Lucky chapter thirteen! :)

Skyrider45, it was so great to hear from you! I'm really sorry to hear that recent weeks have not been so good; it made me think of that song from Babe about having words to make a day for you. Every writer's wish, I think! You were very right about your review being super encouraging, so thanks - and many good vibes (and singing mice?) to you! I'm really loving seeing everyone grow together in positive ways (and for Brand a little less self-assurance is probably positive), and I am so glad that line from FP in particular stood out; I think that was an important one for Jug. Clark is such an unexpectedly beloved OC, and I've enjoyed getting to know him in this story too. And yay for Alice and Sweet Pea getting some screen time! Those three (Alice, Sweet Pea, and Gunnar) are giving me a run for my money - I'll be interested in seeing where they take things, but Sweet Pea is definitely starting to be more of a real character and that's fun all on its own!

Living Lucid Dream, thank you for the wonderful review! I am so proud of your feedback on the "layering" (flourishing bow!), and I loved that you zoomed in on the mention of FP's time in jail. Jug's getting ownership of his experiences (not just saying what he thinks people want to hear - or the converse!), and sometimes those moments of just saying something and it not blowing up is a big step. Brand is going to combust (go nuclear?), yep. I think that might be part of why everyone's getting a little more time and space in these chapters to be fully and completely positioned - because there is definitely a 'before' feeling as I write, and I think we're going to see things go to 'after' in irrevocable ways when things do blow up. Honestly, I thought we'd be post-explosion by chapter 13(!), but it looks like we're just going to keep strolling until everyone is right on top of the land mine. Yay for a stab to the feels! :-D Clark is so much fun to write, too. I think we'll get more of his story as we go. :) And yeah, the whole Alice thing just sort of happened; I was starting to see the whole scene devolve into painful awkwardness - and then Sweet Pea just pulled it out (thanks, Sweet Pea!). Characters are really surprising me in this story; it's never boring!

Enjoy!

-Button

00000

Jughead leaned into Betty on the porch swing, inhaling deeply and enjoying the mingled scents of the cookout and her shampoo.

Sunday had turned out to be a relief, from finally telling Brand at least part of the situation with Donn and Rose to some fantastic quality time with his dad on the motorcycles, to seeing Clark perk up as he got to know Tim - and then Jughead and Clark trying together to demonstrate some agility moves to Trigger by leading Roger through them. That was looking more promising all the time, since Trigger was competitive and had energetically followed Roger through his paces in the back yard.

Now everyone had gone home except for Betty. Jughead had checked in very briefly with Alice when Sweet Pea picked up his bike and dropped off FP's car, and he'd caught up with Archie via text about the concert and begun plans to arrange a sleepover so they could catch up more fully later in the week, so even his phone was quiet for the time being.

"Do you have any other ideas for what I could do for Clark?" Jughead had picked Betty's brain, but she'd been reluctant to put into words what she'd done to 'help' Jughead during the spring and summer months. She kept insisting that she'd just shown up, and only with Jughead coaching her heavily did she describe some of her efforts as being slightly more intentional.

"No. I don't think I do." Betty leaned backward into Jughead's weight and reached up to where his hand rested on her shoulder, lacing their fingers together. "But if I think of anything, I'll let you know."

"Thanks. He's not like Archie, where I kind of already know what he needs and I have a lot of ways to connect with him. I think if we'd been friends for years without these crazy shared experiences, I'd be more ready."

"Oh, Juggie. Nothing makes you ready for this sort of thing." Betty shook her head slightly. "It's just traumatic to see someone you love in that kind of danger. It's even hard to pull them out and bring them to safety, knowing that's just the beginning of them coming back to you - and to the relationship that you had."

"Betty Cooper," Jughead felt a slow grin transform his expression and he rested his forehead against the back of her head, "did you just say that you love me?"

"Actually, I'm pretty sure that I said you love Clark." Betty laughed quietly when Jughead grunted unhappily. "But... yes. I guess I do love you, Jughead Jones."

"Wow, Betts. That is… incredible." Jughead wrapped both arms around her and pulled her tightly against his chest as he inhaled deeply once again. "I thought it would take years before you loved me back."

Betty laced her fingers with his once again in their new position. Jughead could hear her heart pounding, even though her words were steady. "Well, maybe it did. It almost feels like years have passed since last fall, don't you think?" Betty's voice was quieter. "You might find that in your friendship with Clark, too. Things happen quickly and intensely under pressure - and not just the bad things."

Jughead was absorbing that idea and sorting out his thoughts in order to reply when the screen door banged open behind them.

"Jones, Special Agent Davies just attacked your dad and has, like, twenty pairs of handcuffs and a bunch of tools. He said I should come get you because your dad can't slip a gag but also probably can't tolerate one if he keeps foaming at the mouth like he is - uh, those are Brand's words, not mine. Oh, and Betty's invited to come train, too."

"What? I told Brand not to do this," Jughead said in exasperation. "Dad is way too tired after yesterday. And it's a school night."

"Davies is in an insanely good mood for some reason; it's kind of scary. He also wants to know why there's no duct tape anywhere in the house."

"He shouldn't even have to ask that question." Jughead sighed. "Although I am surprised that he didn't notice before now."

"He also said something about you having trouble training effectively when your dad's in danger?" Clark shrugged helplessly. "I don't think he actually is in danger, but-,"

"Oh, man. If Brand said that, I'd better get in there."

"Um, Brand attacked your dad?" Betty had twisted around on the swing to look at both Jughead and Clark. "And invited me to, what, help?"

"Apparently we're practicing escapes from handcuffs," Jughead explained. "But yeah, basically."

"Maybe I'll just leave you guys to it." Betty gave Jughead a deeply skeptical look, but could not suppress a smile. "How come my training with Agent Quinn is never this interesting? We did a few basic holds and escapes this morning and very little else. I might have to come practice with you guys some time - when it's not a school night. If you can, make sure your dad gets a turn to cuff Brand, too. I think it would be good for both of them."

"I'll do my best. And I'll text you photos if we do manage to turn the tables." Jughead grinned as they both stood. "You'll tell me what's up with the footage tomorrow?"

"I'm supposed to let Brand fill you in after he's fully briefed," Betty shrugged apologetically. "We can talk about it after your shift at the RA, though."

"Sounds good." Jughead nudged Clark back into the house and began to swing the larger wooden door closed. "I'll be right in, Clark. Go tell Brand I'm on my way and that he should definitely not be gagging Dad. And if he does it anyway, make sure it's not with anything Dad can't breathe through."

"I'm on it. Good night, Betty. Have fun, MacGyver." Clark winked at Jughead and then disappeared into the house.

00000

"What are you doing, Brand?" After Betty left for the evening, Jughead had quickly ascertained that everyone was in the basement, including Trigger, which seemed like an unwise combination. "It's a school night, and Dad already said not to attack him for restraints training."

"Aww, did I interrupt something between you and the warrior queen?" Brand was grinning where he stood over an obviously furious FP, who was lying on his back and handcuffed tightly to the weights bench that was bolted to the floor. Trigger was sniffing around his restrained wrists somewhat anxiously.

"Training waits for no man, Jones. You know this. And you were right there when I told your father that I was giving him a courtesy warning; he was fully apprised that this was coming."

Jughead was surprised when his dad did not respond to that absurd claim, and settled instead for merely glaring at Brand. Clark shrugged as well, and his expression indicated that he'd tried to have this conversation with Brand already.

"That is definitely not how I remember that conversation going. And you did interrupt something, yes," Jughead crossed his arms, examining his dad's position critically and with some concern when he saw how the position and handcuffs were straining FP's shoulders.

"More profound than Agent Quinn asking me out?" Brand's grin grew even bigger.

"Uh, wow. Really? And yeah - it just so happens that Betty said she loves me." Jughead gave Brand a look as he made his way toward his dad. "And I hope you didn't shoot Agent Sarah down too hard. She was super nice to you all day. Where are the handcuff keys?"

"Eh, the warrior queen loving you is old news. But we can talk about it if you want. Especially if you said something stupid; I know exactly the kind of things you're capable of. And... don't forget that you and I made a deal."

"About handcuff keys?" Jughead had no memory of that. "I don't think we did, Brand."

"No. About Sarah asking me out."

Oh. Oh.

"Wait. You said yes?" Jughead's jaw dropped and he turned to face Brand again, even though his dad made a sound of protest over the delay. Trigger alerted and began licking FP's face, so Jughead pulled him away by his collar. "Stop that, Trig. You know Dad hates being licked like that. When are you going out with her?"

"Soon. But not before we train tonight." Brand gestured toward FP. "So focus. And let your dog go. He's down here because your father was going to hurt himself by fighting the cuffs - not to mention irritating me by pitching a fit -, but he's forced to behave as long as Trigger's willing to lick him to death."

"That's mean." Jughead massaged his forehead as he reluctantly let go of Trigger's collar and let the dog return to sniffing curiously around the weight bench.

"I think the word you're looking for is 'effective.' Now, there are a lot of techniques when it comes to handcuffs. While I'm going to teach you how to pick a number of types, the first thing to learn is when not to pick them."

"As usual." This sounded familiar to Jughead. "Whenever I'm likely to get caught in the process-,"

"Or if you're likely to lose a tool somewhere conspicuous, or if the cuffs are a style where you can't pick them due to their design or your position." Brand reached down to pat FP's shoulder. "That's you right now."

FP snarled at him, but his protest was cut off when Trigger hurried to investigate the cause of his distress.

"Anyway." Brand hid a smile as he turned back to focus on Jughead. "In those cases, there's a technique for stressing the metal over time and breaking the cuffs. It takes forever, but sometimes you've got that much time to spend on it. The best trick is to find something metal that's stronger than the cuffs are, and use that to wear them down more quickly. Oh, and do not under any circumstances take a gun to a set of handcuffs. We'll talk more about that later, but I want that known before we get started."

"Just in case?" Jughead narrowed his eyes.

"Just in case," Brand concurred mildly. "Now, Clark, lesson for you - what do you think is the first step for FP in this position? And what do you think my next move should be?"

Clark stood up straighter and thought quickly. "Well, his wrists are twisted into a really weird configuration, and you secured his thumbs so I don't think he can rotate them to get more play. So maybe his only option is that stressing technique you mentioned?"

"Excellent," Brand praised him, and Clark seemed to straighten up even further. "He's in a tough spot, and after an hour or two like this he won't have the strength or mobility in his shoulders to do much, so he has to act fast. In fact, he's at some risk for blood clots if he's left like this for too long, so this is a nasty one."

FP made another brief frustrated noise.

"Yeah, yeah. You make this too much fun, old man, and that's always going to be your downfall." Brand looked over at Jughead, who had begun examining the tools that Brand had strewn around the basement. "And here's my next move, Clark. It's one you can learn a lot from. Jones? You can give me my service weapon now."

Jughead froze for a moment, but then held out his hand defiantly. "Key first."

Clark's eyes widened.

"I love that you've learned this lesson, kid, and this is clearly a banner day on a whole lot of fronts, but you're officially scaring your dad." Brand turned toward Clark. "Pay close attention, because this is one of the most vital lessons that you can learn: never start a fight that you can't win. It's taken Jones a while, but I had a good feeling that tonight might be the night."

Jughead turned toward FP and grabbed Trigger's collar a second time. "Dad, don't worry; I'm not going to shoot anyone."

FP immediately began objecting. "Jughead, no - give Brandon the gun. Is it in your waistband? That's not safe."

He sounded exasperated instead of pleased or impressed. Jughead rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand, confused and disappointed by his father's response.

"Hey. The safety on all of my guns works just fine," Brand interjected.

"Brandon and I are headed for ice cream in the very near future, if not his permanent eviction from this household," FP's tone was threatening when he shot a look at Brand, "but we're both on the same side... for the most part. He's not going to hurt me, and you don't need to protect me from him. Not with a gun. And I honestly wouldn't mind seeing you learn to pick handcuffs; everything he's told you so far is good advice."

"It could save your life. Remember when those drug dealers cuffed you? That was game over. I want to be sure that we have no more of that." Brand nodded in agreement with FP.

Jughead's jaw dropped a second time when he realized that, even though Brand had jumped FP and handcuffed him to a workout bench, they were somehow still ganging up against him.

"No. Not like this. Not when Dad's in pain and going to have blood clots." Jughead scowled. He held out his hand again. "Give me the key, Brand, or the safety comes off. And you know what? I'm pretty sure a gun would have worked against the drug dealers. Just a wild guess."

Clark's eyes grew even wider and he began backing away from the situation.

"Kid, we all know you're not going to shoot me, so-,"

"You know exactly how much a window costs," Jughead let go of Trigger and pulled the gun from his waistband then, aiming it at the glass panes in the door to the back yard. "Dad can take it out of your paycheck."

"Jughead!" FP objected more strenuously, even though Trigger was delighted to find himself free once again and to have FP within easy reach. "Give your godfather the gun. Do not shoot out a window just to make a point. And come get your dog out of my face."

Jughead frowned down at his dad. "I'm trying to-,"

"You heard the man. Where do you want to start? Once you get your dad free, I'll cuff you and Clark together and you can try some two-man escapes."

"Yes, sir!" Clark took a step forward then and sounded far too eager. Jughead gave him an irritated look as he picked up the pocketknife a second time. "Come on, Jones, we need these skills. After what happened yesterday, we should definitely be taking our training seriously."

This was probably a way that he could help Clark, Jughead realized. And a way that his dad could help, too, although that probably wasn't something that FP was thinking about right at this moment.

Managing a weak smile, Jughead nodded. "Fine, Clark. Okay. We'll learn some escapes."

"Great! I'm going to try opening this double-locking pair with a bobby pin while you work with your dad." Clark sat down so that he was cross-legged on the floor and began fussing with a set of cuffs.

"The trick there is to keep from breaking the pin," Brand offered encouragingly. "Some cuffs are fairly stiff in order to discourage precisely what you're trying now. Do you know what you're trying to get the mechanism to do?"

"Not entirely." Clark's brow furrowed in concentration.

"Here; let's use training cuffs first, so you can see the whole mechanism while you learn." Brand offered a different pair to Clark and then looked up at Jughead. "Come on, Jones; move it. Try to do something before your father's in any more pain. The knife's not a bad tool to start with. What do you think your next step should be?"

"Attacking you for the key wasn't a good enough plan?" Jughead glared, still annoyed that his gambit had been unsuccessful - and unappreciated.

"Are you kidding? I can die a happy man now that you've snaked my service weapon, kid. I have never been prouder of you; I think this was the single biggest breakthrough you've had in all of our training. Come here." Brand motioned for Jughead to come in for a hug.

Jughead rolled his eyes and did not move toward his godfather. "You're just trying to disarm me."

"Wow, that's some kind of rejection, grasshopper. I mean, you're right, but I did also want to hug you. In any case, why don't you try seeing which attachments fit into the locking mechanism." Brand motioned Jughead toward FP. "That's going to limit your options, and it should also give you some clues about where to start."

"Sorry, Dad." Jughead crouched next to the weight bench. "I'll get you out as quickly as I can."

FP sighed with relief when Jughead set the gun on the floor, and he dropped his head back onto the padded bench.

"After today we can outlaw sneak attacks during workouts," Jughead added. "Or using Trig as a gag."

FP nodded wryly. "Along with any use of firearms during training."

"And... at some point tonight we should jump Brand and cuff him like this for a good long time," Jughead's voice was low.

This time FP raised an eyebrow and regarded Jughead with more interest.

"And get pictures." Jughead nudged his father's shoulder and gave him a conspiratorial look before he sat all the way onto the floor and began sizing pocketknife attachments against the cuffs' locking mechanism.

"That's enough chatting. Focus, Jones." Brand's eyes were narrowed suspiciously, though Jughead was fairly certain he hadn't overheard anything.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm working on it, Brand."

00000

"Oh my God, you guys are nuts." Kevin was hanging on Jughead's every word over lunch. "So then did you all fall asleep together on the couch again?"

Jughead slapped himself on the forehead. "No, Kevin. That only happened once. Anyway, my dad used the word 'eviction' a bunch of times until he realized that he was upsetting Clark - and also until Brand pointed out that the only reason he's still living with us is because my dad doesn't actually want him to close on the house down our street-,"

"So intrusive," Kevin interjected sagely.

"Not really. And way less so than living in the guest room." Jughead was getting the distinct impression that Kevin saw things very differently from the way that he did. "But long story short, Clark outlasted even Brand on training enthusiasm and we were all up way too late. And if you ever need a set of handcuffs picked, I've probably got you covered."

"Your life is magical." Kevin heaved a dramatic sigh of contentment and then laughed when Jughead threw a fry in his general direction.

Alice was snickering too, but Jughead really wanted the rest of his fries so he let that go. Besides, she hadn't given him crap about Sweet Pea and the advice he'd shared, so they might just be even.

"Are you okay?" Betty spoke very quietly into Jughead's ear.

"What? Yeah. Why?"

"Because, you know-," Betty waved a hand in the air as she struggled to find the right words, "I guess... you're usually more protective of Brand."

"He, uh, needs it less these days." Jughead realized even as he spoke that it was true. "I can rag on him or gang up on him with Dad or Clark. He can handle it."

"You actually pulled a gun on him?"

"Not really." Jughead sighed. "Anyway, he was happy about it. Apparently it's a major training breakthrough that he'd been waiting for."

"Kevin's right. You're all nuts." Betty gave Jughead a look that was only half teasing.

"It's a wolf pack thing." Jughead wrapped an arm around Betty. "Nobody's going to get hurt."

"As long as you're sure." Betty seemed to relax somewhat then. "I worry about you all sometimes."

00000

"Ronnie! We have to get together after school this week. What's a good day?" Archie came bounding down the hall toward his girlfriend. "I've already gotten two calls about gigs and one call from the newspaper, and we need to make a plan. My mom's planning to visit from Chicago next weekend to help, but she said that we need to start talking about what we want before then so that she can make a game plan for managing us."

"Really? We need managing? That's amazing news, Archie. Have you talked to Gunnar?" Veronica was surprised and pleased to hear that they were getting so much response already, but she bit her lip as she thought through the logistics. "It might be easiest if you two came up with some times. I'm sure that I can make one of them work."

"You got it," Archie looped an arm around her. "And Veronica, I think what I most want to know from you is how much is too much. We can be selective and mysterious - we could even be musical recluses - if you don't want to do a whole lot. That's completely cool."

"No, no-," Veronica laid a hand on Archie's shoulder to get his attention more fully. "You've created an incredible opportunity with your new songs, and now Gunnar and I get to do this with you. I'm not going to be the one to hold us back."

"Bu-ut...?" Archie came to a full stop, gently turning Veronica toward himself. "I know it's not going to be that simple, not for any of us. I don't need an answer right now, but I really want you to feel free to arrange your schedule-,"

"It's not my schedule this time. Alice is… don't tell Gunnar because I don't know what's going on with him, but Alice is figuring out some stuff. I want to be there for her, and I think that means spending more time around home this week. I'm planning to ask her tonight, when we're not at school."

"Oh." Archie nodded. "Because she visited-,"

"Archie, not at school." Veronica inclined her head toward the students moving around the hall. "But yeah. Basically."

"No, I get it. I'm planning a serious catch-up with Jug, too, so that we can talk about his dad and Clark. I also want to check in with him about the songs, just in case things are different now that things are… different."

They started walking together through the hall toward their respective classes.

Veronica nodded approvingly. "That's smart. He seems really chill today, but I think that's only because Brand's been running them around the clock over there since Saturday. They're all too exhausted to think straight."

Archie laughed. "Could be. My dad wants to go over, too. He's started talking about 'the echo chamber of Brand and FP' again, and if he hears about the handcuff training-,"

"I know, right?" Veronica widened her eyes for emphasis. "Betty thinks it's all a sort of coping mechanism, but I know I'd feel a lot better if your dad checked in with them."

"So… I'll get Gunnar's schedule and I'll keep you posted," Archie promised as they reached his classroom.

"Sounds good." Veronica nodded firmly. "I'll let you know how things go on my end too."

00000

"Davies, I need a favor." Agent Chloe Williams stopped Brand in the kitchenette of the RA on Monday.

"Uh… okay. What is it?" Brand raised an eyebrow, but he had not yet had to deal with the media manager and he figured he shouldn't start burning bridges around the RA just yet.

"A bunch of us kicked in to get Clark a card. You can contribute too, sign your name and all, but what I really want to ask is if you'd help him pick out a gun. He doesn't know that he's being groomed for hire, so he might think about getting something for home defense, or maybe-,"

"Hang on. You got Clark a card and stuffed enough cash into it for him to purchase a firearm?" Brand looked around in astonishment at the few people he could see moving through the RA. "That's… wow, Chloe. Okay. Yeah, I can kick in too. And make sure he gets something suitable. That's really, uh-," Brand stopped, realizing that he wasn't entirely sure what he wanted to say.

"He's one of us," Williams waved him off. "He was the only one who was unarmed on Saturday, and he was targeted."

Agent Williams set her jaw, clearly considering whether she wanted to say more. After a few moments, she continued. "We can't do the same for the other intern, but if we have another teambuilding exercise or an assignment offsite where he's involved, I'd like your permission to be the one to work with him."

"With Jones?" This time Brand was sure that he'd misunderstood something. "Or do you still mean Clark?"

"Jones. Obviously. The one who can't carry a gun," Williams said impatiently. "I'd like to be the one to personally see that he isn't targeted."

"Okay. Absolutely. Consider it done." Brand wasn't sure he would ever understand Williams entirely, but he was pretty sure that he was understanding her in this moment. "You'll be on deck the next time we're all offsite. And would you mind if I tell Jones it's a standing offer? I think he'd really appreciate hearing that."

Williams suddenly looked uncomfortable. "If you really want to, and you think that would be a good idea. Sure. It's not a secret or anything."

"Okay. Also, uh, I'm in the doghouse at home, so maybe you could help me out, too." Brand figured he might as well make it clear that there was no obligation here, so that they could keep - or maybe even build on - whatever good momentum they'd just begun.

"That is truly shocking." Agent Williams' tone was dry, but she smiled to soften her response.

"I know. You'd think I'd have the drill down by now." Brand shrugged. "I think I need to turn up tonight with steaks and something particularly impressive for dessert."

"This is for FP?"

"I forget that everyone around here knows him now. Yeah, it's for FP." Brand nodded.

"If I'd ticked him off seriously, I would sleep with one eye open. I'd also give serious consideration to surf and turf - get him a ribeye and two small lobsters."

"I know how surf and turf-,"

"None of those tough, long-lived lobsters. And I'm going to write down the name of a bakery and a particular variation of derby pie. Do not even think of deviating from what I have written."

"I wouldn't dream of it." Brand was officially curious. "There's no bourbon in it, is there?"

Williams hesitated. "I forgot that FP doesn't do bourbon. I'm not sure. Well, I'll write down the name of the bakery and you can ask."

"Thanks." Brand smiled.

"Thank you for taking care of the interns." Williams scribbled the name of a bakery and pie onto a scrap of paper. "Can I give you something for their dessert? You're feeding the interns too, right?"

"I do get regular paychecks," Brand said. "I'm not nearly as destitute as my lack of car makes it seem."

"No, I know that. I just wanted to do something." Williams looked uncomfortable again. "But don't tell them that I-,"

"I think it's covered, Chloe. You already did several somethings. I'll help Clark pick out a handgun, and I'll let Jones know that he's got a partner for our next outing, whenever that may be. Why don't you bring in something from that bakery for the whole RA later in the week, and if you really want to do them a favor, turn a blind eye if Jones and Clark eat more than their fair share. Deal?"

"Deal." Williams laughed.

Brand gave her a grin and a nod before he headed back to his office, surprised and pleased.

This wasn't how he'd pictured teambuilding working out for the RA, but he'd certainly take it.

00000

"We have to be famous again? Are we going to get stalked by photographers? That was the worst." Jones cut straight to the heart of the matter when Brand ushered him into his new - comparatively palatial - office and motioned him into the gorgeous leather chair intended for visitors. "Whoa. Whose office is this?"

"Mine. Apparently it's time for the RA to be less embarrassing." Brand tapped the top of his large new desk. It was a dark, rich wood and definitely overkill. "I think someone got the impression that we'd be featured in a magazine spread. That desk is yours, by the way."

Jones had been given a tidy, sleek secretary desk in a corner so that his workspace folded away when he was not at the RA.

"Huh. They obviously like you better."

"To be fair, I do a lot more work around here," Brand responded dryly. "Your chair is more comfortable than mine, though, so I don't want to hear any complaints."

The large leather chair behind Brand's desk certainly looked the part (if 'the part' was meant to be an analogue of 'Wall Street tycoon,' anyway), but Jones' much-smaller chair had seemingly magic ergonomic properties.

"Did Clark get a desk too?"

"I don't know. Don't make waves if he's still at a folding table, though. It's only temporary for him."

Jones shrugged, which was not acquiescence, but Brand found he didn't really care. Those two had their pact, and they would probably do what they wanted regardless of his input.

Brand respected that.

"Does he have to be famous too?" Jones looked like he was prepared to be fired up if Clark was being allowed to skate on this whole initiative.

"Clark is in the unenviable position of being your damsel in distress, Jones. I wouldn't poke at that too much." Brand gave him a serious look. "If the footage is released the way Wilson thinks will work best, he's going to have more people seeing him at his most vulnerable than I'd wish on anyone."

"Well... he might get a girlfriend out of it," Jones looked thoughtful. "Isn't that a thing?"

"Do you wish the warrior queen was attracted to you because she felt… protective?" Brand rubbed the back of his neck. "You might just skip bringing any of this up with Clark."

"Betty feels protective sometimes. It's fine."

"She also looks at you like you're a lethal weapon, and she likes that about you." Brand shook his head. "Seriously, leave Clark alone on this one. He won't appreciate your version of encouragement."

"Fine, Brand. Are we going to get stalked, though?"

"Maybe." Brand sighed. "The bigger issue for today is that we need to be coached so we don't get off script on the FBI. At all."

"Well, I know exactly how that works. I'll help you, Brand." Jones grinned.

"You failed miserably when we were on live TV. I would not be bragging about that if I were you." Brand smirked, though. Jones was taking this a whole lot better than he'd anticipated. "We're also going to try and spread some of the press around. Andrews and company are our official tie-in brand, based on their being photogenic human interest types."

"Really? That's kind of cool. Good publicity for gigs. But… are we going to get in trouble for all of this?" Jones grimaced.

Brand figured he meant Rose.

"Things were smooth enough with the interview in the spring that I think we'll be just fine this time. It shouldn't be nearly as liable to go in an unpredictable direction, and I've already made a phone call."

"You called about this? The amusement park and everything?"

"One of these days you're going to realize that I have a clue and take basic precautions."

Jones was frowning.

"What is it, kid?"

"I just didn't know that you made a call. I feel... out of the loop." Jones ran a hand through his hair.

"Only because you are. That's intentional." Brand was done discussing this. "Now, you're not going to give our media consultant any trouble? Even if we're told to play you younger again?"

"I'll behave, Brand." Jones still looked agitated.

"Hey. You can trust me. I'm watching out for you, kid, and you already know I'd kill for you." Brand figured he could give him that much reassurance. "Keeping you out of the loop is our best bet for making sure that nobody ever tries to play us off of each other."

Jones looked mildly ill.

"Nobody's going to try that, Jones." Brand had the distinct impression that he was making everything worse by continuing to talk, but he was getting worried about Jones' counterintuitive response - and his habit of acting impulsively when upset. "We're locked down. Air-tight. Anyone coming for you has to come through me first."

Jones nodded slowly, his eyes averted. "Yeah. I know."

"All right, then. Let's find out what our adoring public wants from us." Brand stood and motioned for Jones to precede him out of the office. "Agent Quinn says this is good for the internal investigation, from which I am barred thanks to your involvement, and apparently it could be good for the RA generally. Wilson would have preferred it never happened, but as long as it has, we can use it."

Jones smiled weakly. "I guess it's nice that I can make up for some of the trouble I've caused."

"It is nice. You're a team player and all that rot that the FBI loves seeing. Even Agent Williams is warming up; remind me to fill you in about that later." Brand dropped a hand onto his shoulder. He frowned when Jones startled at the contact. "So relax, killer. Everything's fine."

00000

Narrator: but as it happened, everything was NOT fine... and I think next chapter is going to make that clear. I'll enjoy any and all reviews and be much encouraged as everyone in the story goes (no doubt) into a terrible meat grinder!

I hope you are well, and I also hope you have a lovely weekend. Solidarity as we all do our best to stay healthy and sane!

-Button