Present Day
"How's he doing?"
"Steadier." Drew replied, quickly and calmly and though Jay was still getting to know him, he thought confidently. And he trusted his assessment, and was grateful because it eased a lot of his worry. And guilt. But not all of it. Because there was a difference between steadier and steady.
And Knox wasn't anywhere near steady yet.
He was getting there, Liam had given him a job here at the Tomb doing security, and now bartending which was a secret talent none of them, not even Elliot had known he possessed. It had felt like a punch in the gut the first time Jay saw him mixing drinks, how broad his smile was when he realized he was good at something. That there were people who wanted him, flaws and all. It was a painful reminder of how deep he'd shoved his head in the sand, how much he'd allowed his anger to take from him but he didn't let himself dwell on those thoughts; partly because he knew it wasn't helpful but mostly because Drew didn't let him. He might have a decent read on the other man's personality but he was still learning his fighting style and that combined with his thoughts distracting him meant he was unprepared when his fist hit his cheek.
Not too hard, just enough to show how nasty a hit it could've been, his smirk another reminder to keep his head in the fight. Training with Tess had done wonders for his skills but Jay wasn't content with just one teacher. And Drew was a great one. They were the same age, had been in the sandbox at the same time, but while he'd been in Afghanistan the other former soldier had been in Iraq, and while he had been a sniper like himself he hadn't been a Sergeant. Or had a good one. He'd shared some of what his experience had been like, the mistakes he'd made and the sins he carried and though Jay had never said it, it made him realize just how lucky he'd been with his team. With his command.
It was by a hair's breadth but he dodged the next cheek tap, returning his grin before he motioned for them to stop when he saw Knox walking in. "I thought he didn't work tonight."
"He doesn't. But he likes to spend his free time here."
"Is he still looking for dirt on Malcolm?" He didn't need the subtle nod to answer his question but he appreciated it, but that warmth warred with worry as they climbed out of the cage and he made his way over to his old friend. "Looks like Tess's cooking is doing the job- you don't look like a stick anymore."
"She's a good cook. So is everyone at the Haven." Knox replied with a shy shrug and Jay pretended not to notice the awkward way he stood in front of him, half at attention, half like he wanted to disappear.
To his surprise, and his alone it hadn't been easy to convince the other man to move into one of the open apartments. He'd actually only agreed after Tess was released from the hospital and expressed her worry someone would think she was too weak to stop an attack. Which wasn't entirely true, and he knew Elliot knew that, but it made them all feel better to have him there which was what mattered.
And that Tess was home.
Still healing, and still having difficulty taking it easy but a month later he understood her chafing. It felt like a miracle the last few weeks had been quiet ones but when he caught Drew taking a call and saw how his face immediately tightened Jay wondered whether it had been. Or whether it had been intentional.
When his head tilted towards Liams office where he and Tess were going over Ben's plans to create another haven he was quick to move, only pausing when a hand hastily, and desperately, grabbed his arm. "Knox-"
"I can help Ricky." His friend said earnestly and though he looked a little too eager he reminded himself of what Drew had said- he was steadier now. But he wouldn't stay that way if they stopped giving him chances to prove himself. "I promise, I'll do whatever you say-"
"Let's go."
The instant relief on his face made him sure he'd made the right decision but it still stung when they went upstairs to Liams office and he had to watch Tess's fall as she realized there was trouble.
"A Bratva safehouse was hit. Scoop says it's… bad." Drew explained, everyone sharing quick looks before they stood; his men had found the intel which meant they had first right to the scene but they all knew intelligence was going to get involved so he sent a quick text to Voight to tell him not to head to bed yet.
"You don't look like a stick anymore."
Knox's deadpan expression had him smothering his laugh but he was quick to let it out in Tess's hair as they made for her car, ignoring his friend's smirk to indulge in the silky locks before she got behind the wheel. But he couldn't help it. Not when it was purple. Fairy hair. She'd dyed it just for him, one of the best surprises of his life so he didn't care if everyone made fun of him for not being able to keep his hands off her. The only thing he didn't like was how out of place it looked in the bloodbath.
And the feeling that this was just the start.
