AN: I just can't quit these two. But I think next chapter will be the end for real this time. I make no promises though.
Jonny's body fought waking up and the first thing he registered was that he could not take a deep breath. The warmth seeping into his right side and the red hair tickling his chin told him why.
He was on the floor. Having slept there all night on a poor man's bed of just one pillow and a blanket that was too small. He could have crashed on the couch, but that felt too far away. He also could have fished his sleeping bag from the closet, but he was too lazy. By the time he had tired of watching her sleep, he crashed hard.
Sometime during the night, she had obviously woken up and curled in beside him. He smiled when he realized she had stolen most of his blanket. Then he closed his eyes and tried to remember waking up in the middle of the night when she joined him. He had no memory of that which was odd. He was usually such a light sleeper. He supposed that deep sleep was to blame for his current wide-awake state.
He caught sight of her phone next to his hip and halfheartedly grabbed it to check the time. It was five thirty. Much earlier than he wanted it to be. He debated going for a run or just soaking in the quiet and holding her close. Both sounded good to him.
After a few minutes, he decided on the run. The cold air, the wind against his face and the resistance the beach added to his workout...it all appealed to him. He needed that release of endorphins and still craved the normalcy he had been seeking for days. He also recognized that the lack of extreme angst he felt at leaving her was a good sign. Knowing...really knowing that she was not going anywhere without him made everything so much easier. Made his insecurities feel small.
She did not move a muscle when he slipped away. He made sure she looked comfortable and then got ready quietly in the dark. He stopped in the kitchen first to start the coffee before heading out and he felt a familiar sense of calm wash over him when his feet hit the sand. A pre-endorphin rush. He liked being up this early and having the grounds to himself. Having a morning workout to himself. It was rare. His mind clicked from one topic to the next as he ran along the route he and Race usually shared.
He thought about how thankful he was to wake up next to her. Those emotions were still so close to the surface, but he spent more time thinking about the realities of the next nine months. How it would actually work with him still in school and her taking the semester off. Would she be happy? Would she end up regretting it? Would Race loosen up on them? Would their relationship naturally fall back into their pre-college groove? Did he want it to? Or did he want to continue down their current path which felt…like more? Did the new path feel different because it actually was or only because he was being sensitive? Was he overthinking everything? Probably...
By the time he had circled back to the deck off the kitchen and was stretching, he had thought about all that three times over with no conclusions drawn. He decided to cool down on the deck. The air was brisk, but it felt great. With a cup of coffee in hand and a great sunrise view, he turned on his iPad intending to catch up on the outside world. Normal required breaking the bubble.
Jonny scrolled for a few minutes before finding a story that caught his attention. But his reaction upon finishing was not the usual hunt for the next. Instead, he put the iPad aside and stared into the horizon for a full minute. Then he headed back to his room on a mission. All the unanswered questions he had slipped away. He wanted to stay in the present.
He shut and locked the door deliberately. Then he stripped down to his boxer briefs with intention. She was right where he left her. Shifted into the fetal position.
He lifted the too small blanket and pressed himself against her. Seeking as much contact as possible. She took a deep breath, but did not stir otherwise. Jonny swept the hair off her neck and pressed his lips firmly behind her ear. Followed by similar kisses down the length of her neck. At the same time, he slid his palm from her hip across her waist.
Her butt arched toward him, but he was so focused that he could not tell if it was intentional or involuntary. The effect it had on him was the same regardless. He groaned against her skin as he got hard.
His fingers dipped underneath her waistband and waited patiently.
"Yes," she encouraged. He could hear the sleepiness in her voice and felt her body relax. His hand flew by where she wanted him most. He massaged her inner thigh suggestively and inched toward his happy place. He wanted to tease her. Wanted to take his time.
"I love you," she praised and jumped in his arms when he pinched her clit without warning. He licked her shoulder and waited until she eased back against him. Then he did it again.
She felt his smile on her skin when she reacted the same way. "Quest!"
She was out of breath as she rested her hand atop his wrist. A clear indication that she wanted him to continue. He started with just one finger, but quickly added a second. His hips mirrored the movements of his hand. Desperate for the connection.
"I really love you," she swallowed hard.
He used his hand to maneuver her onto her back and he lifted her shirt with his free hand. He kissed her stomach. Every inch of skin he could reach. Jonny felt her breathing change as he moved. When he let up with his hand to focus more on his traveling lips, she arched against his palm and moaned.
He removed her shirt in response and grinned the second her breasts were free. He gently kissed and licked them until her hips picked up speed. Then he removed his hand and sat back to admire his work. Her nipples were peaked and glistening from his mouth. The confused look on her face was adorable.
"Baby?" she pushed.
He did not talk. He just kept worshipping her. Jonny removed her sweats and underwear together. He ran his hands up and down her legs four times before spreading her knees and crawling between them. He dipped his head and kissed her thighs.
"Stop teasing me," she urged. "Please...ah!" She arched off the floor and toward his mouth. She planted her hands in his hair and willed herself to relax and enjoy him. "Ha!"
He wrapped his arms around her thighs and she pulled at his hair. It did not take long for the tension in the pit of her stomach to unfurl.
She was breathing heavily and her hands dropped to the rug with a thud. "I'm so," she cried out. "Please don't stop again."
Jonny had planned on stopping. He had planned on moving to the bed and making love to her. Then he decided to keep going and start over instead.
She came hard against his mouth and was still catching her breath when he picked her up. She wrapped her arms and legs around him lazily and felt like she was floating until her back hit the mattress.
They settled in the center of his bed. On their sides and facing each other. Her eyes were closed, but she could feel him studying her. She opened them when his hand caressed her face lightly. Like she was made of glass.
She hit him with a megawatt smile. "Morning."
It was his turn to close his eyes when her hands moved south. One scratched his abs lightly and the other slipped inside his boxers. She stroked him to further attention and watched in fascination as his brow twitched and his lips parted because of her touch. She inched closer, pressing her forehead to his and trailing the hand on his abs to his neck very slowly. Rubbing her thumb across his racing pulse point like it was the most interesting thing in the world.
When he reached down in a rush to remove his underwear, she gave up control. She wrapped her arms around him and lifted her leg over his hip.
Jonny guided himself to her entrance. Rubbing his dick along her lower lips and then thrusting up. They both cried out at the sensation. He buried his head in her shoulder. She did the same and held on to him tighter.
They moved together. He led and she followed. When he sped up, she did too. When he slowed down, she matched his intensity. Scratching her nails down his back. Grabbing his ass and encouraging him. When he rolled them over and pinned her to the bed, she relaxed and took him deeper.
"Jonny," she exhaled. Resting her hands on his ribcage. Staring at the ceiling and focusing all of her energy on syncing their movements again. "Ha," she inhaled heavily when he licked her shoulder. She could tell he was close. From the way he was mumbling nonsense and starting to perspire. From the way his hips faltered and his hands fisted. She loved his body and that she knew all of its cues.
They were not expending a lot of energy, but he was out of breath when he froze and nuzzled her neck. She knew what he was asking without asking. Like they spoke their own language while making love. If she told him she was close, he would try to delay his own pleasure. Even though he had already made her come. She loved him more every time.
She clenched around him in response and bit down lightly on his earlobe. "This is why your bed is my favorite place...you feel SO amazing," she whispered.
She watched the muscles on his back flex as he started to move again. She felt the moisture on her neck as he kissed her there. It was equally sloppy and intoxicating. Her eyes rolled back when he groaned. It made her feel out of control in the best way. Letting go and trusting him completely. Making him feel good in the process. She did not have another orgasm, but something else washed over her that was just as powerful. Just as primal. "You're mine," she told him.
He collapsed on top of her spent. She only felt his full weight for a moment before he shifted half off her and relaxed his entire body. His arm hung around her loosely. Hand unclenching and fingers caressing her damp skin.
After catching his breath, he wrapped that arm around her tightly and rolled onto his back. Taking her with him without warning. She released a carefree laugh and then rested against his chest as deadweight. Her eyes immediately flirted with closing and she almost missed it. The way he lifted his hand and wiped at his face.
"Hey," she reacted fast. Grabbing his wrist and sliding up until her head was even with his. He stubbornly closed his eyes and swallowed. She saw how hard he was working not to cry and decided not to make it harder on him.
She kissed the tear on his cheek and wiped the rest away. "I love you too," she whispered simply. Then she settled back against his chest and rested her palm over his heart. "I'll protect it, Quest. Promise."
Jonny hugged her closer and cleared his throat. "It's still early. Go back to sleep, Jess."
She did not need to be told twice.
XXX
Jonny extracted himself more easily the second time. She was really knocked out. He allowed himself a small smile for being the cause. He stared down and could not help but think again how right it felt to wake up next to her. Then he scribbled a note and left it by her head. Normally, he would not have done that. The instinct to shower her with love was ever present, but he had trained himself long ago to only act on it thirty percent of the time. Not to play games or exert control. To give her space. To love her the way she needed, which definitely did not involve smothering on any level. But Jonny trusted those instincts now. She was feeling insecure and a little extra just felt right.
Then he headed back outside to enjoy the cool morning air and read some more. Surprised to find no one else awake yet. He could not be sure about Estella, but everyone else in the Compound was an early riser. He forced his mind into neutral territory when he spotted the iPad he had left behind.
"Why was your door shut this morning?"
Jonny jumped and spun at the unexpected voice. Race was there. Sitting in the corner of the deck and sipping coffee. Staring daggers.
"You scared me," Jonny laughed uncomfortably.
Race put aside his mug and stood. "Why was your door shut, kid? I specifically told you to keep it open last night."
Jonny closed his eyes and shook his head. "I'm not having this argument."
"Why was your door shut?" Race persisted. "Don't make me ask you again."
"Exactly why you think," Jonny snapped. "Walking in on us would've been more uncomfortable, Race. Trust me."
The silence hung heavy between them.
Jonny almost laughed at the look on Race's face. He was shocked…even though Jonny had simply confirmed suspicions. The very real fear that Race could hurt him a thousand ways without causing lasting damage stopped the laugh. Jonny held his breath instead.
"I think I misheard you," Race offered lowly.
Jonny scoffed and rolled his eyes. "You want me to lie now?"
"DON'T disrespect me," Race warned.
That made Jonny's eyes drop to the ground. He felt the heat rise up his neck. "I wasn't…I didn't. I shouldn't have lost my temper, but I was only being honest. What do you expect? We're in love and I almost…"
"I EXPECT you to keep your word," Race shot back.
Jonny turned away to gather his thoughts. "I never promised to keep the door open," he clarified. "You just ORDERED me to. There's a difference."
"Then I expect you to follow orders," Race redirected.
"I'm not your fucking soldier," Jonny gritted his teeth. "You can't control everything. You certainly can't control this."
"We need to have a long conversation," Race announced. "I thought it could wait, but obviously I was wrong. Let's go for a walk."
"No," Jonny refused and then turned back to hold Race's gaze for a long moment before continuing. "I'm done arguing with you about her and that's all that would happen. We just don't agree, okay? Accept that so we can move on." Jonny saw Race deflate a little. "I respect your opinion, sir. More than you know. And I'd never go outta my way to make you feel uncomfortable or defy your wishes. She's your daughter. But she's also my..."
"Make your point," Race interrupted and crossed his arms. "I don't need the narrative."
Jonny took a pause to keep his temper steady. "I'm sorry you're uncomfortable," he finished quietly and tried to end the conversation there.
"Don't walk away, Quest."
Jonny clenched his jaw. "You don't get a vote in our relationship. You just don't. You have to let us…you need to stop."
Race took a deep breath. "Once again…it's not unreasonable to ask that you two don't share a bed under this roof. Just like it's not unreasonable to ask that two teenagers…no matter how mature…don't fast forward through one of the best parts of their lives."
Jonny sighed. "I FEEL differently. I can't explain why again, Race."
"Jonny…"
"I'm not gonna change my mind," Jonny interrupted. "I thought we covered this yesterday. You KNOW I won't change my mind. Now you're trying to bully me into doing what you want!"
"I don't bully," Race shook his head.
Jonny rolled his eyes. "This is stupid."
"What is?"
"This entire conversation," Jonny sneered. Grabbing the iPad and shoving it at Race.
"What's this?"
"Some much needed perspective," Jonny growled as he walked away.
XXX
Jonny headed for the other side of the house. It was where they all retreated to get some time alone. His father jokingly called it the museum. It echoed when you spoke. In the furthest corner of the third floor was a room basically used as storage. All of his father's furniture from college was in there. Jonny always laughed when he really thought about it. Seemed an odd thing to keep. Especially the bean bag chair. On the other hand, Jonny could not even guess how many times he had found himself lounging in that chair with a book or a video game. He just knew the number was high. Not even Jess knew he came here. At least he did not think she knew. He could not conjure a memory of being in the room with her.
He sagged into the chair and closed his eyes. He was halfway to sleep when the door opened. His eyes snapped up in surprise, but quickly calmed. "Hey…morning," he offered.
"Sorry," Estella apologized. "I was exploring. Don't think I've ever been on this floor. This place is ridiculously huge."
Jonny grinned. "I guess I don't really notice any longer."
Estella walked in hesitantly and sat down without an invitation. "What're you doing up here?"
"Hiding," Jonny responded honestly.
"From Jess?"
"Nope."
They sat quietly for a few minutes. It struck Jonny that it was not an awkward silence. He did not like how they got there, but was happy they were finding a middle ground.
"This isn't easy on him," Estella eventually spoke up.
"I'm aware," Jonny acknowledged. "…but he's not my priority."
Estella nodded. "I was actually hoping to get you alone for a few minutes today so perhaps this is fate…"
Jonny smirked. "I've never been huge on fate. I'm coming around on it though. What's up?"
"I know you don't care," she started. "But I've come around on YOU and I'm really sorry it took me so long. I'm glad she chose you."
There was a long pause while Jonny absorbed that. He had waited years to hear it. Had spent hours that probably accumulated to days thinking about it. "I care," he admitted. "And I'll tell you what I told Race as soon as I realized it was true…she's it for me, Estella. And I'll do absolutely anything for her. Even if she decides one day that I'm not it for her. I'll still be there. I promise. She's my family."
"Can't ask for more than that," Estella smiled. "Race will get over himself," she added.
"I know," Jonny shrugged. "I have a master's degree in his particular brand of bullshit."
That made her laugh out loud. "True."
"Be patient with him?" Jonny asked next. "He misses you."
Estella sobered at hearing that and felt herself soften. "It's nice they way you two look out for each other even when you're not seeing eye to eye."
Jonny shrugged again. "He's my family. And he's already done more for me than I could ever hope to repay."
XXX
After his chat with Estella, Jonny headed to the kitchen for a refill. Coffee would not help with his stress level, but he wanted it anyway. He was surprised to find her there making breakfast. His anxiety faded and he leaned in the archway to watch her work.
Her eyes found his almost immediately and her face was soft. "Hey you."
"Hi," he grinned and moved towards her. "I thought I left you sleeping soundly?"
She laughed and shrugged cutely. But kept whisking the eggs. "I wanted to make you breakfast. I tried the other day, but my mom beat me to it."
Jonny wrapped his arms around her from behind and rested his chin on her shoulder. He watched intently as she cooked. Fantasized about being alone in their own place. Only one person to drain him emotionally.
'Totally worth it,' he thought, kissing her shoulder and then her neck. She shrugged again like he was tickling her, but Jonny did not stop. He wanted to take her back to bed. He wanted to take her to Fiji. "I like you so much," he whispered in her ear.
"Like?" she mused.
"So much, baby."
She spun in his arms and studied his face. "Are we regressing?" she teased.
"You don't want to fall in love again?" he asked charmingly.
She thought about it genuinely for a minute. "Tempted, but no. I want to stay in love."
He kissed her nose. "Watch the eggs."
"Oh shit," she spun back around. "This is your fault."
He laughed. "Since when do you cook for me?"
"I've made you breakfast before," she defended.
"Passing me the cereal doesn't count," he scoffed. "But I do appreciate it."
She raised an eyebrow. "You knew you were getting a feminist," she deadpanned.
"Ha."
"What?" she pushed.
"I may be a more vocal feminist than you, Jess."
She pursed her lips. Trying to hide a smile. "You're right. You are."
Jonny placed a hand over his heart in mock surprise. "Admitting I'm right…making me breakfast. What's happening?" he asked lightly.
She turned to him again. "You're worth the sacrifice, my love."
Jonny encircled his arms around her waist and pulled her lips back to his. She lifted onto her toes to deepen the embrace.
She giggled after leaning back. "Stop distracting me. What's gotten into you?"
"You. Let's go back to bed," he whispered. He felt her breathing hitch.
"I'm making you breakfast," she reminded.
"I'm willing to make the sacrifice," he kissed her again. "Let's go back to bed," he persisted boldly.
"A bit conspicuous," she responded. "Don't you think?"
"Hmm…," he considered. "What if we got a room in town?"
Jessie assessed him. Her hands moved to his face and caressed lightly. "You okay?"
He shrugged. "Just feeling…"
"Territorial?" she finished knowingly. She had seen them talking through the window earlier and it did not look like friendly banter. She had to assume it was about her.
He shrugged again. "I was gonna say wanting you all to myself."
"What's the difference?"
That produced a small laugh. "I'm usually better at controlling it."
"Mmm," she offered softly. "Why's today different?"
He opened his mouth to respond but closed it just as fast. Sensing the interruption.
"Your eggs are burning," Race announced.
Jonny felt himself tense. Jessie felt it too. She kissed him again anyway. Longer than normal. A little defiant. Then she turned off the burner. "Whoops," she offered lamely. "I'll start over."
"Don't bother," Jonny shook his head. "I promised Hadji breakfast in town anyway. I'm gonna go find him."
"What?" she furrowed her brow in confusion. "You already have plans?"
Jonny ran a hand through his hair. "Yeah. Made last night. I could've never predicted this feast. Come with us."
"Shut up," Jessie slapped his arm. She considered for a moment. "No…you two go."
"Alright, I'll be back soon" Jonny promised. Kissing her temple. "I like you."
She watched him leave and her smile faded as she did.
"I hate when you two fight," Jessie accused without pretense. "Makes me feel sick under normal circumstances. Shouldn't we all just be grateful right now?"
"Yes." Race sat down heavy on the barstool across from her. "We're not arguing."
Jessie shook her head in annoyance as she cleaned up. "I saw you two through the window. That wasn't FRIENDLY body language. Not to mention that he couldn't leave fast enough after you walked in."
"Sweetheart…"
"Why do I even have to ask you to cut him slack?" she growled.
Race had no response for that. At least not one she would be happy with. "I didn't mean to upset you, Ponchita."
"I'm upset BECAUSE he is," she effused. "You think you get it, but you don't. You don't know what it's like to be…"
Race was thrown off by her change in tone.
"Jess?" he pushed gently.
She stared down at the stovetop for a full minute before continuing. "Most of my male peers," she paused and shook her head in what he interpreted as disgust. "I mean I know it's ninety percent immaturity. Most of them will grow up and be decent men, but Jonny…he's different. He's been different from day one…he treats me like I'm goddamn royalty or something."
"Good," Race acknowledged.
"Good," Jessie huffed in annoyance. She could have predicted that response. "No…not good. An amazing gift. What daddies think their daughters deserve doesn't much mirror reality," she growled. "I lucked out. That's my entire point."
Race gave her a long look. He could feel the sadness in his own eyes as he watched her and recognized how uncomfortable she was. "You deserve all that and more."
"Yeah…in my experience most men are real princes. Just lining up to give me what I deserve," she shot back and then left in a hurry. She did not want to hear his laundry list of what she deserved.
XXX
"It's great to get out," Jonny commented. Looking at his watch conspicuously.
They were at Hadji's favorite breakfast spot after running a few errands. It was nice. Hadji had missed the food and the company. They had not done much talking since leaving the Compound, but the silence was comfortable. As it could only be among family.
Hadji chuckled in acknowledgement. "He says as he looks at his watch for the hundredth time in an hour…"
"Sorry." Jonny's apology was sheepish. "Nice to get out. Hard to leave her. But the sooner I get back to…normal I guess…the better. She made it clear that she doesn't want a hovering bodyguard. Which is a challenge since that's pretty much all I want to be right now."
Hadji considered for a moment. "That was quite the goodbye you two shared before we left. Didn't seem like she was real keen on you leaving…or bothered by your proximity."
Jonny smiled to himself. "Jealous?"
"In a manner of speaking," Hadji admitted. "So…did you tell her that you want her to stay?" he changed the subject.
"Yeah," Jonny's smile grew. Genuinely. "She asked me to go with her, Hadj." Saying it out loud made him feel warm. Even if they decided to stay.
"Wow."
"I had the same reaction," Jonny laughed.
"Have you told father?" Hadji asked next.
"No," Jonny shook his head. "Our plans are still TBD. We may stay. I don't think Pop will agree with the decision to go so I'm saving my energy for a debate in case there is one." Jonny stopped and studied his brother. Curious to get a reaction.
"Surprised you'd leave it up for debate," Hadji responded.
"You don't think it's crazy?" Jonny wanted to know.
"Would it change your mind if I did?" Hadji asked softly.
Jonny shook his head. "No…and it's not up for debate. If she wants to go, we go. I'd prefer to leave on good terms though. The last thing I want to do is disappoint anyone. But I have to trust my gut…even when it's making things harder."
"Staying would be easier," Hadji offered.
"Yes," Jonny agreed. "I told her I thought we should stay last night."
"And?"
"She agreed."
"But?"
"Not sure it will stick," Jonny said. Like it was obvious.
"Why not?"
"Because she wants to go," Jonny stared out the window for a moment before continuing. "She just thinks she needs to stay."
"You're not being fair to yourself," Hadji argued. "Or her."
Jonny grinned. "You sound like, Pop."
"Father is quite observant. And it has served him well," Hadji added. "I'll take the comparison as a compliment. Do you see her as an obligation?"
"Of course not," Jonny refused. "I want her to be happy. I want her to feel confident and safe. I want her to feel like herself. When she's herself…she makes me so happy."
"Why do you assume she sees you as an obligation?" Hadji challenged. Jonny did not answer. "Seems more likely that what she needs is for you to be happy too."
"You're right," Jonny conceded. "Just like always. Just like dad. Super annoying by the way."
"How are you?" Hadji finally asked as he finished his coffee.
"Been a strange few days, but I'm focusing on being appreciative. I would like to get back though." Jonny stood to flag down their waitress.
"I'm here if you change your mind," Hadji assured.
"I appreciate that." And Jonny did. He appreciated not being pushed. More than he could articulate.
XXX
Jessie was tying her running shoes on the deck as Race approached. He was uncharacteristically nervous. Instinct told him to give her space. But she was not the only stubborn one in the family. The way their last conversation ended weighed on him too heavily to ignore. "Ponchita…can we talk?"
Her shoulders dropped at the sound of his voice. She wanted to run. "Later," she pushed to delay. "I need a workout. It's been over a week. I'm going stir crazy."
She began to stretch and her wincing did not go unnoticed. "Don't rush yourself, Jess. How many times do I have to ask? You're not feeling one hundred percent yet. If you need space, I'll give you space. You don't have to leave to find it."
The hairs on the back of her neck jumped. "Subtle."
"Unintended double meaning," he assured. Sitting down with a heavy sigh. "I've said my piece and of course I want you to stay. I'll always want that. You know where I stand. Just like I know you're gonna do whatever you want and that he'll follow your lead."
Jessie closed her eyes. Feeling the burden of that responsibility. "I feel…," she trailed off and then sat down beside her father.
"What?" he asked after a long moment of silence.
"Never mind," she stood as fast as she had sat.
"You can tell me," he pushed softly. "Maybe it will help?"
Her face pinched like she had eaten something sour. "You'll take it the wrong way," she decided. "Even though it has nothing to do with you."
"I promise I'm not that sensitive," he laughed. Hoping it put her at ease. "I have a thick skin."
"Over the last week," she watched her feet as she spoke. "The only times I've felt good is when I'm with him. Just us. I can relax with him. I can say whatever comes into my mind without overanalyzing. He likes me even when I'm being vain or a straight-up asshole," she laughed and began to well up. "It rarely even phases him." She paused to get her emotions under control. "I feel trapped here," she swallowed.
That hit Race like a hard gust of wind. "Why?"
She closed her eyes. "Because I can't leave without him. I honestly don't want to," she smiled. "But staying…I already know that story too. Same show every day. And I'm sick of pretending around you. I don't have the energy for it."
"Since when do you need to pretend around me?" he asked.
She responded with an incredulous scoff. "That's a joke, right?"
He stared at her with a hurt expression. "What're you talking about, Jess?"
She pulled back when she saw the look on his face. "I didn't…that came out wrong. I meant that I have to pretend to…I mean don't you think it's weird that in almost five years of dating we've never missed a curfew? You've never caught us making out on the couch? That you've barely even caught us holding hands?"
Race considered the best way to respond. "Yes…and no. You two are smart enough to use IRIS to see me coming. I CHOOSE to ignore that," he informed. "The rest I had chalked up to basic respect. Come on."
Jessie let out a long breath. He had her there. "Fair," she conceded.
"What do you propose?" he asked
"I'm in a real relationship. Can we all be adults about it? Even if it makes us uncomfortable?" she asked.
Race pursed his lips. "Makes me uncomfortable you mean? I think the two of you will be quite fine."
"I don't wanna suck face in front of you," she laughed. "I just wanna watch a movie in the living room with his arm around me. Or kiss him goodnight without looking over my shoulder. Is that so terrible?"
"Obviously not," Race sighed. "And seems to me you've been plenty comfortable the last few days anyway. Which is fine, Jess. My ask is separate bedrooms under this roof. Like I told him. You two coming at me from both ends won't change my mind."
"Every time I close my eyes…I don't wanna sleep alone, dad. He's only pushing back…for me," she said in a low voice and looked away. "It's my fault. So if you need to give someone a hard time, point it at me. Leave him alone."
"You two," Race sighed.
Jessie got annoyed when he did not continue. "I NEED you to give him a break, dad."
Race felt resigned. "I heard you the first twenty times, Jess."
"Why do I have to keep asking?" she wanted to know. "After what he did for me?"
"That's beside the point," Race argued. "Jonny doesn't get a free pass for doing what he's supposed to do."
Jessie clenched her fists in anger. "There's SO much wrong with that statement. If you don't see that…" she shook her head and tried to hold her tongue. She did not try that hard.
"Jess…" He put his hands up in surrender, but she interrupted him.
"Jonny saved me. You didn't. Get over it or we're leaving," she spat.
"Jesus!" Race stood slowly. He felt his face flush red, which he could not recall happening before. "You really think that's the issue?"
"Isn't it?" she accused and then walked away when he did not answer fast enough.
XXX
Race knocked on the lab door and entered without waiting for Benton's permission. "Sorry for the interruption, Doc."
Benton looked up from his work and removed his glasses. "No apology needed. Where are the kids?"
Race sat in Benton's computer chair. Dropping a backpack to the ground. "Jonny and Hadji went into town. Jess went for a run."
"She shouldn't be exerting herself yet," Benton scolded.
"You don't have to tell me," Race agreed. "Maybe she'll listen to you?"
"Unlikely. I think the dad gene transcends all," Benton commiserated. "How else can I help?" he asked. Pointing to the bag.
"I need some time," Race said slowly. Like needing time was equal to a failure. "To collect my thoughts. I'd like to get away for a few days."
"You deserve them," Benton offered. "More than a few actually. Not that I'm counting…but you must've accrued over 500 days by now. Where will you go?"
"I'll stick close," Race promised. "I need quiet and no distractions, which I can't get here. I'll be checking in with IRIS and I have a few I-One agents on loan heading over. They'll stick to the perimeter. I'd rather they not be in the Compound unless you want that?"
"I'd prefer they remain outside," Benton told him.
"Can I ask one more favor?"
"Anything."
"I'd feel a lot better if you didn't leave the Compound," Race requested. "All of you ideally."
Benton grinned. "I can keep myself quite busy here. Not a problem. And I'll do my best to keep the kids entertained. Anything specific I need to worry about?"
"No…just being cautious."
"What aren't you telling me?" Benton challenged.
Race sighed. "Bartlett is a question mark."
"How much do I need to worry?" Benton pushed.
"Minimal," Race concluded. "I'll let you know if you need to lose sleep."
"Alright," Benton nodded. Knowing Race would not leave otherwise. "May I ask what brought this on?"
Race considered how much to share. "They're thinking about leaving, Benton. Both of them."
"You need to leave to restrain yourself from tying them up?" Benton asked in a measured voice.
"'You don't sound surprised," Race noted. "Did Jonny talk to you already?"
"Not specifically, but I read between the lines," Benton paused and took a deep breath. "Jonny was being incredibly stubborn about asking her to stay and was equally unnerved at the thought of her leaving so…"
"She asked him to go with her," Race confirmed.
Benton took a seat at that. "Hard to hear even though I suspected as much."
"The final decision seems to be up in the air," Race continued. "I've shared my thoughts, but if I press any harder it won't help. Jonny wanted to tell you himself. I assume he's waiting until they decide though."
Benton digested. "I appreciate the warning."
"I had none and just reacted," Race sighed. "Not that I did any better after sleeping on it. Perhaps you'll have better luck with some forethought."
"No," Benton said sadly. "They have to make the decision."
Race stood and grabbed his bag. "Stel said the same thing…I guess you both are more evolved than me."
"More like resigned," Benton chuckled. "No matter how much I want to freeze time…and trust that I do…nothing I say will change my son's mind. Especially right now when he's feeling so protective. After some time goes by, he'll be more reasonable."
Race clenched and unclenched his jaw in the same breath. "I know…which is why I need to go. Because despite knowing that…I still can't seem to keep my goddamn mouth shut long enough to let it happen. I'm stressing the situation even when I don't mean it…"
"You're being too hard on yourself," Benton added. "Just like everyone else in this house."
"Guilt breeds improvement," Race mumbled under his breath.
"They teach you that in the service?" Benton quipped.
"In an undercurrent sort of way," Race clarified. "I'll call Stel later to let her know I left. Can you fill her in if she's looking for me beforehand?"
"Of course."
Race headed for the door. "Thanks, Doc. You're handling this so much better than me…"
They shared a meaningful look. "Only on the outside," Benton admitted.
XXX
Jonny headed for the bench out by the lighthouse after getting home. He had lasted about two minutes before using IRIS to find her. He was hoping to catch her on the way back from her run. Hoping to avoid Race and really hoping to avoid arguing with his girl about relaxing instead of running. After ten minutes of waiting though, he really regretted not wearing a jacket and stood to leave. Race exited the back door at the same time.
'Fuck.' Jonny dropped back down and rubbed his temples hard.
Race stopped short and considered moving on without a word. That would have been the 'smart' decision given his day's track record. "Can we talk?" he asked instead.
Jonny leaned back and waited. Resolved to listen without being baited.
Race dropped his bag and sat down. They both stared forward for a while. "Ya know, I actually did try to be cool about this," he started casually. "Had a whole speech planned. A strategy to ease in. But nothing happened the way I expected. You two were masters of discretion," he huffed. "That's the truth of it. I got too comfortable and now it feels like we've gone from zero to a hundred in a few days."
'Definitely not the way it went down,' Jonny thought sarcastically.
"I'm playing catch up here," Race continued. "And I can be…a hothead sometimes."
Jonny's lip twitched. He could relate, but Race knew that. 'He's trying to put you at ease.' Jonny fought to keep his face neutral. To fight the paranoia and the anger that simmered. He wanted to be at ease. To believe he was not being manipulated. It bothered him a lot that he could not be sure.
"I promise to try and remember the bigger picture going forward," Race finished.
"It does feel like everything changed in a few days," Jonny spoke up.
"Maybe not everything," Race disagreed. He wanted to leave on a good note. "I still trust you and you still love her. That's most important."
"I love her more," Jonny clarified. "Funny how that works."
"Hilarious," Race grinned briefly. "She really put me in my place today."
"She's good at that," Jonny acknowledged.
"Told me to stop giving you such a hard time or she'll make the call to leave," Race admitted.
Jonny made a face. "She shouldn't have threatened that. If we leave, it won't be because you're giving me a hard time. I can handle that."
Race took a deep breath. "Glad to hear it."
"I thought you didn't want me choosing you over her?" Jonny asked.
"I don't," Race affirmed.
"Great," Jonny said. "Thanks for clearing that up. What's the long game here?"
Race smiled to himself. "I'm not trying to confuse you, kid. You're giving me more credit than I deserve."
"Give me a break," Jonny rolled his eyes. "You like being underestimated."
Race elbowed Jonny. "Where do you think you get it from?"
Jonny grinned. "So…do you wanna tell me your big speech? I'm kinda curious now."
"No," Race laughed. "It wasn't revolutionary. I was hoping to be the cool dad…but I lost that thread fast."
"I mean…you taught me how to incapacitate a man fifty different ways over summer," Jonny countered. "That was pretty fucking cool."
"Not exactly the same thing," Race grumbled.
"I suppose," Jonny agreed. Hoping Race would not take the comment as an opening to turn the conversation serious.
"I wanted to do better than my old man anyway," he continued. "…but now I realize he was on to something."
That piqued Jonny's interest. "What did Jack say to you?"
Race shook his head and then punched Jonny's shoulder. "Congratulations. Now don't get anyone pregnant."
Jonny grinned. "Seriously?"
"That was an exact reenactment," Race assured.
"Wow," Jonny commented. "I'd pay to hear you say some version of that to Jess."
"I did. It didn't go well," Race admitted.
"Can I get a reenactment?" Jonny asked.
Race turned and glared a little. "You really like to push your luck, don't you?"
Jonny shrugged. "Part of my charm?"
Race turned away. Shaking his head. "If you say so."
"What's with the bag? Are you going somewhere?" Jonny asked.
"Vacation," Race answered briefly.
Jonny laughed. "I didn't realize you were capable of relaxing."
Race stood. "Yeah…well I need to clear my head. I'll be back in a few days. Call if you need anything, okay?"
"Okay," Jonny nodded. Still surprised by the news that Race was taking time off. Forget the timing. "You're going on vacation NOW?"
"I'm only headed in town. So still close. Take care of her, kid." It was not a request.
"Always," Jonny nodded. "I don't really like this new trend though. Arguing in the morning. Then you saying vague and slightly confusing shit to me later. Yesterday you finished up with a death threat."
"We can break the trend now," Race said. "No death threats."
"Good start," Jonny swallowed. "Look…I'm. I know it's been a hard few days and I don't pretend to know what the right thing…"
"I know you're doing your best," Race interrupted him. "At the end of the day, that's all I expect you to do."
XXX
Jessie was in a prone position on his bed when he walked in. Reading a book. He laid on his back beside her and waited a while. She stayed quiet and he stared at the ceiling. "What're you pretending to read?" he challenged. She gave him a sideways glance, but nothing more. "Don't tease me. My heart can't take it," he flirted.
She leaned over and gave him a long kiss. Then she put the book aside and stared at him.
"What's on your mind?" he whispered.
"Regretting not taking you up on that offer to grab a room in town," she said softly. "If I'm being totally honest."
"I encourage total honesty." He kissed her this time. "Run away with me? For the day?" he grinned.
She squeezed his knee in response. "I'm in love with your smile," she gushed next.
"Is that your super sweet way of saying no?" he asked.
"Running away sounds amazing," she sighed.
"But?" he hugged her close and laid back against the pillows. At some point she had made the bed for him.
She relaxed against him happily. "Don't tempt me," she admitted. "I'm liable to change my mind on you again."
"What's up, babe?"
Jessie shrugged her whole body. Unsure of how to articulate it. "I feel blah right now."
"How can I help?" he asked. Stroking her hair.
"Tell me what's been bothering you today? In the name of honesty?" she offered.
"That was a trick?" he accused with no real accusation.
"No," she promised. "Just where my brain went in the moment. I'm all over the place today…if you can believe it," she joked lamely. "It's already been a long one and it's still early."
She sounded defeated and he wanted to change that. He took her hand and laced their fingers. He found that the instinct to lie about how he was feeling to protect her lessened with each conversation. Telling her the truth felt better. "I got into it with your dad earlier. It really sucked," he added plainly. "And we just had a weird follow-up conversation."
"Me too," she admitted. "He's on a fucking roll."
"He's…"
"Please don't defend him," she interrupted.
Jonny tightened his hold to stop her from sitting up. "Sorry…habit, Ace. How was your run?" he changed the subject and felt her tense.
Jessie shifted up and assessed him for a moment. A challenge. "You gonna tell me not to push it?" she grumbled.
"Nah," he said softly. "Gonna offer my massage services. As a preventative measure."
"I'm definitely taking you up on that," she told him with a disarmed smile. "Thank you for not giving me a hard time. I walked more than I ran," she admitted. "And…I need a nap already," she finished with a humorless laugh. "It was much harder than I expected."
"Now is when I tell you not to push it," he teased. But she knew he was right. "Do it for me, Jess?"
"That's emotional bribery," she pointed out.
"So," he shrugged.
"Two can play that game," she warned.
"I'm afraid to play that game with you," he said. Only half kidding.
"Sounds exhausting," she concluded. "Let's not."
Jonny caressed her arm lovingly and then brushed his fingertips over her bruised hip. "Do it for me?" he asked again.
Jessie scoffed. "My hips have gotten plenty of cardio courtesy of you recently, Quest. I think you would've noticed if I was in pain. But…yes. I will do that for you, baby. I'd do a lot more than that. Are you sure that's all you wanna ask for?" she quipped.
His face brightened with a thoughtful grin, but he stayed quiet.
"What?" she laughed.
"It's just ridiculous that you think you owe me anything," he chuckled. "I'd do it all over again to have this day with you. If anything…I owe you."
"How do you figure?" she asked.
"Because despite what you've said…we both know that asking me to go with you…staying here together…it's more for me than you," he whispered.
"That's not true."
"I don't believe you," he interrupted. "I love you, but I don't believe that for one second. I would've understood if you went. I was resigned to it. I would've let you go without fighting. If you told me it's what you needed to move on…I still would, Jessie. I swear."
She pressed her lips to his firmly. "I love you too, but you're an idiot."
"That was never up for debate," he deflected.
"Stop." Jessie circled the apple of his cheek with her thumb. "I feel the need to remind you that before any of this happened I changed my entire five year plan to move across the country with you. We need to be together. Being apart doesn't work for me. At present…I don't even wanna sleep alone, okay? I wasn't being a brat last night. I tried to fall asleep on my own, but I couldn't. And I knew my dad would give you shit if I went to your room, but I also knew you'd stay with me if I did. I did it because that's what I needed, Jonny."
"Alright," he nodded. "No more second guessing and no more emotional bribery. Anything else to add to the list?"
"No more arguing with my dad?" she posed.
Jonny took a big breath. "That sounds like a good one. Should be easier next few days. Maybe it's good. We can all clear our heads."
Jessie propped her head up on her elbow. "What're you talking about?"
Jonny's mouth popped open slightly. "Your dad left, babe. Said he'd stay close…but needed a few days." Jessie pulled out of his embrace and sat up. Jonny stayed where he was and watched. "Sorry…I assumed he told you."
"Mmm," she turned her head and looked out the window. Replaying their conversations in her head. Wondering if she had been too harsh. Her heart began to race and she was not sure why.
Jonny sat up and rubbed her back. "He seemed fine if that's what you're worried about and I'm sure he'll be back in twenty if you need him."
"I think I was too hard on him today," she admitted after a moment.
"You're not sure?" he asked.
She shook her head. "I'm really not. Felt like he deserved it at the time."
Jonny hummed. "I have a little of that going on too. I said some things I wish I could take back. He kept poking me and I got so angry that we were even arguing in the first place. Felt wrong." He laid back down and went quiet after that.
After clearing her mind, Jessie hovered over him and waited. "You know you can tell me anything," she whispered. "Right?"
"Of course."
She waited some more.
Jonny closed his eyes and immediately saw everything he had been blocking out. Everything he wanted to distract her from. Clay…a bruised and beaten Brenda…an unresponsive Jessie…and then their beautiful faces. "Lena and Lisa," he started in a low voice. "Their obituaries were online this morning."
"Oh," she rolled off the bed as if he had startled her. Then she shuffled across the room to his window. She tried to control her breathing and the tears that had forced to the surface by focusing on the landscape. But a small sob escaped when he wrapped his arms around her from behind. "The real world," she cleared her throat.
"Yeah…we've been in an interesting bubble the last few days," he commented. Kissing her shoulder.
"Interesting is one word for it," she hitched and then started to cry in full. "I'm sorry…" she trailed off.
He just held her and let her get it all out. Telling her that he loved her a few times along the way.
"Jonny…I can still hear her screaming while he...I keep pushing it down. Trying to. But how do I get it outta my head?" she asked. As if he actually had the answer.
He closed his eyes. Knowing that he did not. "I'll let you know when I get your screams outta MY head," he said honestly. "Maybe we can figure it out together?"
She turned and buried herself in his chest. Liking the sound of that. "I'm exhausted. All the back and forth. The pretending."
"So stop pretending." He kissed her temple and said it like it was simple. "I've got you, baby. I promise."
That did make her feel better. "I really like you," she said softly. "That's why you were so upset this morning?" she then asked knowingly.
He held her tighter. "Not upset. Overwhelmingly grateful," he clarified. Jonny debated stopping there given her reaction, but she would find out the rest eventually. He concluded it was better coming from him. "There's more," he trailed off.
She waited and he hesitated. Long enough that she took a step back and gripped his shirt into fists. Staring up at him with nervous eyes. "Hotshot?" she swallowed hard. "Tell me. We'll handle it together," she finished confidently.
"Jess…the FBI excavated several bodies from the island," he continued. "Clay buried them in a state park. He was doing it for years before changing his approach. Decades really. The island clearly meant something to him. Anyway, the details are starting to come out online."
Her arms dropped at hearing that and she sat down hard on his window seat. Staring at her lap. He followed and grabbed her hands immediately. "My name…"
"No," he interrupted quickly. "It's not out there."
"Yet," she worried.
"My dad and Hadj were all over it," he assured. "Your picture was out there for a few local news cycles, but no names and it ended there, Jess. They didn't let it get out."
"But now it's national news," she panicked. "Multiple bodies…the timing…it's only a matter of time before people connect the two and start digging."
Her eyes began to fill again. It made him want to put his fist through the wall. Jonny was just as nervous. Because he also knew there were more pictures out there and Bartlett had alluded to video as well. Their existence would always be a threat to her. He tried to push those thoughts away. "I'll talk to my dad. He'll take care of it. I don't want you worrying about this."
"What was that look?" she called him out. "Tell me, Quest. I deserve to know. What is it?"
Jonny licked his lips. He did not want to tell her, but he could not lie about it either. "All the original photos were destroyed," he said with finality. "But…"
"Wait," she ripped a hand away from him and held it up between them. He watched several emotions cross her face and then silent tears fell. The recesses of her mind pulled forward the sounds of a camera clicking. She remembered that clearly now. "How do you know that?" she pushed. "I want to know ALL of it."
Jonny sighed. He had walked in hoping to make her feel better, but knew he was about to cause the opposite. "I love you with everything I have," he whispered. Trying to figure out where to start.
"I already know that part," she whispered back.
"We searched the island blindly for hours. Looking for anything that would help," he started. "Well…I guess it wasn't completely blind. We had targeted abandoned locations but had no sense of how to prioritize them."
Jessie already knew that too. It was all flooding back. Her father had told her about that in the hospital. The pictures too. But she had been too distracted to ask any follow up questions at the time.
"Who was helping you guys?" she deflected. "My dad mentioned an old friend?"
"Yeah," Jonny cleared his throat. "Greg Temple. A real…gem. He served with your dad. Trained him actually."
"Not a fan?" she probed.
"I'm thankful he was there to help, but I won't be upset if we never cross paths again."
"Why's that?" she asked.
Jonny cupped her face as he spoke. "Because he's an asshole. Just for the sake of it. It was only a mission for him and that's how he acted. If you can imagine, that really rubbed me the wrong way and I didn't hesitate to let him know it."
Jessie closed her eyes briefly and pressed her face against his palm. "Alright…now I know who was there. So what did you see?"
"It was an abandoned auto dealership," Jonny continued. "In the basement were hundreds of photos. A shrine that was clearly set up before he took any of you. Clay stalked them first." He closed his eyes, but then opened them quickly. When he closed his eyes, he was back in that room.
Again…all information she already had. "Spit it out, babe. There were pictures of me. Where? When?"
He felt his eyes widened despite himself. "Us on the beach," he admitted.
She nodded as if she expected that. "Sick fuck," she grumbled. "And my dad saw?"
"Found them," Jonny confirmed.
"Awesome," she sighed. Feeling worse about the day knowing that her dad had those mental images. "That's exactly how I wanted him to find out."
"He already knew," Jonny offered.
"Probably," she agreed. "Anyway, you destroyed them?"
"Temple did," he explained.
"You're positive?"
"He burned the place to the ground, babe."
She absorbed for a moment. "That's one approach. Clay was taking pictures the whole time," she added. "I remember the clicking."
Jonny cut in. "I took the camera."
She took a deep breath. "You removed evidence from a crime scene?"
"Yes," he said firmly. "I wasn't…I couldn't just leave it there. I knew what was on it."
"Where is it?" she sounded out of breath.
"I don't know," he told her. "I gave it to your dad. He took care of it." Jonny held his breath and waited for her to yell at him for being reckless.
"I love you with my whole heart," she professed instead.
"I thought you were gonna be pissed at me," he released a long low breath.
"I should be," she shot back. "But I know why you did it and I'm impressed you had the presence of mind to think of it with everything else going on. I keep trying to put myself in your shoes. You're incredible."
He shook his head vigorously. "I barely managed to keep it together, but thank you."
Then she went where she did not want to go. "You made a point of saying that all the originals were destroyed. What's left?"
"The FBI has all the pictures from Clay's phone," he informed.
"How do you know that?" her voice shook. "Were you in their system again?"
"No," he told her emphatically. "They brought them out while interrogating me."
"Jesus," she exclaimed. "Seriously?"
"Mmm," he looked away. "Kept flipping them over in front of me until I found you. I tried not to look because I knew exactly what they were doing, but…"
Jessie climbed into his lap and wrapped herself around him. "And you beat them at their own game. You're incredible," she praised again.
Jonny leaned back until he hit the window with a thud and could see her perched on top of him. "This IS making me feel better, but I barely managed to keep it together. For real. It's a blur, but I think your dad shut that down too. One minute I had a pile of pictures in front of me and the next Race comes barreling into the room to save me from myself," his eyes shifted down. "Then I head to the beach instead of the hospital like a real all-star and he had to come get me."
"Stop," she warned.
"I just mean to say that I'm sure your dad didn't want to leave you in the first place. Then I go and delay further," he sighed.
"There you go defending him again."
Jonny shrugged. "I don't like fighting with him. It feels disrespectful on a cellular level. He's done so much for me. Not being on the same page with him about something so huge…I fucking hate it."
"He'll come around, babe. I suppose we're not the only ones processing a lot. Let's not worry about it until he gets back and we all have clearer heads. Have you talked to your dad?" she wondered.
"Not about us staying or leaving specifically," he told her. "But I'm not worried about him. I know he'll understand. I love you the way he loves my mother. He gets it."
Jessie pressed her forehead against his and they sat quietly for a few minutes. "Anything else I need to know?" she asked nervously and held her breath when he nodded.
"During the interrogation…they mentioned video," he added and saw her face lose all color. "It was probably just to bait me."
"But you're not sure," she finished and her eyes welled up yet again. "Okay…okay. It's fine."
Jonny wiped the tears from her face. He needed to fix it. "It's not fine. I can…"
"NO," she rushed. Pushing his hands away and grabbing his face instead. "Look at me," she insisted. "I want you looking me in the eyes when you promise."
"Promise what?"
"You won't hack into their system again," she demanded. "It could be a trap and even if it's not…no. It's not worth the risk to me."
"Jess…"
"Promise me," she pushed. "Say the goddamn words."
Jonny clenched his jaw. "I promise…but if some asshole decides to leak anything I'm not asking permission to hunt him down and fucking gut him."
"Quest!"
Jonny pushed her aside gently and stood. Running a hand through is hair in agitation as his mind filled with ways to take care of it without breaking his promise. Kicking himself for not dealing with it the first fifty times the thought occurred to him before he proceeded to bury it. Wondering if Race already had. Her tears made it real. The terror on her face made it unacceptable.
"You're not allowed to ask or pay someone else to do it on your behalf," she announced. "And no viruses or other malfunctions to try and take care of it indirectly."
His shoulders dropped hard. "Why did I have to fall in love with someone smarter than me?"
"Wasn't a difficult leap," she shot back. "Please?"
"I already promised," he huffed. His back was to her.
"Then why does it feel like you didn't?" she asked quietly.
Jonny turned and opened his arms. She walked into them slowly and they held each other tight. "I promise," he whispered in her ear and felt her relax. "I'm sorry. I couldn't protect you from him while he was alive so the thought that he could still hurt you..."
"You saved me," she said. Sounding incredulous.
He sat again. She followed and rested her head on his shoulder. "Saving you and protecting you are not the same thing. You know that even if you won't say it."
Jessie thought about it for a minute before responding. "Just protect my heart, babe. The rest is background noise. I need you with me a hell of a lot more than I need a potential threat to be eliminated. And it's a low risk threat anyway. The FBI has it. Not CNN."
Jonny stayed quiet about the fact that he and Race had done a bang up job of pissing off the FBI. He wanted to believe she was right. So badly. "Alright," he agreed.
"I'd need more than a week too," she offered. "I don't expect you to let it all go in a few days, but I am trying to tell you clearly what I need and it's not a protector. I need my boyfriend."
"Can I take you out tonight?" he changed gears. "Maybe…The Chandel at the Four Seasons?" he offered. "What do you think?"
"Fancy," she hummed. "Can we get a room after?" she flirted.
He could tell her heart was not in it. "Anything my girl wants," he grinned.
She deflated a little. "I don't have any interest in being around other people, Quest. Just you, okay?"
"Steal my heart," he mused and pulled her close again. "I'm enjoying this particular side effect WAY too much," he then admitted quietly. "Pull back slow?"
"Painfully slow, baby. I swear. Remember a week ago when our biggest problem was that I didn't talk enough?" she mused.
"Hmm," he considered. "I'd argue that's still our biggest problem," he teased. Pivoting away lithely to escape her open palm.
"Jonny…" His joke did not land as intended. She looked sad.
He blinked slowly. "I promise I wasn't serious, Jess. If anything…all that noise seems dumb now."
Jessie crossed her arms and watched her feet. "We argued yesterday and the day before because, bottom line, I took too long to include you in my thought process. You're right…it is our biggest problem."
Jonny shrugged. "I'm just not as worried about it anymore."
"Why?" she pushed.
"Because we talk about it," he explained. "So it's not this unspoken scary thing now."
"You make it sound simple," she offered.
"The important part is."
"Right," she nodded. "Love has never been our challenge."
"Nope," he agreed and then held up his pinky. "And we'll figure out the rest together?"
"Deal." She smiled and hooked his pinky with hers. "I finished going through the scrapbook you made me today by the way. It's a perfect gift."
"It's exactly how I feel," he added quietly. "Open it again the next time me just telling you isn't enough?"
She leaned over and kissed him. "Deal." Then she walked over to his dresser and opened the top drawer. "I've commandeered three of these four drawers," she informed.
Jonny grinned. "That makes me stupid happy for some reason."
She walked back holding a gift out for him to take. "Merry Christmas a few days late, babe."
He took the small package from her hand. "What is it?"
She chuckled. Like clockwork. "Why do you always ask that instead of just opening it?"
"Weird tick," he rolled his eyes. "I don't know."
"It's," she started soberly. "Exactly how I feel about you." Jonny stopped unwrapping and looked at her. "I don't wanna rehash my decision to spend the semester free of your presence, but I need you to know that you occupied my brain constantly and I have unedited proof." She pointed to the package.
"The video diary?" he asked.
He caught her off guard. "You went through my phone?"
"No," he defended.
"I wouldn't care," she rushed. "I don't have anything to hide. I just wanted it to be a surprise."
"It was," he smirked and decided to be totally honest. "Your mom had your phone. She and I were together for a few hours while I was…trying to connect the dots," he said vaguely. "I stepped away at one point and called your phone," he closed his eyes. "I wanted to listen to your voicemail message. Just needed to hear your voice I guess. Anyway…your mom answered from five feet away. It was embarrassing and she took pity on me. Gave me your phone and mentioned the videos. I only watched a few to get through the night, babe. I can't wait to watch the rest and have evidence in my possession that you're obsessed with me though."
"I didn't say obsessed," she laughed.
Jonny waved the present around. "I'll be the judge of that. Is it really unedited?"
"Truly," she promised. "I love you."
"You want that massage now?" he asked. He wanted to keep the smile on her face for the rest of the day.
"Yes," her face lit up. Moving quickly to lie on her stomach in the middle of his bed. He followed slowly. Straddling her and getting right to it. "Thank you," she mewled. "That feels good." She enjoyed his hands for a few minutes before asking. "Did my dad leave alone?"
"I think so," he responded. "We've got some new friends outside the gates, but doubt he took any with him."
"I was thinking my mom," she countered.
Jonny's hands faltered for a moment. "Oh?"
"Have they been acting weird?" she asked.
"No," he said fast. "Why?"
Jessie turned her head to catch his eye. "What do you know?"
"Huh?"
"Spill it now, Quest. What do you know?" she accused.
"Nothing," he laughed.
Her eyes narrowed and he bolted with no plan. He ran around the bed and into the bathroom with her chasing behind. "What's the plan?" she teased. She laughed when he caught her around the waist and trapped her against his chest in a stronghold. They were standing in front of his mirror and she was staring him down with a knowing smirk. "What do you know?"
"That…I'm staring at the love of my life," he grinned charmingly.
"And?"
"Annnnnnd…I think your dad also has a thing for redheads. But you're not getting anything else outta me," he bolted again.
It took her by surprise, but she quickly followed. This time, he was smart enough to head straight for the door. "Quest…I'll chase you around this entire Compound if you make me," she screamed after him.