But You Stood By My Side
WritingIsLoveAndLife
AN: We've broken 1300 hits! Here's the next chapter for you all. The cliffhanger is going to be resolved, you'll learn a little more about Braden's past in the foster care system, and will see Connor open up about Adam. In addition, Jude and Connor reminisce about their relationship to a curious BC, who ends the night with a surprising admission.
I've had one review posted to the last chapter since I published it. I'll go ahead and answer that now:
Nuke Rose: Thank you so much! I'm so glad you thought it was perfect and that it was better than you envisioned. That means a lot to me, hearing that. Although, I doubt I could do any better than you. That's very kind of you to say, but you are an amazing talent. I don't yet think I'm on your level, especially when writing for this couple. But still, I very much appreciate the sentiment.
I'm glad you think this story just keeps getting better, and that it is, as you say, "one hit after another." That means a lot. I hope you'll continue to enjoy it.
You think this is better than your original version of "Shared?" Oh, my God. That is probably the best compliment you could ever have given me. "Shared" was the first Jude and Connor fan fiction I ever read. I love both the original and the re-write, so I'm literally floored by the fact you think this story is better than the original so far. I'm going between being in shock and grinning from ear-to-ear. You literally just made my entire morning (I'm writing this at 3:00 AM in Canada), so thank you for that. Although I'm inclined to disagree, I, once again, appreciate the sentiment. Your stories (and a few others) inspired me to try my hand at fan fiction, so I consider you to be an influence on me when it comes to writing for this fandom and this couple.
I decided that Adam would need a wife. I envision her as his catalyst for change. I'm glad you're excited to see where I take her character. I know that fic you're talking about! I can't remember for the life of me what it is called, but it was really good. I thought that twist was absolutely brilliant. I wouldn't dismiss the option of adding a transsexual or a transgender character to this story, but you are right when you say it is a delicate and difficult thing to write, so, if I do so, I want to make sure I portray that part of the LGBT spectrum in a respectful, accurate manner. I thought you did a great job with, I believe it was, Carson, in "War Paint." Correct me if I'm wrong on that, by the way. I thought you handled that in a very intelligent, respectful manner. Speaking of "War Paint," I've read it probably 5 times through as a lurker. Now that I'm on this site, I'll have to add it to my favorite stories at some point soon, probably after I finish this story, because it has consumed me for the past week. Anyway, I think that story of yours is a masterpiece. I always look forward to new chapters or new stories from you. You're always such a consistently good writer.
I think you've brought up a couple of very interesting scenarios for me to explore with your ideas. I'll be sure to try to use them in the story, like I do with every suggestion I receive.
And hey, rambling happens, although, I wouldn't say you're being incoherent. If you want, you can feel free to PM me and you can talk to me all you want.
Thanks for the review, my friend! Enjoy the chapter!
Before I get on with the disclaimer and the chapter, I completely forgot to mention last chapter that user Little Wolf 111 both favorited and followed this story. As I had never previously failed to remember to thank a user for that, I'd like to formally apologize to Little Wolf 111 for my forgetfulness, and acknowledge them now. I see every follow and favorite, and, through my rush to get last chapter edited and posted, I didn't acknowledge yours. I feel terrible about that. Thank you for thinking that highly of my story. I genuinely appreciate it.
I'd also like to take this time to thank user Adam Dupre 17 for also favoriting this story. I appreciate it. Enjoy the chapter!
Disclaimer: Peter Paige and Bradley Bredeweg created The Fosters. I claim no ownership of the series, or its characters. I merely respect the series and wish to pay tribute to it, while continuing to sharpen my writing skills. The only characters I claim any ownership to are my OC's Braden Christopher (BC) Anderson, Marina Reyes, and Jan Stevens, in addition to any further OC's I wish to create and insert into this story in the future. This chapter includes an idea suggested by the amazing Nuke Rose, who's Jude and Connor stories are the best I've ever read. I've also used ideas given to me by user Lykos Lupus for a few of the flashbacks in this chapter. Thank you both for the ideas.
Chapter 9
Jude and I are immediately on our feet, and alert. We sprint to BC's room, practically busting through the door and hurriedly flipping the light switch in our panic to make sure he's okay.
We find him thrashing violently.
"No!" he screams. "No! Stop! Please!"
Jude and I go to his bedside. I grasp his shoulders. "BC!" I shout, shaking his shoulder. "Wake up. It's a nightmare. You're here with Jude and I. You're safe."
He continues to thrash, nearly connecting his fist to my face in his terrified attempts to shake off whatever (or whomever) is terrifying him in his sleep.
"Jude, maybe you can help him more than I can. You've had nightmares like this before."
"I can try," he says, clearly frayed from seeing our foster son like this. I switch places with him, and he attempts to wake BC.
"BC," he says, as calmly as he can manage. "It's Jude. I know you are scared of what's appearing behind those beautiful blue eyes of yours, but I also know you're a fighter. We foster kids are have to be to survive. I need to fight whatever or whoever is keeping you down. Connor and I are right here. You're safe. Fight, BC! Fight!"
"GET OFF OF ME, YOU WORTHLESS PIECE OF SHIT!" BC screams, foot connecting with Jude's stomach, causing him to double over, clutching his stomach.
"Babe!" I call, as he nearly falls over the bed.
"I'm okay," he says, righting himself. "That's right, BC!" he encourages. "Fight!"
A knee flies up, which Jude barely manages to dodge. BC pushes hard, and rolls over, punching the mattress a few times.
"BC," Jude says. "You won. Stop."
BC stops mid-punch.
"Good," Jude says soothingly. "Now roll back over."
BC does as directed.
"Good," Jude approves. "Now fight the darkness and open your eyes."
After a few minutes, BC's eyes flutter open and he looks around, breathing heavy.
"Jude? Connor?" he asks, squinting against the light.
"Yeah, buddy," I say, rubbing his knee soothingly. "It's us. You had a nightmare."
He sits up, and immediately pulls us into as tight a hug as his little body can manage. His body shakes with sobs, and wetness soaks through my shirt.
"It's okay, buddy," I tell him. "We've got you."
"You're safe," Jude adds, rubbing soothing circles onto his back.
He clings even tighter. "Please don't let me go," he says, brokenly.
"Never," Jude and I chorus.
"Good," he breathes, relaxing against us.
Jude and I just sit there, holding him for a long while. He eventually pulls away, wiping tears away. "I'm sorry," he says, sounding small.
"Don't apologize," I say.
"But you have your press conference tomorrow," he says. "And here you are, comforting me on the eve of the biggest day of your career, just because I can't keep my thoughts from drifting down memory lane."
I laugh. "I could care less about that," I say, grabbing his hand and stroking circles onto the back of it. "You're my son, you come first."
He starts crying at that. "No one's ever cared about me like that before," he says.
"Well, get used to it," Jude responds. "Connor and I are all about family. Connor never had much of one, and I one who took me in when they could have just let me get shuffled back into the system. They didn't have the room, but they did it anyway. I owe everything I am to them."
"Why don't we get you a fresh shirt and go make you some warm milk?" I ask BC.
"That sounds great," he nods.
Jude goes to grab a pajama top out of BC's dresser. BC lifts his shirt over his head, depositing it across the room. "Nothing but net!" he cheers as it sails into his laundry basket.
It's so good to hear that laugh again. I smile at his antics, reaching out to tousle his hair lightly.
When Jude comes back, he hands BC the shirt, which he dutifully slips over his head. "Thanks," he nods.
"You're welcome, bud," Jude tells him. "Now let's go sit in the living room and I'll get that warm milk started for you.
The three of us trudge out to the living room. BC and I get situated under a blanket. Jude goes to make the drink he promised.
I flip on the television, and find ESPN. I can't hide my surprise, when, after a few minutes, BC cuddles into me.
He notices. "Is this okay?" he asks.
I don't hesitate in nod. "It's fine," I say, pressing a kiss to his forehead.
We stay like this until Jude comes back, holding a steaming cup of milk. "Be careful," he says, handing it to BC. "It's very hot."
"Thank you," he says, sipping carefully. "This is good."
"It's supposed to help you with sleep," Jude tells him. "I prefer tea myself, but you have strict instructions from the doctor not to have any excess caffeine beyond what he prescribed. Maybe when you're caffeine levels are back to normal, you can try it."
"I'd like that," he nods.
The three of us sit, curled together under the blanket. I turn the TV off. "So, I'm not going to force you to tell us what the nightmare was about, but Jude and I would appreciate it."
"It's okay," BC says. "I'll tell you. You have more right than most to know."
"Whenever you're ready, bud," Jude says encouragingly.
He inhales and exhales, sitting up. "My foster care story starts at age 8. I survived a car crash that killed both my parents. It very nearly killed me, too. I was in hospital for two weeks after I woke up from a coma. The driver had been drunk, and was driving erratically. Because of him, I lost the two people who loved me more than anything in the world. He died too. There was no justice, but he left behind a wife and kids. She was so torn up. Her and her kids visited me while I was recovering. She apologized on his behalf, and I told her I forgave her husband. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do, but nothing would come from me hating someone who was already gone. She hugged me, wished me luck, and her kids hugged me too, they were twin boys. They were only two years old, and, according to their mom, a spitting image of her husband. I wished her luck, and told her to raise her son's, as he would have wanted her to. She gave me her name, phone number and address if I ever wanted to get back in contact. I have it in my night table."
"We can certainly see to it that you get back in touch with her and her kids if you want," Jude intones.
BC nods. "I'd like to," he says. "They live in Los Angeles."
"I'll get on it later," Jude promises. "You're doing really good. Do you want a break?"
"No," BC says firmly. "If I stop, I'll lose my nerve."
"Fair enough," Jude nods. "Continue when you're ready."
BC inhales and exhales. "My first two foster homes were good. I was well taken care of. I was moved though, because the first couple was moving for a job opportunity in Europe. The second couple was going to adopt me, but they ended up getting divorced and the adoption fell through because of that. My third foster home was the first time I had siblings. That was the foster home I was first abused in. That was tonight's nightmare. The couple had a son who was 15 while I was 10. He was very jealous of me. He was used to being an only child and was the center of his parents' universe. He didn't like sharing, and if I ever so much as breathed and he didn't like the way I did it, he would pin me down and start wailing on me. His parents had no clue. My gym teacher saw the bruises and reported them. I was removed, and the kid was sent to military school by the parents, who apologized and said that if they had any idea what was happening, they would have stepped in. I only nodded, before the social worker dragged me away to a group home, where the abuse was worse. The other boys were bigger and stronger than I was. I fought back, but there was only so much I could do. I intentionally broke rules until I was removed. They sent me to live with my fourth family. The foster father was awful, but the wife was okay. She was too scared to speak against him so, whenever he would hit me, she would wince but stand there looking relieved, as if she was glad it was I who he channeled his anger into instead of her. He eventually got too mad and slugged me where people could see it. I was removed, and taken to my fifth home in 4 years, where you two came and rescued me."
"Wow," I breathe. "You've had it rough. It makes what my Dad did to me sound like nothing."
"That man from earlier," BC asks. "That was your father?"
"Yes," I confirm. "That it was. I hadn't seen or heard from him since I left San Diego for Los Angeles."
"Why did you leave?" BC asks.
"My father was homophobic," I say bluntly. "I couldn't live with someone who hurt me in that way. He tried to keep me from Jude before allowing us to finally begin dating after I got shot in the foot, literally. He later caught us making out shirtless in my bedroom and freaked out. I left soon after because I knew he would never change."
"How did you end up getting shot in the foot?" he asks.
"That still is one of the worst nights in my life," Jude shivers.
"I know, babe," I say, kissing his temple, before inhaling and exhaling.
"We were out with my girlfriend at the time, Daria, and our friend Taylor. I had been dating Daria as a cover so my Dad would let me hang out with Jude. We were playing a prank on some girl involving toilet paper, and Taylor suggested that we sneak into her house and drink alcohol. Taylor's dad thought we were intruders, grabbed his gun and came down the stairs. He aimed the gun right at Jude's chest and fired. I tackled him to the ground and the bullet burrowed in my foot."
"My hero," Jude intones, nuzzling my neck. "That was still one of the worst nights of my life, though. Seeing you lying there like that, breathing shallow, blood everywhere, in such pain."
"I've never felt pain like that in my life," I admit.
*Flashback*
"Connor!" Jude screams, immediately on his feet and at Connor's side.
"Ah!" Connor screams. "It hurts, Jude!"
Jude jumps up, rips the tablecloth and ties it around Connor's foot.
"God!" Connor breathes, gritting his teeth.
"What the hell is going on here?" Taylor's dad asks.
"Sir, that's not important!" Jude snaps. "Call 911 now! Or do you not notice that my best friend in the entire world is bleeding profusely from the hole you shot through his foot?"
Daria kneels next to Connor. "Baby," she cries softly, hiding her face in her hands.
It's quite for a few minutes, before Connor speaks up, saying something incoherent.
Daria removes her head from her hands. "What's that? I'm right here, Connor. I'm not going to leave you."
"Jude," Connor croaks. "Don't… don't leave me."
Jude repositions himself so that Connor's head is in his lap. He retakes his hand, which Connor squeezes in a vice grip.
"I'm not going anywhere, Connor," Jude assures him. "I'll never leave you, Connor."
"Good," Connor smiles, pain contorting it quickly into a grimace.
Daria looks bewildered. Connor was her boyfriend, and yet, it was Jude he didn't want to leave him? Where was the logic in that?
Connor speaking again interrupts her thoughts. "I'm slipping," he says, before his eyes close.
"No, Connor!" Jude cries. "Stay with me damn it! Open your eyes! The ambulance is almost here!"
Connor doesn't answer. Only the rise and fall of his chest confirms he's still alive.
Taylor's dad comes back in with the paramedics, who put Connor on a stretcher, and begin wheeling him out to the ambulance, Jude still attached to his hand.
The ambulance careens away, sirens blaring, heading for Sacred Cross. Jude never lets go of Connor's hand.
*End Flashback*
"Wow!" BC exclaims, before looking across my body at Jude. "I can see why that's one of the worst nights of your life.
"Yeah," Jude huffs. "And that wasn't the end of it. I went toe-to-toe with Adam Stevens.
"Okay!" BC laughs. "This I need to hear."
I see Jude get lost in the memory.
*Flashback*
"What are you doing here?" Adam asks. "I told you Mom I don't want you hanging around Connor."
"I know," Jude says, steeling himself. "I want to see him. I want to see my friend, and I'm not leaving until I do."
*End Flashback*
BC looks at Jude with unconcealed awe. "You seriously did that?" he asks.
"I did," Jude laughs. "You didn't think I've gotten the way I am now overnight, did you?" he teases.
"No," BC says. "I'm just…"
"Shocked?" Jude guesses.
"That's one way to put it," BC admits. "I take it you were eventually let in?"
"Yep," Jude says, popping the p, and grinning triumphantly. "It took my Momma to get him to cave in, but Adam eventually did. It was then that we had a very important conversation for the two of us."
"What conversation is that?" BC asks.
"The one that made us officially boyfriends," Jude says dreamily, snuggling into me. I decide to take this one.
*Flashback*
The door to the hospital room opens, Adam Stevens in the doorway. He steps aside to reveal one Jude Adams-Foster, who steps forward tentatively, looking back at Adam the whole time. Adam gives a tense nod to Jude, and closes the door behind him.
Connor's face lights up. When Jude reaches him, he takes his hand, stroking the back of it gently, before noticing that Jude's nails are painted.
"What's this?" he asks.
Jude smiles slightly. "War paint."
Connor's smiles softly, moving over in the bed. Jude hops in next to him, snuggling in. They watch TV for a while, before Jude says, "I missed you."
"I missed you too," Connor returns. He looks Jude right in the eye. "I'm so sorry, Jude," he says.
Jude looks at him incredulously. "What for?"
"For leading you on and not standing up to my Dad after I kissed you in the tent. If I had come out then, like I should have, we wouldn't be here right now, I wouldn't have had to pretend with Daria, and we could have done this a heck of a lot more."
Jude looks at him quizzically. "Done what a lot more?"
"This," Connor says, closing the distance and pressing his lips to Jude's in a chaste kiss.
When he finally pulls back, Jude is an interesting shade of red, shocked out of his mind. He touches his lips to find them still tingling. "You kissed me," he says.
"I did," Connor laughs. "Did you not want me to?"
Jude gives him an epic glare. "You know I did," he says. "But what about Daria? And what does that make us?"
Connor pales. He had completely forgotten about that eternal pain in his side. She wasn't a bad girl, very sweet actually, but she had been very clingy, and very possessive of him. If he ever went to hang out with just Jude, she would try to make him stay with her.
"I'll take care of her, Jude," Connor says firmly. "And… it makes us whatever you want to be. We'll always be best friends, but this… it feels like…"
"More?" Jude supplies.
"Yeah, it's felt like more for a long time, with you," Connor says, causing Jude to blush.
"Stop it!" he says.
"You're too cute," Connor coos, leaning forward to kiss Jude's nose.
Jude's nose scrunches at the contact. If possible, he turns an even deeper shade of crimson.
"I'm still waiting, Connor Stevens," he says.
"Uh oh," Connor pales. "Did I forget something?"
"You may have forgotten to ask me a certain question that someone interested in another person usually asks by now. And typically before the first kiss, so you're already behind schedule.
Connor blushes. "Jude?" he asks nervously.
"Yes, Connor?" Jude responds, mock-innocently.
"Will you be my boyfriend?" Connor squeaks out.
Jude looks Connor right in the eye. "I thought you'd never ask," he says softy.
Every other kiss they've shared, Connor is the one who initiated it. This time though, it's Jude who leans in first.
*End Flashback*
"Wow!" BC swoons. "That's so romantic. You two haven't changed at all."
"I guess not," Jude and I laugh.
"What's this about a tent incident?" our foster son asks.
Jude and I groan. That is what changed it all, but it was right after everything went to hell. It is a beautiful memory, but one that holds a lot of negative weight to it as well, because of how I handled the aftermath.
*Flashback*
It's the second night of the Anchor Beach Charter School Seventh Grade Camping Trip. Jude and Connor are sitting, reading comics and eating candy.
"Hey, Jude?" Connor asks.
"What?" Jude replies irritably, not even bothering to look up from his comic, as he shoves another handful of candy in his mouth.
"Look at me, please?" Connor asks.
Jude sighs, looking up. "What?"
"I'm sorry… about my Dad, I really miss you, you know," Connor tells him.
"That's great," Jude snaps, giving Connor the impression that it's anything but.
"Jude… don't be like that," Connor pleads.
"Then how should I act?" Jude questions. "You tell me, because you seem to know everything, right?"
Connor winces. "I deserve that," he says.
"DAMN RIGHT YOU DO!" Jude thunders, before looking back down at his comic. "I'm not even mad about what your Dad said, anyways."
"Then what are you mad about, exactly?" Connor questions.
"You LIED to me, Connor!" Jude snaps. "That was the worst pain I've ever felt in my life, and I've been in some pretty horrific foster homes."
Connor looks bewildered. He crawls over until he is facing his friend. "Jude…" he says, reaching out to stroke his cheek.
"Do you know how that makes me feel, Connor?" Jude asks, flinching away from the touch as if he'd been burned. "You're the best—and only—friend I've ever really had. I told you that I didn't want to be anybody's secret, and yet, our friendship didn't mean enough to you for you to respect that."
Connor can feel it. He's about to lose Jude. He's about to lose the absolute best friend he's ever had.
Without thinking, he leans forward and presses his lips to Jude's.
When they part, Jude's eyes are wide.
"I'm sorry, okay?" Connor says. "Just please, please, don't give up on me."
Jude pulls Connor tight to his body. "Never," he replies
*End Flashback*
"So, that was your first kiss?" BC asks.
"Yes," Jude and I chorus.
"And you've been together since after the hospital conversation?" he asks. "No break-ups?"
"We came close," I admit. "More than a few times, actually. But no, we've never broken up."
"That's amazing," BC says. "You're relationship has lasted longer than most marriages do these days. And you're not even married, yet!"
"That's very true!" I say. "Are you getting tired?"
BC yawns. "Yeah, a little."
"You can choose three more stories, then it's bed time," Jude announces. "Which would you like to hear?"
BC contemplates this. "Your first date, the first time Jude went down to LA, and… you played baseball in school, right Connor?"
"That's right," I confirm.
"Baseball is typically dominated by Alpha Male personalities, so I'd like to hear how you and Jude came out to them."
"Okay then," I tell him. "We'll start with that one first."
*Flashback*
"Is it true?" a voice asks.
I look up to see the captain of the baseball team, Gryphon, peering down at me. The rest of the team is on his heels.
"Is what true?" I ask.
"You and Foster?" he supplies.
I steel myself. "And if it is?" I snap defensively. "You have something to say about it?"
"Yeah, congratulations," Gryphon intones. "We've all seen how you light up around him."
"I love him," I say to the team. "I haven't told him yet, but I do. I really do."
"Well, that much is obvious!" Gryphon laughs.
Jude chooses this moment to make his appearance. "Hi, babe!" he says, kissing my cheek.
"Hi," I return. "We have an audience."
Jude freezes, looking up to see my entire team staring at us. "Oh, my God. I'm so sorry, Connor," he says.
"You don't have to be nervous Foster," Gryphon laughs. "Connor told us right before you showed up."
The tension drains from Jude's body. "Good," he breathes out.
"Team, meet my boyfriend, Jude," I introduce. "Jude, meet the team."
*End Flashback*
"Wow, you lucked out," BC points out.
"I know, they were so supportive, it's too bad I lost touch with most of them, but that's life."
"Very true!" he agrees. "Now tell me about your first date!"
"Well," Jude intones. "It was kind of a re-do."
"How so?" BC questions.
*Flashback*
"It's so nice to be able to do this with no other people this time!" Connor says, as they approach the theater. "I can't wait to see this movie!"
"I'm glad you're excited!" Jude says. "And it is nice. No Daria, no Taylor, just us…"
Jude kisses Connor chastely.
"You keep that up, and I won't catch anything going on in the film.
Jude laughs. "Get your mind out of the gutter, Con," he says.
"Easier said than done when you have your hot BOYFRIEND on your arm," Connor admits.
They pay for their tickets and their snacks, making their way to their seats, which, coincidentally are in the back.
The lights dim. Connor reaches over, hooking his pinky through Jude's.
Jude laughs. "I think we can do one better than that!" he teases, twining their fingers.
Connor smiles, and faces forward to watch the movie.
*End Flashback*
"Wow, that's so sweet!" BC coos. "A little cliché, sure, but cute."
"You ready for the last story?" I ask.
"The first time Jude went to LA," he nods, turning to face Jude. "I think you better take this one."
Jude nods.
*Flashback*
Jude wakes up at 5:00 AM. Today he sees Connor for the first time since his boyfriend moved to LA.
He creeps down the stairs quietly, pours himself a glass of milk, and some cereal, and wolfs it down. He would take his time, but his mind is focused on only one thing: Connor.
He gets to hug, and cuddle and kiss Connor ALL weekend. Jude can hardly believe Connor's mom Mary even talked Stef and Lena into letting him stay for the weekend.
He rinses his dishes off, and goes upstairs to find the perfect outfit, finding Jesus awake.
"Oh, sorry, did I wake you?" Jude asks.
"You could wake the dead, little bro," Jesus chuckles.
"I need your help picking an outfit!" Jude says.
"Well, that's usually Mariana's department, but okay. Just don't tell her!"
Jude zips his lips, and Jesus nods approvingly.
Together, they settle on a long-sleeved blue shirt, dark-wash jeans, and a belt. Jude even allows Jesus to gel his hair, and spray him his cologne.
"Just don't bathe me in it like last time, Zeus," Jude warns, causing Jesus to smile at his younger brother.
Just as the two brothers are putting the final touches on Jude's look, Stef knocks at the door. "You ready to go, love?" she asks Jude.
"More than ready!" Jude nods.
"Have fun little bro," Jesus says. He wiggles his eyebrows. "But not TOO much fun!"
Jude blushes crimson. Jesus laughs.
He follows Stef out to her cruiser, sitting in the passenger seat.
"You excited, love?" she asks him.
"Do you even have to ASK that, Mom?" Jude asks her, incredulous.
"Fair enough," she agrees.
The two slip into companionable silence. The only noise in the car is the crackle of Stef's radio. Soon, they arrive at the San Diego train station.
"Be good, and call Momma and I when you get there," she says, pressing the money for his ticket into his palm. "Thank Mary for letting you stay the weekend, keep the doors open, and don't sleep in the same bed."
Jude laughs and kisses Stef's cheek, before exiting the vehicle.
He gets his ticket at the booth, and pretty soon he is boarding the train. He watches the landscapes fly by out his window. 'I'm coming, Connor,' he says to himself.
Arriving in Los Angeles, Jude grabs his bag, and immediately exits the car. His fellow passengers laugh at his enthusiasm, but Jude can't bring himself to care.
He's immediately searching for Connor and Mary. When he spots them, he rushes forward.
Connor sees him running, and his eyes light up. He opens his arms.
Jude flies into his embrace, breathing in Connor's familiar scent. Mary stands off to the side, letting them have their reunion.
Connor pulls back from the hug just far enough to look at Jude. "Hi, handsome," he says. "You look nice."
"Thanks, babe," Jude replies, leaning forward for a kiss, which Connor is all too eager to give.
When they part, Connor says quietly: "I'm so glad you're here."
Jude nods. "Me, too."
The two head out of the terminal to Mary's house. They don't let go of each other's hands once.
*End Flashback*
"Wow," BC says, yawning. "That was the best one."
"Glad you think so," I say. "Let's get to bed, we have a big day tomorrow, all of us."
BC nods. We walk to his bedroom and tuck him in, each giving him a kiss on the forehead.
As we are about to close the door, Jude and I hear him say: "I love you, Dads."
AN #2: This is the longest chapter of this story, so far! It's over 5200 words, and took up 14 full pages in my word processor. What did you think of it? Did you like how I dealt with the nightmare? Did you like my use of the flashbacks? What about BC saying two very big things in the same sentence?
I normally wouldn't ask you guys to review, this blatantly, but I started writing this at 3:00 AM and it is now 10:30 AM in Canada. I've spent the past 7 hours writing, perfecting and formatting this chapter, so I really would like to know how you all enjoyed this.
I hope the reviewers whose suggestions I used will enjoy this. I may be able to get another chapter out later, but this will probably be the only one for today. The next chapter will deal with Connor facing the press at his introductory press conference. That's about the only thing I have set in stone for the next chapter, so any suggestions are welcome.
I'm going to get some rest now.
Until next time,
WritingIsLoveAndLife