forget?
"I can't even think without that jerk stuck in my head. Laughing at me. You don't understand the memories I got back were horrifying. Things I thought would never happen to me happened to me. When Jake pushed me up against that door, I felt him null my powers. I felt like nothing. I couldn't even move. I never want that feeling against me because what usually comes after that feeling he seems to find entertaining. I don't even…" Connor took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. "Honestly, those memories seem like a good distraction from all of this right now." Connor's nose twitched. He was so close to breaking down; no matter what option he chose, it was always the bad one. "I'm sorry. I should've blown up at you like that. You don't deserve that. I am such a shitty person. Fuck." Connor turned back around and drank the rest of the water in the cup.
Jas watched Connor with an even expression, even as rage broiled in his veins. They had lived countless lives and never had anyone they key had attempted to take such horrific advantage of either of them. He slowly stepped close to Connor and gently took the glasses from his hand to keep them from breaking in his clenched fist. Jas gently blotted at Connor's tears with his sweatshirt sleeve and lightly tugged Connor close, loosly encircling him in his arm in case he didn't want contact with anyone at the moment. "You don't need to be sorry, dear. And you are not a shitty person. Right now, the shitty person is passed out in the apartment where he will stay until we leave. As much as I hate that you're going through this, those I don't want those memories to be just a destruction for you." He pressed a soft kiss to Connor's hair and sucked in a Shakey breath. "I will never understand what he's done to you. But I can guarantee he will never harm you or children again." He stated, already itching to go back and truely make Jake's last moments of life the worst he would ever experience. "how about we go out for breakfast? I don't have much here anyways. We can look for some clothes for you and the kids just until we get to Italy and get you all settled. That is if traveling back with me is what you still want to do. I understand if you have other famy you'd rather see first. I can bring you to your mom's if she's close by." He offered, having remembered Connor'a mother from the few times he had met her.
He first flinched from Jas's touch before his mind told his body it was safe. Connor leaned into his embrace, thanking the lord for having someone so loving. That was the only term he could use. It's one Jas deserved. Connor just needed time to see that. "Right, you're right." He whipped his tears and pulled away from Jas, scratching his arm. He looked at his shirt, seeing a sain of tears. "Ai Dios mío, your shirt has a patch of my tears on it." He chuckled softly, "That's probably disgusting; I'm sorry." It took a while before Connor wiped his tears completely. "I can explain the situation to the kids properly, and then you can go change in the meantime? Oh, you're very fluffy, by the way." Connor rubbed Jas's head, just in between his cat ears. He gave him a scratch behind his ears before he went off to wake the children. Connor returned holding hands with two exhausted children and a black cat following Charlotte. He gave a small wave before setting them both on the couch he had slept on five years ago.
Jas reluctantly let Connor go before glancing down at his shirt. "It's alright, this is technically yours anyways." He admitted with a slight smile. He nodded, but before he could go back to tending to the coffee, he found himself purring and leaning his head into Connor's hand. His eyes fluttered close at the sensation of being petted, having missed physical contact with anyone, especially from Connor, for so long. He huffed a small sigh when Connor pulled away. In the meantime, he made himself a sweet coffee and was sipping it on the countertop. He waved the kids and Connor, chuckling lightly when he saw Ash trotting behind them, dutifully following the kids anywhere they went. He saw Winnie a few steps behind, still tired. Instead if following his companion, Winnie trotted over to Jas and hopped up on the counter. He meowed and nuzzled Jas's cheek affectionately. "Hush, all you want is food." He teased, earning him a light cuff on his head from Winnie. Jas sighed dramatically as he hopped of the counter and prepared the cat's food. once he set the food down, Jas slipped into the bedroom to change.
"Okay, you two. You might wonder why you're here and not at home like usual. Well…" Connor sat on the coffee table, which was directly across from them. "So, your father and I had a…disagreement. Yes, I guess that's what you call it. Since we had that disagreement, we'll stay with Jas for a while. By for a while, I mean probably forever. Your father is a bad man. I hate to see you guys suffer for his actions. You two are probably the only thing still keeping me going, plus there is a very handsome man getting dressed right now in the room. Let's say he's a very kind man, and in all my years, I've never felt a deeper connection with him than anyone. Don't tell him I said this; I'm not ready for him to know yet. I need time, and I hope you two will grow to like Jas, just as much as I hope two." Connor took their hands and gave a soft smile.
"Don't worry, Papa. I understand. I promise to be good, and I'm sure Charlotte will try to be good as well." Asher squeezed Connor's hand, giving him a quick nod. "I'll look after Charlotte while you also figure things out. It will be like we're not even there."
"Oh, will it now? Ash, you have gotten very mature. I'm proud of you. Charlotte promise me to take care of your brother. You know how he gets." Connor pressed a kiss to both of their cheeks.
"Ewwww gross. I promise I will be more responsible than him!" She grinned, glaring at him.
"That's not what I asked Charlotte." Connor gave a hard laugh and opened his arms. "Come here, you two rascals. Honestly, you'll be quite the pair when you're older." Charlotte and Asher gave in to Connor and hugged him. "I love you both so much."
"We know Papa. You're hugging too tight!" Charlotte giggled before snatching Asher's toy from his pocket.
"Hey! Give that back!" They were back to chasing each other in the room just like that.
"where did you even get that?" He shook his head and walked back to Jas's room with a smile. He opened the door and closed it behind him. He looked at the floor as he heard Jas move around. "They understood and are even back to chasing each other around. Honestly, I don't even know where they got the toy. Maybe you had something or-" He gasped. "They got it from the apartment last minute; they're such sneaks!"
Jas poked his head of his closet when he heard his bedroom door open and gave a slight smile. “I had a feeling they would. They seem like more capable children then their age lets on.” He agreed as he stepped out from the little closet, pulling on a graphic black tee shirt of some show he had liked as a teenager. He had pared that with jeans and pair of boots and had brushed his hair so that his ears poked out. “I was thinking of going back to the apartment after breakfast. Both to bring Jake into the institution so they can deal with him and to get anything you might want or need before our flight. Would you like to come? Just in case I miss anything important? Mom and Dad can watch the kids if you’d rather not have them in there. Or I can go alone and call you in case I have a hard time finding anything. “ Jas offered, yanking out an empty duffle bag. He didn't love the idea of going to the institution for anything, especially after it had failed to secure Connors and Jake's security in the previously. But if they didn't want to deal with Jas' less than ethical management if terrible people, they'd take this life's Jake in without qualm.
Connor caught a glimpse of Jas's stomach, which made his cheeks red, only a little bit. "U-Uh, no, I'll be alright with the kids here. I don't want to worry them by sending them off with another pair of adults. Not that I don't trust your family! I just mean it would be shocking to switch caretakers again. There is also the fact that I'm not really in the mood to see him or walk through that house again. Not right now anyway. This one feels much better. Besides, you won't miss anything important there. There is nothing important in there. Uh, just don't look in the bottom drawer on the left-hand side of my bedroom. I looked in there once only because I was curious. He used everything that's in there on me, and I'd rather you not have that image." Connor laughed nervously. He looked at Jas's outfit and couldn't help but chuckle. "I'm sorry, I just-" He covered his mouth with two fingers analyzing his outfit choice. "You look like you're in high school again. It's amazing how someone can go from looking like an adult to a total child."
Jas chuckled lightly, "it's alright. Maybe another time where here's not so much going on and the rest of the family are in town." He nodded and slung the bag over his shoulder, a grown tugging at his lips as he reached for the door then paused. Would it so bad if jas burned the entire apartment down along with a certain someone inside? It's not like Jake would be missed. Jas reluctantly dismissed the thought from his mind, even as his chest tightened. How had Connor's apartment, a place where jas had lived and made such wonderful memories a lifetime ago be the same place Connor would grow to hate so much now. He swallowed thickly and gave a nod. "I'll just grab some clothes and any important papers you may need to travel. Security has gotten more strict since the last life so you'll definitely need them for Italy. He glanced back at Connor as he tugged open the door and arched a worried eyebrow. He looked down at himself in confusion before giving Connor a teasing glare. "You're in no position to talk, heart. Considering you're the one wear my sweatshirt. I don't see you complaining about that. As for my my own clothing choices, I'm quite comfortable. Besides, in case things go south, I don't want my nicer clothes to get damaged." He stuck his tongue out before waving Connor through the door. "I wasn't even aware you knew how I dressed back in highschool considering we barely saw each other after the formal.
Connor's face turned red. He realized Jas was right, wearing his clothes, and he just exposed himself by saying he knew what he dressed like. Connor gasped and watched as Jas left. He scoffed and fisted the front of his sweatshirt. "I'm just surprised your clothes still fit me shorty." Connor flopped back on the bed. He rolled his eyes, thinking back to what Jas had said earlier. "He's so annoying," He groaned and dropped his arms over his eyes. Just then, he smelled something sweet but natural and comforting. He hooked the collar of the hoodies and pulled it up to his nose. "You have to be shitting me." He took another deep breath into the sweatshirt. "I hate you, Jas…so much. Why does everything about scream safe, but my brain is telling me to deny you of any feelings I may have. What should I listen to, huh?" Connor used the momentum and got himself off the bed. He exited the room and sighed. "Charlotte and Ash?! I'm going to make something quick while jas it out! So you better get it before I eat it all!" With that, Connor put toast into the toaster and waited for the sounds of little feet running down the hallway.
"I'm only a few inches shorter! Don't burn house down while I'm gone!" Jas called before he disappeared. He popped by a local cafe he had discovered and loved a while back. He smiled at the cafe owner and pointed at a few of the pastries he thought that Connor was going to like as well as a few for the kids. Before he left, he quickly ordered a few To go espresso and fruit smoothies on whim just in case they didn't like coffee. He went back to the apartment but only left the breakfast at the door before he headed to Connor's apartment.
"Good, you're still here." Jas muttered with a tilt of his head, a feral grin on his features as he stalked around Jake's body. He maticulously made his way around the apartment, making sure to grab enough clothes for the kids and Connor, as well as any documents, or toys or anything else he though Connor and the kids would need. "Believe me, I'd love to set this little place on fire with you in it. Connor hasn't told me much and I understand why but from what he's told me," Jas gave a low, animalistic growl, "you don't deserve to be alive." He shrugged and closed the duffle bag before slowly sinking down and yanking Jake's head up by the hair. "Now I'm going to take to place that deals with shitbags like you. You're not going to get out, you're not going make a single peep. If you do, I'll hear about it and I'll take the fastest plane here to end your miserable life."
Jake's vision was still blurry, not to mention his head hurt like hell. His ears finally caught up, and he heard Jas's voice. He coughed, trying to move, but Jas tugged on his hair before he could even think. "You bastard!" He coughed right after the words exited his mouth. "Just you wait. Connor will come running back to me soon. He won't know what to do with himself. He probably thinks he's worthless. He's screwed up in the head. One day you'll grow sick of it, and he'll right back into my arms because he knows…" Jake tried his best to move his body, but his efforts were useless. The rest of his body still hasn't caught up to his brain yet. "He knows I'm the only reason he'll feel sane again. You don't deserve him. Besides, I took away his memories of you and your life. Honestly, the shit I said made me sick—all lovey-dovey. When I laid eyes on him, I knew he had to be mind, but you interfered with that. So the only way to get you out of the pictures was to make him forget. You'll never get them back!"
“hm, close but immortality has funny continuities when it comes to my my parents. Currently both are married, so that’s not accurate.” Jas said with a sweet smile, taking a glanced at the cuffs he had put on Jake the night before. They were the same ones Connor had once put on gas in their previously so he knew from experience just how agonizing they could be. He promptly dropped Jakes head, letting it smack on the floor. “Oh will he now?” Jas purred, stretching out on the floor in front of Jake, ever the cat. “He must not have told you all our story. It’ll take far more than one of his shitty husbands for me to ‘get sick’ of Connor.” He frowned and slowly sat up, his eyes never leaving Jake’s. “You’re right. I don’t deserve him. But that doesn’t mean you deserve him either. He has two beautiful kids to spend his time with, and a whole life ahead of him that will not involve you. If he chooses to involve me then I’d more than happy with that but I will do everything in my power to keep you far far away from him.” He slowly rose from the floor, eyes narrowing. Then it clicked. Jas dropped the bag and gripped Jake by the back of the shirt, slamming him against the wall despite his smaller size. “It was you this entire time.” He said, voice a hoarse growl, tendrils of smoke started to seep from his body. “Of you should have kept your pretty mouth shut, dear. Then Maybe you could have had a peaceful life sentence.” He gave a sharp laugh and shook his head. He grabbed the bag and Jake’s arm before disappearing from the apartment, then reappearing at the institution. He shoved Jake forwards and glared around. “If you can’t keep one of your own alive, then the least you can do is keep him here for a week.” He snarled, stalking out of the building and making his way home, deciding to walk instead of appear at the apartment and scaring Connor or the kids with his appearance.
Connor set down their plates of food. For some reason, neither of them wanted to come out and eat. Instead, they figured a game of hide and seek would be better. "Listen, you two, your grilled cheese sandwiches will get cold!" Connor laughed. "Alright, you asked for it." Being a shapeshifter has its perks. He learned to do lots of things with his powers, like switching out his human eyes for snake eyes so he could see their heat signatures. Once he spotted them, his eyes went back to normal as he walked into the room. He tapped his finger on his lip. "Hmmm, I wonder where they could be. I have no clue…" He peaked up under and grabbed charlotte. "Haha! I found you, you little menace!" Charlotte giggled and hugged Connor. "Alright, now tell me where your brother is" She pointed to the closet, and Connor opened the door with a smirk. "You guys have no sense of loyalty." Connor turned around and soon found Asher walking in front of him. Connor looked back at the closet and then back to Asher. "How did-" He squinted his eyes and watched Asher go from the bedroom to the counter in seconds. "Holy, you have super speed?! I could've sworn when I adopted you; they said you wouldn't have powers!" Connor was stunned watching him zoom from place to place like it was nothing. "That's the most generic power, but it's still cool. Now come over here and eat."
It took Jas nearly an hour to get back to his apartment. He was tired but he felt less murderous than before. He glanced up from finding his keys to see Suni leaning against one of the two kitsune statues marking the entrance of the shrine. The fox shoved himself off the statue and followed Jas inside the building, 8 tails flicking behind him in silent irritation. “So he’s back?” He asked, arms crossed over his chest. “More or less. The memory thing is still a struggle but I think I’ve found a solution. Try not to be too mad vixen, this week hasn’t been the greatest for him or the kids.” Jas pleaded. “And what about you Jas? I’ve watched over you this entire life with your heart broken over this man. He didn’t even try and give you a chance!” Jas paused in the middle of the staircase, shoulder’s heavy with tension and exhaustion. “I didn’t ant him to give me a chance. He deserves to be happy with someone else other than me, just like I was happy with Winston. He had that for a while until Jake turned out to be a manipulative bastard. I’ve come to realize I don’t deserve those years of hatred from Connor but he didn’t deserve what Jake did to him either. The kids certainly didn’t deserve losing a father either.” At the mention of kids, Suni”s ears flattened and he looked away shamefully. “I just want you to be happy Jas, like you were in the other life.” Jas reached for his brother and pulled him beside him, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. “Unfortunately the person who made me happy last life doesn’t remember ever doing that.” He muttered. “So why can’t you find someone else? That barista down the street is cute, and he seems to like you.” Suni argued. Jas laughed in surprise. “He is cute. But it’d feel wrong. First to him knowing I’m in love with Connor, and to myself. I already had a life where I loved another. Winston was my first love that wasn’t Connor. It would feel wrong to to keep adding rings to what was meant to be just me and Winston’s bond.” Suni huffed a sigh and tugged at Jas’ ear. “Annoying feline. You don’t have to marry him. You could date, be partners, love each other without marriage. At least for a life. Connor doesn’t have to be your only option.” Jas shook his head. “I don’t want there to be another option. I want Connor. He’s my version of Damion. Connor is all I want now.” Suni fell silent at that again, a light pink rising on his cheeks. “Fine, I can understand that.” HE muttered as they reached Jas’ apartment door. Suni shifted and jumped up onto Jas’ shoulders as Jas opened the door, “Alright, I found a stray fox outside and I’ve brought food.” He called, setting the Bag of Connor and the kid’s belonging down.
"Hey! I gave them a grilled cheese sandwich, but that was over an hour ago. Charlotte and Ash, Jas is back with food." Connor turned with a bright smile. He finished up the plate he washed and dried his hands. He walked to Jas taking his duffle bag. He scratched Suni under the chin and rubbed the top of Jas's head before he put the duffle bag on the couch. "They've been hungry for a while now. Kids have one of the biggest stomachs in the world, I feel. Gues who has…" Ash ran in between Connor's legs and appeared in front of Jas. "Super speed. Ash has his powers, and now he can't stop using them. I didn't know he would get powers. So, this is very much of a surprise." Charlotte came jogging into the room out of breath. "This is so unfair. You can't use your speed during tag. It's like totally not cool." Charlotte leans against the chair. "So….how did the apartment run go?"
Suni gaped in surprise, a less than voluntary yip escaping him as he received pets. Jas chuckled lightly, gladly accepting Connor's petting. "He remembers you Suni." Jas reassured with a laugh, handing over the duffle bag. Suni's ears twitched slightly before he jumped down from Jas's shoulders. "That's fine, I'm sure we can save these for a little later." He glanced down at Ash, a bright smile crossing his features, "Super speed, really?" Jas asked excitedly, watching as Ash did indeed rush about in a blur. He glanced up when he heard Charlotte come in and laugh. "If anyone can catch your brother I'm certain it's you, princess." Jas' eyes flickered from the kids back up to Connors. "It went fine. I'll tell you later." He said, nodding to the kids. Suni slunknover and sniffed at both of them, yipping playfully and wagging his eight tails.
