A/N: Next three are a cute, angsty three-part I've simply called "Jay". Naturally, they're all from the point of view of the titular character and my favourite hero of the team (besides Neil). They also are rather heavily implied Jay/Theresa and feature many, slightly confusing flashbacks. Bear with me. I like them.

This one's for Written Parody; I believe a hurt Jay was called for :)

Blood

There was a sensation that Jay had learned to associate with blood.

Shock.

A creeping numbness, a disbelief that spread through his body – up his legs, swirling through his chest, slithering up his throat. Then a tickling, usually on his arms or stomach. He'd look down, hear a cry, and see red.

"Jay, behind you!"

The blade struck him as Theresa's cry reached his ears. Milliseconds later, Archie's whip struck Cronus, and the offending scythe disappeared. The god of time cursed angrily, throwing a murderous glare, and disappeared into one of his many time-portals.

Jay glanced down at his forearm, just as Theresa's light fingers closed around the gaping wound. Blood, dripping red blood, poured down his arm. He swayed on his feet.

Gingerly, he pressed a hand to the bandaged wound, as the memories of the events played in his mind's eye.

"We need to get him to Chiron immediately, Herry!"

"I'm driving as fast as I can!"

A cool hand stroked his forehead. It matched the one pressed heavily on his wound, compressing it to help stop the bleeding – like she'd been taught all those classes ago when Chiron had taught them basic first aid.

"Stay with us, Jay." She whispered.

"I'm not going anywhere."

He traced along the bandage now, as if it were the edge of a knife. That was their life – his life. Always on the edge. One little slip – one mistake – and they'd be cut.

"Damn it, Herry! He's going into shock – his body's shutting down! Oh gods, can't you drive any faster?"

"Theresa, we're still at least ten minutes away!"

"He won't last that long!"

He smiled; the first time Theresa had been wrong. And he was glad that she had been. He remembered waking as the two of them pulled him from the car – looking up into her glassy green eyes, feeling her strong hands still pressed to his seeping arm.

I'll be alright, he'd wanted to say. I'll be fine. It's just a little blood.