Sean paced back and forth across the room, biting the skin around his thumb nail. It had been almost seventy-two hours since he'd last seen Jason and despite his efforts, he couldn't get in contact with him. No one had seen nor heard from him. It was becoming extremely worrying.
"Still no word?"
The brunette boy halted and looked up at his younger brother, shaking his head. "No. No one's heard anything. I even tried Kieran and all them in Scotland."
"Is his phone still turned off?"
Sean nodded, resuming his pacing, checking his phone every now and then. Sammy sighed as he watched on, taking in his brothers appearance. The sleepless nights and stress were taking its toll already, it had only been a few days. The dark purple bags under his eyes stood out boldy from Sean's paled complexion. He looked exhausted, gaunt, the usual spark of life in his eyes had dulled. All in all, he looked ill.
"Sean, maybe you should have a lie down, before you fall down."
"No." Sean shook his head vehemently. "No, I'm fine. I'm just a little worried, I'll be fine."
Sammy raised a doubtful eyebrow. "Are you sure?" Sean nodded, glancing out of the window at the street below. "Alright then. Do you want me to leave?"
"I don't mind." Sean shrugged half-heartedly, his attention still on his pacing. "Do what you like."
Sammy heaved a sighed. "He'll be fine, Sean. He's a full grown man, remember? He knows how to handle himself."
"I know." Sean stopped once more, turning to Sammy. "I just don't want him hurt. I hate seeing him hurt. I keep getting these images in my head. I just want to know he's alright."
"He'll be fine." Sammy repeated.
"How do you know?"
"Because, he's Jason. He's a bloody pyschopathic mentalist, who can do anything he wants. He knows how to look after himself, Sean, a lot more than you'd probably like to admit. You just need to keep busy, keep your mind off of things and he'll be back before you know it." He watched his older sibling for what seemed an age. Sean stared at his younger brother, his eyes boring into him, before nodding. "Yeah, you're right, Sammy. I know you're right, I just can't help worrying. I don't want him hurt. I don't. I just want to know he's alright and he's not having dreams and he's not doing anything stupid."
"I know, Sean. I understand that you're worried, and I probably would be too, but stressing out over it, is only going to make you unwell and that won't be any good to anyone."
"Have you ever been in love, Sammy?" Sean asked, sitting down across from his brother. "Have you ever been so in love with someone, that you'd chew your arm off if they asked you too? Even though you know it'd be painful and stupid as hell, you'd still do it, just to keep them happy? You'd do anything to keep them safe and well? And every spare minute you have, you want to spend it with them?" Sammy shook his head. "Well that's how I feel about Jason. I'd do anything, and I mean anything for that lad, Sammy. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'd do anything for you and mam too, I love you two, but it's just different with him. I don't want him to leave me, ever. I've fucked up, yes. And so has he, but I don't think I could cope without him. And I didn't know I could feel so strongly about anything in my life. He can be a complete arse at times and in a nutshell, a mentalist. But I wouldn't change him, I love the bones of Jason, Sammy, I do. And it's killing me not knowing if he's aright or not."
"He'll be fine." Sammy tried to reassure his elder sibling.
"How do you know?" Sean raised an eyebrow. "You can't garuntee it. Sammy, I swear, if anyones hurt him, I'll kill them. I honestly will."
It was Sammy's turn to raise an eyebrow. Sean didn't make threats often, violence wasn't his scene. "I know, Sean. But you won't have to, he'll be fine."
Sean shook his head and continued pacing. "He'd better be."
The screech of metal upon metal caused Paddy to shy away from the hot pipes, ducking under the jets of steam. He'd only intended to close his eyes for a second, he couldn't stay awake. He needed to sleep. And now he was back in this boiler room. It gave him the chills. An impending feeling of dread built up in his stomach, sending trembles through out his body, even though the heat was immense. He pushed his sandy hair away from his forehead, noting the sweat that came away with his hand. Shaking it dry, the grey-eyed boy scampered down the gloomy hallway, leaning back into a small alcove, hoping to put as much distance between himself and the noise as pressed his back against the wall, squeezing his eyes closed, wishing himself awake. He slowly peeled one eye open, gasping when two ice blue, blood shot eyes stared back at him. Paddy whimpered slightly, taking in the ridges on the demons burned complexion, and the dasterdly grin that was twisted upon his face. He could feel pressure against his leg, almost like someone had punched him, hard. He dared a glance down and almost passed out at the sight. Freddy's razors had speared his leg, the hot stickyness of the blood pouring down his leg seemed to make his brain register the searing shots of pain that coursed through him. Paddy's mouth opened in a silent scream of pain, his eyes watering. Freddy jerked his glove free of the boys flesh with a sickening squelch that made the teenager wince in disgust. Grabbing him by the scruff of the neck, Freddy threw Paddy to the grimy floor of the power plant, grinning like a chesire cat. "I never did like playing hide and seek."
Paddy's leg gave a sickeningly painful twinge. He propped himself up quickly, heaving, before emptying the contents of his stomach onto the floor, cursing himself in his mind. Now was not the time to vomit, he was going to be killed if he didn't move. Freddy advanced, standing on the boys injured leg in his attempts. Paddy threw his head back in a howl of anguish, before disappearing from the dream scape, leaving only a small pool of blood and a pile of vomit. Freddy eyed the vomit in disdain, before turning away. At least he had a new piggy to play with.
"What a fuckin' idiot." Sammy growled, hitting his hand off of the coffee table. "We bloody told him to stay awake! Now look what he's done, gone and gotten himself hurt. How's he going to explain that to Bronagh? Huh?"
"I don't actually care, it's not our problem." Sean replied, turning round from his spot of looking out of the window. "He can make up some bullshit, the same as the rest of us have had to do."
"Do you think he'll be alright?" Sammy questioned, his aggresive mannor dropping. Sean had sounded so monotone, it almost scared him.
"Yeah. He's putting on a right show about it, it's not that bad an injury. We've both had worse and caused less of a fuss. All that screaming and puking was ridiculous. There was no need in it, at all."
"Yeah, I guess. What if he was really hurt though? There was a lot of blood."
Sean shrugged. "There's always a lot of blood. He'll get stitches and be fine."
Sammy nodded, deciding not to argue with Sean for once. His brother didn't seem in the most stable frame of minds at the minute and it was probably best not to aggrivate him.
"Krueger's getting on my last fuckin' nerve as well." Sean snapped, jolting Sammy from his thoughts. "He needs to go die."
"I thought he already was dead?" Sammy recoiled from the glare Sean sent his way.
"He is dead. But you know what I meant! I want him to stay dead. He needs to fuck off and leave us alo-" Sean turned, stopping mid-sentence. Sammy raised an eyebrow, following his gaze.
"Decided to reappear then, have you?" Sean huffed, glaring once more, this time directing it as Jason, who stood in the door way. "How'd you get in, anyway?"
"Your maw let me in."
"So, just where exactly have you been?"
"Doing what you asked." Jason replied, raising an eyebrow.
"And it took you four days to get hypnocil?" Sean folded his arms, sitting down.
"Yeah." Jason scowled at Sean raising a disbeliving eyebrow. "What? You reckon I'm lying here, Sean? Do you think there's any fuckin' hypnocil left in Springwood? 'Cause I can tell you now, there isn't. I've been chasing this shit up out of town. And I didn't answer my phone, because I couldn't charge it. I left the lead here."
Sean closed his mouth, when Jason answered the question he was about to ask. "..Well did you at least get it?" Jason nodded, throwing him a box of pills. "So you can do something right? Surprise surprise. There was me thinking you were completely useless."
Sammy slipped from the room, sensing the hostility in the air.
Jason stood for a moment, trying to process the situation. "Sean, what the fuck is actually wrong with you? Seriously? You asked me to go get the hypnocil, so I did, and you're still not happy. Fuckin' never happy with anything I do. Are you trying to cause fights or something? 'Cause that's all we've done since coming here."
"What do you want me to be like, Jason? You fucked off for four days, no one could get in contact with you. There's been deaths all over the shot. Did you really expect an enthusiastic welcoming?"
"Nah, but I was expecting 'hello' at least. But nah, you go for my throat as soon as you clap eyes on me. So what is it, Sean? Do you want to end this or something? 'Cause that's the way it's going. If that's what you want, just say so and it'll finish. There's no need to act the cunt about it."
"Did you seriously just ask me that?" Sean snapped, standing abruptly.
Something about his mannerism made Jason back away, something he hadn't done in a long time.
"Do you really think I want it to end? Eh?" Sean stepped forward more, backing Jason into the wall. "Well?"
"Well that's how it's coming off, Sean."
With a slight growl, Sean slammed his hands either side of Jason's head, pinning him between himself and the wall. "If I wanted to end, Jason, I wouldn't have sat up all this time fuckin' worrying about you, would I? I would have finished with you already, you idiot."
"Then why you acting like a cunt?" Jason shot back, lifting his head to look Sean square in the eye.
"Because, you fucked off, you didn't bother to try and contact anyone. Jason, you had me worried out my mind! I didn't know what had happened to you, if you were okay, if you were even alive. " Sean slammed his palm against the wall. "I haven't slept, I couldn't. And then you just..Appear again. I don't know if I want to kill you or kiss you."
"Well for a start, you could give me a little personal space, yagetme? 'Cause my usual reaction to being in this position, is to knee you in the fuckin' balls. So move."
Sean raised an eyebrow. "You wouldn't dare."
"Are you daring me?"
"I'll bloody kill you if you try it, Jase."
Jason snorted. "Rage!"
"You know I can't stand when you say that."
"Word rage!"
Sean glared. "Seriously, stop it."
"Mad rage!"
"Jason!"
"JASON RAGE!"
Sean stood silent for a moment, before laughing. "You're bloody mad!"
"Yeah, but it got you out of your mood, didn't it? So now you can move."
Sean pressed his lips against Jason's, pulling away a little after a few moments. "Don't bloody scare me like that again, alright? Had me going out my mind."
"Right, next time I have to leave for a while, remember the phone charger. Got it."
"Good boy."
Jason raised an eyebrow. "Eh, don't think so."
Sean rolled his eyes, before moving away, freeing Jason. "So, you seriously had to chase the hypnocil up?" Jason nodded. "How the hell did you manage that?"
"I have connections. Called in a couple of favours."
Sean frowned a little. "Should I even ask?"
"..I wouldn't."
"You sound like some kind of gangster or some big time mob person, you know that?"
Jason shrugged. "I just know a lot of people."
"So I see. You came back just in time, though. Krueger's started on Paddy." Sean sighed. "Have you had any dreams?"
"I haven't slept, either." Jason replied. "I've spent all my time getting them pills. No time for sleep."
"Well, when I do sleep, I'm not having dreams about him. The boiler room, but not him. It's like he can't be bothered with us anymore."
"..Are you trying to convine me or yourself? He's not going to let us walk away after the past twice. He's playing something."
Sean sat down. "How do you know? How do you know he hasn't given up on us?"
"Because, I can feel it. Besides, I wouldn't, if I was him."
"But you're not him." Sean pointed out.
"I know I'm not, but I refuse to believe he'll bow out now." Jason shook his head. "Too easy. Nah, man. We have to stay alert."
"But, we have the hypnocil. So really, we're good, right?" Sean raised an eyebrow. "He can't touch us with that."
Jason shrugged. "Fair do's man, but even with hypnocil, I'm not letting my guard down."
"When do you ever let your guard down?"
"Never."
Sean sighed. "Exactly. That's your problem."
"I wouldn't say it's a problem. Got me out of some seriously sticky situations."
"Well..Then I can't really complain, can I?"
Jason shook his head. "No, you really can't."
"Is it safe? You two aren't going to start world war three, right?" Sammy asked from the doorway, causing the two older boys to turn.
"..What? What'd you mean start world war three?" Sean questioned, a look of confusion upon his face.
"Seemed like you were going to fight, again."
Jason shrugged. "Blame Sean, he's the up-tight one."
"I'm not the one who's always 'on their guard' am I?"
"No, but you are the moody one."
"I am not the moody one, you are!" Sean retorted, folding his arms. "Yo-"
"Wheesht!" Jason cut in.
Sean narrowed his eyes a little. "Don't interrupt me, you twat."
"Wheesht."
"Jason, I'm serio-"
"Rage!" Jason cut in once more. "Interruption rage."
"You're just doing that to annoy me now, aren't you?"
Jason nodded. "Yeah pretty much."
"You're a twat." Sean huffed.
"Raaaage!"
Sammy shook his head. "I thought you two were supposed to be the more mature ones, being the elders and all?"
"Don't blame me! It's him!" Sean protested.
Jason raised an eyebrow. "Away you go!"
"Em, excuse me? Who's the one who repeats the word 'rage' over and over?"
"Well, who's the one who gets irritated by it?" Jason shot back.
"Because it's an annoying word!"
"Word rage!"
Sean sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "What the hell is wrong with you tonight? You're acting like a kid on a sugar rush."
"Or maybe something is wrong with you and I always act like this."
Sean exchanged a glance with Sammy, raising his eyebrow. "No. You don't..Are you on something, Jase?"
Jason shook his head. "Noo..."
"Does that mean yes?" Sammy asked.
"No, it means no. I'm not on anything. Except energy drink. I've had a tonne of that shit. And I haven't slept. So, over-tiredness. Happy?"
"I swear down, Jason, if you're lying-" Sean started.
"Eh, since when have I lied? I'm telling you, I'm not on anything, for fuck sake, if I was trust me, you'd know about it."
Sean stared for a moment, before relaxing a little and turning to Sammy. "His pupils are normal, I think it's really the energy drink."
Sammy nodded, while Jason's face darkened. "Nice to know I'm bloody trusted." He turned, heading out the door.
"Where are you going?" Sean asked.
Jason turned. "For a smoke, and I mean a cigarette, before you ask, or do you need proof that they're not laced with something else?" He turned back once more and headed out the back door.
Sean stood for a moment, before telling Sammy he'd be back in a moment, and followed Jason out the back door. "Jase, you know I didn't mean anything by it. You were just acting..Well, high."
"Yeah, there's a difference between high on narcotics and a sugar high, Sean." Jason replied, exhaling a cloud of smoke.
"Well, I wouldn't know, would I? I've never witnessed someone that was high on drugs."
"Really?" Jason raised an eyebrow, turning to face Sean.
"No, and I don't really plan on it. I'd rather stay away from drugs all together."
A shrug. "Fair doo's. Although, you know, hypnocil is a drug."
"You know what I mean, smart arse."
Jason snorted. "Obviously, not everyone is as thick as you, Sean."
"Oi!" Sean slapped Jason round the head. "You cheeky git. I'm not thick."
"Opinions, bruv. But if you ever do that again, I will stick this cigarette in your eye."
Sean gave a slight smirk. "Yeah, nice joke, Jason. We both know your 'threats' don't work on me anymore. You won't do anything." His smirk faltered a little at Jason's more than serious expression.
"Oh, will I not? Reckon I'm joking, aye?"
"...Well, I did..Now I'm not so sure."
"That's what I thought."
Sean's eyebrows rose in shock. Had he really just been threatened? By Jason, of all people. "Jesus, you're serious?"
"No! Fuck sake, you're far too easy."
He growled as Jason burst into a fit of laughter. "I hate you, Jase."
He frowned into the darkness, his brow furrowed in confusion, he'd taken the hypnocil, definitely, so why was he in the power plant? Why was he even dreaming at all?
He paced the dim corridor, his only source of light was the flickering overhead lights, his footsteps making dull thuds against the concrete, sweat dripping down his skin. How he loathed the impossible temperatures of this place. He jumped into a defensive stance when one of the lights a feet few ahead of him blew, sending a shower of glass shards sailing to the ground, setting off a chain reaction and plunging the second half of the corridor into a darkness. Jason hesitated momentarily, before continuing forward once more, squinting his eyes a little as they adjusted to the dark, the glass crunching under his weight, periodically checking over his shoulder. He knew all too well Freddy liked to catch you off guard, and he wasn't prepared to let it happen again. He still clearly remembered the feeling of the cold steel of the razor glove biting into his flesh. His bodily scars may have healed, but the memories were still as raw as they day he recieved them. He blinked as a light appeared in the distance, quickening his steps. He wasn't afraid to be in the dark, but he didn't think it was a wise idea to stay in shaded areas, especially when he was in Freddy's domain. He came to an opening in the corridor, leading him into the boiler room, the main furnace directly across from him, making unearthly groaning noise as the hellish fire crackled away within.
"You're back?" An enraged voice rasped.
Jason turned slowly to face the literal man of his nightmares. "Seems like you're not the only one who sticks around, huh?"
Freddy tipped his hat in mock. "Why won't you just die?"
"I could ask you the same question." Jason shot back coolly.
Freddy scrutinized the taller man, a dark chuckle errupting from his throat. "You should have stayed home, boy. I'll gut you like the piggy you are, just as I should have done before."
Jason raised a disbeliving eyebrow. "Whatever you say."
Freddy glared at the boy infront of him. How dare this little shit try to undermine him? He grabbed onto Jason's arm, digging his razors into his flesh. "I'll kill you slow."
Jason yanked his arm out of Freddy's grip, deepening the wounds. "Fuck off. You couldn't kill time, you twat."
Freddy gave a low dangerous growl, making to stab at Jason's chest, just as the boy disappeared from the dream world. Enraged once more, he summoned the children he had all ready claimed, slashing, ripping and slicing until there was nothing left but a bloody mess of gore and gristle. He knew they'd be intact soon enough, but he needed some kind of outlet for his rage, and no fresh meat was around at this point in time, much to his disappointment. He tapped a bloodied blade against his chin, his tongue darting out to lick some of the bitter, metalic liquid, a malicious grin pulling at the corners of his mouth. There was more than one way to skin a cat.
"But, I seen you take the hypnocil." Sammy repeated himself for the third time. "You definitely took it, I seen you."
"I know." Jason sighed. "I know I took it, I know you saw me, you don't have to tell me."
"So what's so special about you?" Paddy piped up. "How come these pills didn't work for you?"
Jason shrugged. "That's what I'd like to know."
Sean looked up from cleaning the cuts on Jason's arm. "You're on amitriptyline."
Paddy and Sammy exchanged confused glances. "Ami-what now?"
"Amitriptyline. It's an anti-depressant." Sean explained. "He's on a high dosage. It could have knocked the hypnocil off balance."
"So just stop taking this amitriptyline thing then. Simple." Sammy raised an eyebrow.
"He's not coming off of that, he's too unstable!"
"Well it's that or he dies if he fall asleep. What would you prefer, Sean?"
"Sammy, it's an anti-depressant, and it's a strong drug. Think about it. It's not a good idea to come off it." Sean snapped.
"I am right here, you know." Jason growled, silencing the two brothers with a glare. "I'm not stopping the amitriptyline, I went through too much shit when I first started it, plus, I've been taking too high a dose on a regular basis. It could fuck me up if I stop it abruptly, supposed to be weaned off shit like that."
"So what are you going to do?" Paddy questioned. "Not take the hypnocil and stay awake?"
"That's exactly what I'm going to do."
"What?" Sean's head snapped round. "You're not doing that."
"Well, what do you reckon I should do?"
"Take more hypnocil?" Sammy suggested.
Jason raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, I'll overdose on an experimental drug. Good one."
"Didn't stop you before, did it?"
"What are you talking about?" Sean interrupted.
"Well, he used to take drugs, didn't he? Wasn't that when you were a junkie."
Paddy's jaw dropped, while Sean looked outraged.
"I wasn't a junkie, for a start. And I didn't take experimental drugs, I took illegals. There's a huge difference. They're illegal, because the side effects are known. Not so much with experimental. Besides, it's not wise to mix drugs, even prescription drugs." Jason pointed out. "So, no, I'm not increasing the dose of hypnocil. I'll stay awake. I'm used to it anyway, I work at night, have Callie during the day, besides I used to stay up for days on end when I was younger, I'll be fine."
"I'll stay up with you." Sean offered.
Jason shook his head. "Nah, you sleep. I'll be sound."
"But, what if you fall asleep?" Sean persisted. "I'm staying awake with you, it's not an offer. And you can't say otherwise. You can't tell me what to do, the same as I can't tell you."
Jason sighed. "Fine, but you still take the hypnocil, incase you do fall asleep, because I'm not waking you up, deal?"
Sean nodded after a few seconds hesitation.
"You're both going to make yourself ill. End up in hospital with exhaustion or something." Paddy muttered.
"Yeah." Sammy continued. "And then what? 'Cause they'll make you sleep."
"Naw, no one can make me do anything." Jason stood, stretching. "They've tried that shit before. And Sean can sleep anytime, so it'll be alright."
"I hope you know what you're doing." Sammy crossed his arms over his chest, shaking his head.
"I do."
"You'd better." Sammy huffed. "If either of you think I'll be coming to visit you in the hospital, you can forget about it."
"It'll be sound." Jason tried to reassure him. "As I said, Sean can sleep anytime, so he'll be alright."
"And what about you?" Sean demanded. "You can't sleep without dreaming."
"Rage! I've been fine the past twice, haven't I?"
"No." Sean countered. "You haven't. You've ended up in hospital, haven't you?"
"So I'll be more careful."
Sean narrowed his eyes. "I still don't like it."
"Doesn't matter if you like it or not, Sean. It's the way it's going." Jason shrugged.
"Remember when I said to you about thinking before acting Jase? This is exactly the kind of thing I'm talking about."
"I have thought!" Jason defended himself. "There's not an alternative here, don't you think I'd take it if there was?" Sean stayed silent. "Yeah, exactly."
"Fuck this." Sean snapped, getting up off of the floor and nudging Paddy's leg. "Move over."
"Ouch! That's my injured leg." Paddy whined, shifting along the sofa.
"Sorry."
"You've made it hurt even more, thanks, Sean."
"Fuckin' hell, I said sorry. Quit your moaning, bloody drama queen."
"Fuckin' rage." Jason muttered.
"You can shut it, as well." Sean growled.
Jason frowned a little. "Who do you reckon you're talking to?"
"Obviously you." Sean remarked snidely.
"Well don't."
Sean got to his feet, walking around the coffee table. "Or what, like?"
"Give it a rest and sit down, Sean. There's enough to deal with without you and him fighting again." Sammy said with a sigh.
"Shut the fuck up, Sammy." Sean turned back to Jason. "I asked or what, Jason? Hm?"
Jason jumped to his feet as Sean stepped forward. "Don't try squaring up to me, pal, 'cause I'll knock you flat out, boyfriend or not."
"You reckon, do you?"
"What is wrong with you, Sean? What you trying to start shit with me for? There's obviously a reason, so c'mon, let's hear it."
Sean remained silent, glaring at the shorter boy infront of him.
Jason waited, looked expectant. "Well? What's your reason?"
Sean gave a half shrug.
"There must be a reason, Sean. You were sound as before, so what's changed?"
"What changed? Maybe the fact that we're being hunted, again, Jason. That's changed, and the fact that we've broken up twice now, within a very short period of time. Maybe the fact that every time someone falls asleep, I'm shit-scared it's the last time I'll ever see them. Maybe the fact that we seem to be top people on a seemingly impossible pyschopath's hitlist. So forgive me if I'm a little on edge at the moment."
"Don't you think that's all on my mind as well? 'Cause it is. I know it as well as you do, Sean. But I'm not acting like a complete and utter cunt towards you, am I?"
"I can't help it if I take it out on other people." Sean snapped. "It's something I do, fuckin' deal with it."
"Nah, I won't 'deal with it'. I've told you before, I'm not your punchbag, Sean, I'm supposed to be your boyfriend."
"Yeah, you are. You can be both."
Sammy and Paddy exchanged nervous glances as Jason's jaw clenched.
"Ah mate, please don't actually tell me you reckon that."
"Yeah, I do, Jason, I wouldn't have said it if I didn't."
"I'm not your fuckin' punchbag and I refuse to be in any way, shape or form. Find another outlet, 'cause I ain't gonna act like I'm walking on eggshells around you from now on, and you know I won't."
"Well you should!"
"But I shouldn't." Jason snapped. "I never have done and I never will do. You want to be a cunt, go for it, but I can tell you, I'll be twice as bad. So either sort it out, or get yourself to fuck, 'cause I'm not putting up with it. I'm going through the same shit you are, so I can tell you there's no need for you to act like how you are."
"But you're not going through the same shit as I am." Sean gritted his teeth.
"How do you work that one out? Please share."
"Because!"
"Because what? Because isn't a real reason!"
"BECAUSE YOU DON'T GET FUCKING SCARED. I DO, JASON. I'M BRICKING IT, YOU HAPPY NOW?"
Jason stood for a second, before turning to the two younger boys. "Can you two give us a minute?" He waited for them to leave, closing the door behind them before turning back to Sean, who looked as though he was trying not to break down. "You think I don't get scared?"
"You're never scared." Sean glared at the floor. "Not ever."
"..Well that's a stupid thing to think. As much as people like to think I'm some emotionless twat, I am still human, Sean."
"Right. See, the thing is, everyone seems to get scared, except you."
"I've been scared, Sean, plenty of times."
"What? As a kid? I'm not talking of then, Jason." Sean said bitterly.
"Neither am I. I was scared when Cheryl told me she was pregnant. I was scared that night at the power plant. I was scared when Callie was born, fuck, I was scared for the first couple of months of her life. When we've split, I was scared we wouldn't get back together. I was scared I wouldn't be able to get the hypnocil. And I'm scared now, as well. I'm scared something'll happen and I'll lose someone else I care about. I'm scared that I'll lose you. So don't even try to think that I don't get scared, Sean, 'cause it's not true. So yes, I am going through the same shit as you."
Sean looked up, raising an eyebrow. "You're scared of losing me?"
"Aye, I am. And I don't just mean to Krueger, 'cause that can be sorted easy enough. I mean that, if things keep going how they're going, and we keep fighting like cat and dog every two minutes, eventually, you'll get sick of it, and find someone else. When you went with Logan, I was scared that you'd gone for good. Maybe I don't show it, Sean, but I actually do love you with everything I have. Fuckin' hell, I live with you, been with you almost two years, I've never been with someone anywhere near that long. Not even a quarter of it. So yes, I am shit scared that I'll lose you, 'cause you and Callie are what's keeping me going and I don't know how or if I even would cope if I lost either of you. I'd do anything for youse. I chased up a pill for four days, 'cause you asked for it. I haven't been near drugs, because you didn't like it. I don't fight as much, I haven't been arrested, I don't even drink as much, and I changed, I stopped doing all of that for you. Doesn't that prove anything? Maybe I'm not perfect, and maybe I do have a temper and run my mouth a bit too much, but I can't help that. I've tried to be a better person for you, though, Sean. And if I could be the perfect boyfriend, I would. But I can't, and I'm sorry I can't, but I can honestly say I love you and I'm scared to lose you. As much as it may seem like a lie, I actually despise arguing with you."
"Then why do you argue with me?"
"Because I can't keep my mouth shut if someone starts on me, Sean, you should know this by now. I act before I think."
"Well, I could have told you that." Sean rolled his eyes.
"Then you shouldn't have bothered asking. And I feel like a right camp twat."
"Jase, for fuck sake, you can't do that every time you say something you feel. It's not camp, it's nature. Emotions are part of being human."
"I know that."
"Then put that knowledge to use, 'cause you can be a pretty nice guy, when you wanna be."
"Yeah...Don't let on to people about that."
Sean shook his head, rolling his eyes. "You're mad. And just so you know, I love you too, and everything you just said, I feel the same way. And I'm sorry for taking things out on you, I just, I don't know why I take them out on you, actually."
"It's cause I'm such a top lad."
"Sure. If you say so. But for the record, I'm not about to run off with Logan, of all people. There's more chance of you going with him."
Jason stared for a second. "Let's be serious here."
Sean snorted, shaking his head once more. "Alright, maybe I exaggerated, but it won't happen, ever."
"Good. 'Cause I would have to kick your arse. And, also, I need to spark up."
"You're smoking an awful lot lately, don't you think?"
Jason shrugged. "I'm stressed, man. Leave it out. There's worse than smoking."
"I still think it's disgusting." Sean shuddered.
"Not to me it isn't."
Sean followed Jason out the back door, shivering a little when the cold air hit him. "How can you be bothered to stand out here to smoke?"
"Because I'm not lazy." Jason replied, sparking the flame of his lighter and lighting a cigarette.
"And because you have an addiction?" Sean raised an eyebrow.
"There's worse to be addicted to."
"So you admit it's an addiction?"
"Smoking usually is considered an addiction, yes." Jason exhaled a plume of smoke, turning to face Sean. "Am I addicted? Probably. But I don't want to stop."
Sean shrugged. "Well, at least you can admit it."
Cheryl's eyebrows disappeared beneath her fringe, her hand on her hip. "Where the hell have you been?"
"Nowhere. I just had some things to look into, chase some things up."
"And you coulnd't have let anyone know where you were? Jae, do you know how worried you've had Sean? And me, for that matter? Callie's been asking for you non-stop as well."
"I couldn't get in contact, my phone died and I'd left the charger." Jason shrugged. "You know, I've had this all off of Sean, right? I don't need a repeat, thanks."
She removed her hand from her hip, folding her arms over her chest. "You'd better not pull a stunt like that again, Jae. I mean it."
"I won't, fuck sake. Not after the flak I've got for it. It was Sean who asked me to sort it, I did, and still no one's happy."
"Because no one knew where you were. We were worried!"
"I'm a big lad, I can look after myself."
"Yeah, but you're not immune to getting hurt, or sick, are you?" Cheryl glared, her arms still folded over her chest.
"Do I look hurt or sick?"
"Well, no -"
"Exactly. I'm fine. Tired, but fine." Jason concluded. "So, drop it."
She unfolded her arms, ready to say something else, when her gaze settled on his arm. His sleeve was rolled up a little, showing what looked like a cut. Reached out, she pulled his sleeve up fully, raising her eyebrows once more. "Then what's this?"
"How the fuck? Do you have hawk eyes or something?"
"That's no answering my question. What's that?"
"I done that after coming back, if you must know." Jason replied, rolling down his sleeves once more. "And you can question Sean on that if you don't believe me."
She nodded in acceptance. "Where is Sean, actually?"
"Probably still asleep." Jason shrugged.
"At this time?" She shook her head. "Lazy bastard."
"You're telling me, can I ask what it was you had to speak to me about?"
"Right. Well, see.." She trailed off, sitting down. "Okay, I've been talking to Kieran, a lot lately, and well, see, I think, I may have developed some...Feelings there, you know? And well, apparently he's the same, but he doesn't want to do anything, because, well, because of you, really."
Jason raised an eyebrow. "Eh?"
"Well, because of our history and you two being best friends and all, he doesn't want to act on any feelings or anything, because, well, you don't go out with your best friends ex, you know?"
"Cheryl, we're not sixteen year old kids, you know? If you two want to start shit up, go for it. It isn't exactly going to bother me, is it?"
"Well, I think it has something to do with Callie, as well." She broke eye contact. "I mean, I think he's pretty worried you might think he's trying to move in and bump you out of the picture, you know? Or that you might not approve him being with the mother of your kid or something along those lines."
Jason raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, I'll have a huge problem with the lad I've known for years and would trust with my life, being around my child. I'd much rather have some twat I don't know, around." He shrugged. "You could do a lot worse than Kieran, Cheryl. So if you two wanna have a dash at making things work between you, you should go for it, without feeling you need my permission. I'm not your keeper. Yeah, we have history, but we're just friends, now. And I'm pretty happy in a relationship, so I don't see why you shouldn't be."
"I know, but he's your bestfriend."
"So what? That means I know he's not going to do some stupid shit that could put Callie in danger. Or yourself."
She nodded, biting her lip. "You're sure about this? I mean, you're not just saying it because you feel you have to, and in reality have a completely different opinion?"
"Eh, since when have I ever done that? You know if I don't like something, I'll say it."
"That's true. Remember that time Tasha asked you if you liked her dress and you told her it made her look like an apple?"
He snorted. "Aye, she was not happy!"
"She never wore green around you again."
Jason shrugged. "Not my fault she looked like an apple! She did ask."
"You could have told a white lie like the rest of us, and said she looked good!"
"And have her going around thinking she looks alright, when everyone know's she looks like an apple, bit harsh, is it not?"
Cheryl shrugged. "I guess if you look at it that way."
Cheryl and Jason had been joined by Sean at some point during the early evening, and now the three sat in comfortable coversation, Callie asleep in the next room. An uneven knocking interrupted them, Cheryl rose, frowning. "Who the hell is that?" She left the room, returning a few moments later. "There's a man at the door. He said he's looking for you, Sean, that your mother sent him here?"
Sean's heart almost skipped a beat as he exchanged a glance with Jason. Had something happened? Had Paddy or Sammy forgotten their hypnocil and fallen asleep? He gestured for Jason to follow him, stepping out of the room, into the next, stopping dead in his tracks. "What in the hell are you doing here?"
Logan stood in the doorway, smelling strongly of alcohol. "I'm here to tell you, Sean, that you have messed up big time and I really think you can do better th-than him. Even if it's not me. You need to fi-find someone you deserve."
Sean sighed, rolling his eyes. When would this man let up and stop stalking him?
"Fuckin' state of." Jason muttered.
Logan's head snapped up to glare at Jason, looking him up and down. "What'd you say?"
"I said 'fuckin' state of' as in, check the actual nick of you and don't look me up and down, you twat."
"You've got a nerve." He gestured to Jason's arms, which for once weren't hidden by his sleeves. "Those beauty marks, are they? Or maybe war wounds?" Logan jeered, gazing at the white, faded scars, smirking when Jason's expression fell a little. "Yeah, Sean's told me all about that shit with you and your knife fetish, you weirdo."
Jason made to step forward before stopping himself. "Usually, I'd kick your arse about now, but there is no way I'm 'bout to do that with my daughter in the next room."
"Yeah, use your brat as an excuse."
"Excuse me?" Cheryl screeched.
"Logan, just go." Sean spat through gritted teeth. He could already tell from Jason's expression that he would be in the doghouse and that Cheryl was less than pleased herself.
"Good idea." Jason agreed. "Fuck off and actually stay away this time."
"Just tell me, Sean, when are you going to come to your senses and finish with this..thing?"
"I'm not going to finish with Jason." Sean replied, putting emphasis on his name. "I love him, something which you don't seem to understand. And on top of that, you're drunk and there's a child in this place. So, really, I think it's time you left."
Logan gave the trio one last dirty look, before turning and heading out the door. Jason followed, making as though to close the door behind him, before grabbing the older man and slamming him into the motel window. "Callie ain't out here, you fuckin' cunt. You're in for it."
The two exchanged blows, before Jason got the better, kneeing Logan in the stomach, before dealing an uppercut as he fell, sending his head bouncing back up. Sean moved, pulling Jason away with Cheryl's help, while Logan crumbled, laying on the ground.
"Let go!" Jason growled, trying to pull free from his restrainers.
"He's not moving!" Cheryl cried, watching Logan carefully. "Oh jesus, he's not moving!"
Jason pulled free of Seans grip, nudging Logan's temple with his foot. "You'd fuckin' better get up."
Logan stirred, getting slowly to his feet, only to be knocked back down. He crawled away, before getting to his feet and running. Jason ran after him, calling for him to turn around, with Sean following, telling Jason to leave him. Logan carried on running until he neared a shop, before slowing down.
"LOGAN, TURN AROUND!"
Logan slowed to a halt before turning. "WHAT?"
Sean caught up with them just in time to see Jason draw back his arm and smack Logan square in the face, flooring him once more. "Don't you ever fuckin' come 'round where my kid is looking for drama." Logan scrambled to his feet and ran into the nearest shop.
Sean shook his head. "What did you need him to turn around for if you were just going to do that?"
"Because it's cowardly to hit someone from behind. Or when they're on the deck." Jason replied, turning and heading back in the direction they came from.
Sean shrugged, before following. "Fair enough. I guess it's fair, he was out of order with what he said but you didn't have to-"
Jason stopped, turning to face Sean."Aye, 'bout that. I can't believe you'd fuckin' tell him about that. That's not a matter for you to go and discuss with cunts, Sean."
"I..Jase, It just slipped out. I mean, we were just talking and I was drunk, I didn't mea-"
"Yeah, just slipped out. Good one, Sean. I fuckin' trusted you with that, do you know how long it took for me to able to trust anyone? How the fuck am I supposed to trust you now? I told you ..-Infact you've experienced - some of my deepest, darkest secrets and now I find out you've went and told him of all people? You know I can't stand the cunt, so why would you do that?"
Sean stood, guilt written over his face. "Jase, I'm so-"
"Nah, I don't want to hear it." Jason turned once more, making his way back, Sean a few steps behind him. When they reached the motel, a distraught and frantic Cheryl greeted them. "Jason! Jason, she's not - I don't think she's breathing. Oh God, she's not breathing!"
Jason raised an eyebrow. "Who's not breathing?"
"Callie!"
The colour drained from Jason's face, leaving him a sickly grey. He pushed past Cheryl, crashing into the room Callie was in.
Cheryl stood, her breaths ragged. "She-She's not. Oh God, Sean what do I do?"
"Call an ambulance, Cheryl" Sean replied, pushing his phone into her hands, following Jason into the room. "Is she..?"
Jason gave a slight shake of his head, before tilting Callie's head back slightly, performing mouth to mouth, checking for her breathing, before repeating it. "C'mon baby, breathe."
Sean looked over his shoulder at Cheryl who had called the ambulance and was now standing in the door way, biting her finger nails, tears welling up in her eyes. He moved past her when the door was knocked, letting in two paramedics, one male, one female. The bundled into the room and around Callie, checking her over. The female turned around as the male began hooking the infact up to masks and drips. "She's breathing, it's very shallow, but she is breathing now."
"Oh thank God." Cheryl sighed, her voice cracking a little.
Sean moved to the side as the two paramedics left to get a stretcher to transport Callie into their vehical. He narrowed his eyes a little, before moving forward. "Jason, look." He gestured towards the small girls top, which was stained with blood.
Jason frowned a little, before pulling the material up a little, revealing four long gashes, parrell to each other. Sean's face fell as Jason's darkened significantly.
"Jase..How?"
"I dunno, but I'm going to rip the cunt to pieces."
A/N: Something in this chapter actually happened to me. 50 Points for guessing which is was, haha. Again, sorry 'bout the wait, I'm still not completely finished with life's drama -_- So, I'm finding it difficult to update and all.
