Guys, this is basically just Jadason fluff because in their story it's basically all angst at the moment and I need more fluff so I'm writing this. Enjoy! :)
Jade and Jason: Age 24
(JADE POV)
"Mommy! Steven hit me!" Josh yelled.
"Josh hit me first!" Steven yelled.
"Daniel's being annoying!" Scarlet yelled. I looked at Jase tiredly.
"Can you handle Scarlet and Daniel? I'll talk to the boys." I said. He sighed and nodded.
"Boys, you can't hit each other, okay? If you have a problem, you resolve it with words." I told them. Five year old boys are a pain, but I still love them to death.
"Okay. Steven's a butt head." Josh said.
"Josh is a poopface." Steven replied.
"Not those kind of words. You do not talk to anybody that way, understood? I meant, you talk about the problem, and then find a way to solve it. Now why were you hitting each other?" I asked.
"He started it!" They both said.
"I don't care who started it. I want to know what the problem is." I said calmly.
"I wanted to play with the blocks, but Steven was using all of them." Josh said.
"I was building an architectural masterpiece." Steven defended. Typical. Leave it to Steven to build a Lego 'architectural masterpiece' at age 5.
I sighed. "Okay. Steven, you need to share the toys. They're not just for you. And Josh, there's another bin of Legos right over there." I said.
"But it's so far away." Josh complained.
"It's not that far. You can play over there. If you two can't play nicely, then don't play together." I said. I got up and walked over to the couch, lying down on it and staring at the ceiling. I need a break. I love my kids, don't get me wrong, but there's three of them and they rarely get along. On top of that, they're the same age and play with the same toys, and they're constantly fighting over them. They're always competing for our attention and in order for it to be fair, we have to pay equal attention to all of them. That means we have to read three different bedtime stories, make three different lunches and dinners, watch all three of them ride their bikes or does handsprings or whatever else they learned to do that day. And then we have to watch it again.
I didn't sleep much last night, as Josh and Steven were getting into another argument and Steven wrote a freaking essay on why they should get separate rooms. And they will get separate rooms, but for now they're sharing, as it's so much easier to put them all to sleep in one room that's directly across from ours. But can we go back to the fact that Steven wrote a page full of facts about why separate rooms would be better for them? For them, not for us.
I let my eyes shut, hoping for a few minutes to power nap, but I knew that in 3-2-1-
"MAMAAAA!" Yup. There it is. My little mini-me. I sighed and didn't open my eyes.
"Ask your dad to deal with it." I said.
"But mama, I want you to help me." Scarlet insisted.
"Your dad can do it."
"His hair's not long enough" she whined.
"Fine. Can you do it while I'm sleeping?" I asked, not thinking clearly.
"Mmhmm." she replied.
"Go for it." I murmured, going to sleep.
I woke up a while later and my head was sore and it felt like my hair was being pulled out of it's roots. I stood up, albeit with a headache, and walked to the bathroom, not bothering to shut the door.
I looked in the mirror and groaned. Jase walked in and looked at me amused. "You let her do your hair?" he asked.
"I didn't know that's what she wanted to do!" I complained. My hair is in at least seven tight braids sticking up at various angles. I took one out, and it was super painful. "Can you help?" I asked him. He nodded and helped me pull one out, but I grit my teeth in pain. He winced and stopped.
"No, just get it over with." I told him. He did and after half an hour, it was all done. I sighed in relief and massaged my scalp afterwards.
He looked at me in the mirror. "We need a break." he said.
I nodded and leaned back against him. "I'm going to just pass out one of these days. Motherhood is the most difficult thing I've been through." I said tiredly.
"Really? Is it?" he asked.
"No. But it's up there." I said. He laughed.
"We should go out. Get our parents to watch the kids for a night." he said.
"Let's do it." I agreed.
(LATER)
I got ready and put on my heels, then looked in the mirror. I look good, not to brag or anything. But to be fair, having triplets messed me up big time. I mean, I didn't lose all the weight immediately, which was a bummer, but on the bright side, I didn't get my period for three years after they were born. Dianna told me that's perfectly normal in the triplet scenario.
It took me four years to get my body looking normal again, and then, I kept losing more weight because I couldn't keep up with the kids and my own needs. So now that I'm finally feeling back to normal five years later, well, it feels good.
I had never been insecure about my looks before I got pregnant. But then again, I've never really had to worry about it. The serum kept in me in shape without me even trying. I guess pregnancy and serum don't mix well, and nobody else would know, as the only other person older than me who has the serum is my dad, who's a guy and can't get pregnant. Oh, and Aria, but she doesn't have kids.
Once I got pregnant and started gaining weight, I felt really insecure about it, even though I knew it was ridiculous. Now though, my six pack is back and it feels great.
Jase walked out of the bathroom and smiled at me. "You look great." he said.
"You don't look too bad yourself." I replied, smirking. He laughed. We got into one of the cars.
"Let's hope this one doesn't break down and that it doesn't start raining." I said, referencing all the times we went out as teenagers only to be met with that fate. I don't know how many times we've had to push home one of these cars. Honestly, you would think we'd have functioning cars.
"That would be bad. I actually like this suit." he said.
"I like it too. And this dress costed me a lot of money. And I don't even wear dresses." I said. He laughed and we were silent for a few moments, savoring the silence and peace.
"Jase, will the kids be okay? I mean, we don't leave them alone that often and-"
"Relax Red. They're with their grandparents. And everyone else is there too." he said.
"But what if something happens? Maybe I should call and check on them." I said, pulling out my phone.
Jase looked at me. "We've been gone for five minutes-"
"Six minutes." I muttered.
"-nothing has happened to them. They're going to be fine. Just relax." he continued as if I hadn't corrected his timing.
"Okay." I agreed reluctantly, putting my phone away.
"Did you leave the list of foods they can and can't eat with their allergies and everything on the counter?" I asked after a few seconds.
"I left it on the table." he replied.
"What if they can't find it?" I panicked, pulling out my phone again. Jase grabbed my hand and I looked at him.
"The kids will be fine. Nothing's going to happen to them in the next few hours we're gone. They will live, and you need a break. So stop worrying." he said. I sighed.
"You're right. I can't help it though. What if they take them outside and Scarlet runs off? You know how my dad is always trying to get them to go outside." I said.
He stopped the car. "Jase, you can't stop the car here-"
"Do you want to go home?" he asked.
"What? No."
"Are you sure? Because I can turn the car around now if you want." he said.
"No. No, let's go. You're holding up traffic." I told him.
"Are you totally positive?" he asked again.
"Yes! People are honking at you! Move!" I told him. He did so and I gave him a look.
"And what was that?" I asked.
"The kids will be absolutely fine without you for one night. Your dad won't take them outside when it's dark out and he's not crazy anyway. Besides, I'm pretty sure Uncle Tony put a little tracker device on that bracelet she always wears." he said.
"But-"
"I told you, we can go home." he said, and he sounded genuine.
"No. No, you're right. They'll live." I said, leaning my head back against my seat. I hate this. I spend so much time around them that I need time away from them, and when I get my time away I can't help but worry about them constantly. They better turn out good, they're causing me a hell of a lot of stress.
We parked at the restaurant and were lead to our table. It was a very fancy restaurant but to be quite honest I'm still worrying.
"Jase, what if-"
"No. The kids will be fine. No more what ifs." he said, looking me in the eyes.
"Okay. Okay. I just can't help it. It's not my fault." I said.
"I know it's not. And for the record, I think it's kind of cute." he said.
I gave him a look. "You find my stress cute?" I asked.
He laughed. "Well when you put it that way I sound like a jerk. No, I don't find your stress cute. The kids are the center of your world. Tell me, when's the last time you've done anything without them in mind?" he asked.
I thought for a moment. "Probably before they were born. Actually, scratch that, I was thinking about them before I even got pregnant." I said.
"Right. How are you doing, you know, with Charlie and Miranda-" He started, but stopped abruptly when he saw me stiffen. "Sorry, I shouldn't have-"
"No no. I'm fine. It's just, Sofia. Where is she? We have to find her." I said. And then I got a phone call.
"Elliot? Why are you calling?" I asked him.
"What? No hi? Nothing?" he asked. I rolled my eyes.
"You're my husband's boyfriend, so yeah, I'm wondering why you're calling me." I replied. Jase smirked at that.
"Yeah, okay, so basically Scarlet and Daniel might have been fighting and Daniel may have hit her and she may or may not be crying insistently. We tried everything." he said, and I blanched.
"Oh god. Give her the phone. Actually, she might break it. Just put me on speaker." I said.
"Well thanks for letting me know before I handed the crying five year old super soldier my very expensive phone." he said.
I rolled my eyes again. "Scarlet, can you stop crying please?" I asked her.
"Mama?" she asked, sniffling.
"Yes sweetie. I'm here. Why are you crying?" I asked her. I know for a fact that Daniel can't exactly hurt her.
"Daniel's mean. Can you come home now?" she asked. Jase gave me a look, probably knowing what Scarlet asked. He's right though. I do need a break. I can't be there every single time somebody hurts their feelings.
"I'll be home soon. Why don't you play with Marisa right now?" I asked her.
"Why'd you leave us?" she asked. I really wanted to cave and just go home, but I held my ground.
"I'll be home very soon, okay? Maybe if you and your brothers behave I'll get you shawarma tomorrow." I said.
"Kid troubles?" The waiter asked, giving us our drinks. Jase responded somehow, I didn't hear.
"Really?" Scarlet asked excitedly.
"Yes. I have to go now, okay? I love you."
"I love you too." she said. "Bye!" she said.
"Bye Scarlet."
"Awww. That's cute." I heard Elliot say.
"Oh shut up Ellie." I said. The waiter gave me an odd look.
"Hey!" he protested. "Well, enjoy your dinner." he said.
"Thanks. Bye." I said, and then I hung up. I looked at the waiter who was still looking at us oddly. "I wasn't telling my daughter to shut up. I was telling that to my friend who's watching her currently." I said.
His expression relaxed and he nodded. He probably thought we were crazy. He took our orders and left. Then Jase got a call.
"Hello? Naomi? Yeah . . ."
I gave him a look.
"He'll survive without us for one night. Can you tell him to read on his own?" he continued. "Why don't you read to him?" "Tell him we'll be home soon." "Yeah. Bye. Thanks." he said. He hung up and and looked at me tiredly.
"Steven wanted us to come home to read with him. He refuses to do it with Naomi and told her she's incompetent." he said. I laughed.
"Classic Steven." I said.
"She also said he disappeared but-"
"What?!" I asked loudly, causing everyone to look at us oddly.
"Calm down. They'll find him. JARVIS can find his heat signature." he said.
I groaned. "Why did we ever think it was a good idea to have super powered kids?" I asked, leaning back in my ridiculously fancy chair.
Jase smiled slightly. "We didn't." he replied.
"Right. Remind me why we went through with it?"
"It wasn't on purpose." he said, laughing.
"Oh god. You know what. If anyone else calls tonight, I'm going to ignore them." I decided.
"Good plan." he agreed. Our food came to the table.
"This all looks so good." I said.
"Will you need any boxes?" The waiter asked.
"No, thank you." Jase said. He left and Jase looked at me.
"He's going to think we're so weird when all the food is gone in a few minutes." he said.
"I don't care. I'm hungry and under stress, so that means I'm going to stress eat." I replied.
"Yeah? You're sure you're not worrying about the kids still?" he asked.
"Of course I'm not." I said. That's a lie. Whatever. He raised his eyebrows at me.
"If you say so." he said. Then he tensed suddenly. "Three armed people just walked in. At your 6, 9, and 3." he whispered.
I rolled my eyes. "Stupid stupid stupid. Can't we have one night of peace?" I replied just as quiet, done with life. "Two more, your five and seven." I said. He looked at me.
"Act normal. Finish eating. Then we take them out quietly without causing a scene." he said.
"I love how the food is your priority." I said, smirking.
"Obviously." he replied. And that's what we did, we ate, and we talked, and then a gunshot rang out.
I ducked as it came by from my three o clock.
"Everyone out!" Jase shouted, pulling out his gun. I pulled out mine as well. Where I was concealing a gun while wearing a skin tight dress and heels, I will never reveal.
People were flooding out and there are more hostiles here than we noticed.
Then my phone rang. Thinking it might be important, I picked up. "Dad? I'm kind of busy." I said, holding the phone by by neck while still shooting and ducking and fighting.
"Jade, there's a situation-"
"I know. I'm there." I cut him off.
"Seriously? And you're not murdering me? We couldnt find the kids and tracked them to the restaurant on sixth street."
"Dad! I will murder you later. Never mind I see them. Go home." I said.
"What was your situation? Was that a gunshot?" he asked.
"Yes it was a gunshot." I said. I saw them there, wearing pajamas, looking horrified. Someone went at them, seeing how my eyes widened when I saw them.
I grit my teeth. Nobody touches my babies. But before I got there, Jase did. He shot them down quickly and grabbed the kids. I really wanted to run over there and make sure they're all okay and safe, because they're my husband and kids, of course I would rather make sure they're all okay.
But Jase is taking them to safety right now and I just finished off the last guy so the authorities can take care of the guys. The NYPD came up to me and I showed my badge.
"Agent Rogers from SHIELD." I introduced.
"Thank you for taking care of this for us, but don't you think this is a bit menial of a task for SHIELD?" The officer asked me.
"Oh no, we weren't here on a job. I was actually dining here with my husband. We just did what we had to do." I said, smiling.
"Well thank you." she said. I smiled and left, going straight back into panic mode.
"Are you guys okay? What were you doing? Why did you leave the house?" I asked the kids, who were staring at me with big watery eyes.
"They're okay. But I think we need an explanation. Why did you leave the house?" Jase asked them.
"We missed you." Josh said, hugging my knees. I picked him up.
"I understand that, but we can't be there all the time and you can't run away like that. It's dangerous without any adults with you." I said, upset with them. I know they're five, but I expected better.
"Mama, why were you and daddy fighting those people?" Scarlet asked, her eyes wide.
I looked at Jase. He can answer. "Well, there are bad people in the world. Our job is to stop those bad people from doing bad things." He explained.
"Oh. So like not sharing." Steven said.
"Well, not exactly. These people are very bad all the time. Not sharing is something small, and it's bad, but it doesn't make you a bad person." I said.
"Oh. Were you shooting guns?" Josh asked.
"Why don't we go home now?" Jase suggested hastily.
"That's probably a good idea." I agreed, putting Josh down. "Come on guys." I said. They walked in front of us towards the car, as I need to keep a constant eye on these three from now on. The booster seats are all still here, and they all got in and we buckled them.
We got in the front seat and I could feel the panic settling in. What if they had been seriously hurt? There were guns. And they're five. I don't think I would survive if anything happened to them. They're probably going to be severely traumatized by this. I should never have gone out. This is my fault. I'm their mom, I should've sucked it up and dealt with the stress.
"Are you guys sure you're okay?" I asked.
"Yeah." Came the simultaneous reply.
"Did you get hurt?"
"No."
"Are you 1000% sure?"
"Mommy, you can't be 1000% sure-"
"Steven, not now." I said tiredly, slamming my head back against the seat.
"Kids, what you just did is not good. You made everyone very worried. You could've waited until we got home." Jase told them.
They looked at him. "But we didn't know when you were gonna come home." Scarlet said.
"Is Josh back there?" I asked suddenly. Usually he would've said something by this point. I turned my head back quickly and saw him fast asleep in his seat, and I relaxed. "And your dad is right. You made everyone scared and concerned. The world is dangerous, okay? What if you had gotten hurt? You cannot run away like that."
"We're sorry." Scarlet said. I slumped down in my seat and closed my eyes, exhausted. Jase grabbed my hand. "Are you okay?"
"Let's just go home and forget this ever happened." I murmured, just about ready to fall asleep right here.
"Mommy?" Steven asked quietly.
"Yes?" I didn't open my eyes.
"I love you." he said. I think I just melted a little inside.
"I love you more." I replied.
"I love you the most." He said.
"I love you more than the most."
"That's not possible." he argued.
"Yes it is. I love you all more than you can imagine. That's why you have to listen to us when we tell you things, okay? We don't ever want you guys to get hurt."
"Okay." he agreed. I'm guessing Scarlet is asleep too. I looked back, and sure enough, Scarlet and Josh were asleep, and Steven was getting there.
I sighed and closed my eyes again. "I just want to go to sleep."
"Well we're home now." he said. I got out of the car and grabbed Steven, and Jase grabbed Scarlet and Josh. I'll get them settled and then I need to go yell at everyone.
I put Steven down and walked out back to the common room where I assume everyone is. My dad was pacing around the room. I crossed my arms.
"Are the kids okay?" he asked.
"Oh yeah. They're fine. Mildly traumatized because they just saw their parents firing guns, but fine." I said sarcastically.
"What even happened over there?"
"It wasn't our issue. We just happened to be there before the cops got there." I said. "But that's not the point. How did they manage to slip past all of you?" I asked.
"One of them can turn invisible and another one can run at the speed of light, and you're asking us?" Elliot asked.
"So you got outsmarted by three five year olds." I summed up, annoyed. "Why the hell would you even take your eyes off of them? And seriously, you couldn't deal with them for just two hours? You just had to call. If Scarlet was crying all you had to do was just bribe her with Shawarma and she would've stopped. If Steven called you incompetent all you had to do was talk to him about science or something." I said, annoyed.
"Jade-"
"No. They could've gotten lost, or gotten hurt, or gotten shot at! What then? I'm never leaving them with you guys ever again. For gods sake people. They're five." I rampaged. "I can't believe you. Maybe he's right, maybe you're all incompetent if you couldn't watch three kids for two hours without them running away."
"We're sorry. We thought they were sleeping." Naomi said.
"Okay. Whatever. I'm going to sleep." I muttered, leaving, all my energy entirely gone.
I bumped into Jase when I was walking back to our room and he grabbed my shoulders, and I snapped my head up, startled. "Are you okay?"
I sighed. "I'll be fine. I just need to go to sleep."
"Yeah. Let's go." he agreed. I washed off my makeup and slipped out of my dress, throwing on a t-shirt and shorts and climbed into the bed. Jase got in next to me and I turned on my side so I was facing him.
"You know, I really do love them a lot." I said quietly.
"I know."
"But is it bad that I want them to just disappear for a few hours? Because even when I try to take a break I can't help but worry about them. I need to sleep and eat and be sane." I whispered, feeling so guilty for confessing this.
"It's not bad at all. I would be going insane if I had to do what you do." he said.
Then we heard the door open and little footsteps coming towards us. I groaned silently as they climbed on top of us, elbowing me.
I guess they thought we were asleep because they sprawled out on top of us and continued sleeping.
Jase smiled at me and I smiled back. I love my family