* SILENCED / SONGBIRD !

ring-clad  fingers  clenching  around  the  wooden  spoon  until  his  knuckles  pale,  stirring  the  noodles  harder  than  necessary.   at  this  point,  the  thought  of  abel,  sleeping  peacefully  in  his  nursery,  is  the  only  thing  keeping  him  from  putting  his  fist  through  the  nearest  wall.   he  hates  feeling  so  helpless,  hates  knowing  he  could  have  prevented  something  terrible  from  happening  but  didn’t.   his  gaze  flicks  once  toward  the  hallway  where  the  bedroom  door  is  closed,  the  faint  sound  of  water  running  grounding  him  just  enough  to  keep  him  here,  in  this  moment,  even  though  his  mind  wants  to  run  ahead  to  what  comes  next.   men  like  that  don’t  just  stop.   how  does  he  keep  her  from  goin’  back  there?   this  kind  of  thing  always  escalates  unless  someone  steps  in  and  then  ends  it,  bloody,  and  there’s  no  question  in  him  about  who  that  someone  is  gonna  be.   

he  kills  the  heat  and  pours  the  noodles  into  a  bowl,  sensing  abilene’s  gaze  on  him.   the  blond  doesn’t  turn  right  away  when  she  speaks,  her  voice  catching  him  mid-thought.   for  a  second  he  just  stands  there  with  his  back  to  her,  shoulders  squared,  digging  for  a  spoon  in  the  drawer  beside  the  sink.   he  has  to  steady  himself  because  the  first  thing  that  wants  to  come  out  ain’t  meant  for  her.   all  that  rage…   it’s  meant  for  the  guy  who  put  his  hands  on  her.   when  he  does  turn  around,  his  eyes  land  on  her  and  stay  there  a  heartbeat  too  long.   the  mere  sight  of  her  like  this  knocks  some  of  the  air  out  of  his  chest.   “hey,”   his  voice  comes  softer  than  before.   he  pushes  off  the  counter,  closing  some  of  the  space  between  them  without  crowding  her,  setting  the  steaming  bowl  on  the  table.   “don’t  do  that,  don’t  put  this  on  you.   you  didn’t  do  anything  wrong.”   the  last  thing  he  wants  is  for  her  to  think  that  she’s  got  something  to  apologize  for.

she sat at the table and looked at the bowl of instant noodles . she really wasn't hungry at all , her stomach felt heavy like it had turned to stone . . . but it would be rude when jackson had cooked for her . she took a spoon and made herself eat a few bites . she did feel better the more that she ate .

❛ i'm not going back . ❜ abilene finally said . he wanted to kill her . he would have killed her , except . . . an image flashed into her mind of lukas' face , of his hands around her throat . how did she get him to let go ? then she remembered a clatter , a screech , his eyes going wide and . . .

a smile spread across her face , then after a moment a laugh . and another , and another , until abilene was wiping her eyes . ❛ my cat tore him up . ❜ she remembered the ornery tabby cat growling and spitting and biting before Abilene scrambled to the bathroom . ❛ he hated her so much . ❜ she knew that mama kitty was smart enough to find her own way out of the house while lukas was trying to get the door down .

[TXT] : answer the question.

[TXT] : you left your jacket here.

[TXT] : ignore that last message.

[TXT] : must be my fault somehow.

[TXT] : this was a bad idea but i'm doing it anyway.

[TXT] : guess i misunderstood the vibe.

[TXT] : i'm only texting you because i'm drunk.

[TXT] : i can't stop thinking about your hands.

[TXT] : you're not gonna believe this..

[TXT] : i'm blushing shut up.

[TXT] : okay wait no don't answer that.

[TXT] : i didn't say anything because i didn't want to argue.

[TXT] : be honest with me.

[TXT] : are you free tonight?

[TXT] : i'll explain later, just call me now!

[TXT] : i like it when you looked at me like that.

[TXT] : i should stop texting before this escalates.

[TXT] : i keep rereading that message.

[TXT] : are you trying to distract me on purpose.

[TXT] : i hate that you were right.

[TXT] : you'd be so proud of me right now and also disappointed.

[TXT] : cheers to bad decisions.

[TXT] : i had a dream about you.

[TXT] : i thought you were coming?

[TXT] : wow that's crazy.

[TXT] : it's whatever honestly.

[TXT] : your stuff is still here.

[TXT] : open the door.

[TXT] : what are you doing right now?

[TXT] : don't screenshot this.

[TXT] : don't make me ask twice.

[TXT] : i'm grabbing coffee, want one?

[TXT] : what are we?

[TXT] : no really it's fine.

[TXT] : you don't have to lie.

[TXT] : i don't feel great.

[TXT] : don't rush i've only been waiting.

[TXT] : i forgot the grocery list.

[TXT] : don't do this over text.

[TXT] : did i do something wrong?

[TXT] : i don't trust myself around you.

[TXT] : running late sorry.

[TXT] : you make it hard to be good.

[TXT] : i told myself i wouldn't text you tonight.

[TXT] : are you mad at me.

[TXT] : please answer me.

[TXT] : i told you not to do that.

[TXT] : can i come over?

[TXT] : i'm outside.

[TXT] : you're being unfair.

[TXT] : that's not an excuse.

[TXT] : can you stay on the phone with me?

[TXT] : are you busy?

[TXT] : please tell me you're okay.

[TXT] : i think i fucked up.

[TXT] : i need to vent.

[TXT] : do you want food?

[TXT] : this is messing with my head.

[TXT] : i should not be imagining this right now.

[TXT] : are you mad at me?

[TXT] : please say something.

[TXT] : can you lie for me?

[TXT] : i found your keys!

[TXT] : i just thought you'd let me know.

[TXT] : i know you're awake.

[TXT] : stay the night.

[TXT] : you look good and you know it.

[TXT] : this reminded me of you!

[TXT] : this conversation is not helping my self control.

[TXT] : i love how you only respond when it's convenient.

[TXT] : i love you and i hate that i love you.

[TXT] : you left me on read.

[TXT] : i cleared my schedule.

[TXT] : i can't keep doing this.

[TXT] : are you alone?

[TXT] : stuck in traffic.

[TXT] : you could've just said no.

[TXT] : i don't want to be alone.

[TXT] : who are you with?

[TXT] : something has to change.

[TXT] : if you were here right now i'd be in serious trouble.

[TXT] : i'm done.

[TXT] : don't tease me.

[TXT] : i'm getting worried.

[TXT] : oh okay i guess we're not talking anymore.

[TXT] : where are you??

[TXT] : i'm thinking about you.

[TXT] : i hate nights like this without you.

[TXT] : can you come get me?

[TXT] : look up.

[TXT] : i trust you.

[TXT] : i need help.

[TXT] : this is flirting right?

[TXT] : i changed my mind about earlier.

[TXT] : it's fine do whatever you want.

[TXT] : it's not what it looked like, okay?

[TXT] : my brain won't shut up about last night.

[TXT] : please come get me before i make worse choices.

[TXT] : that was not funny.

[TXT] : i'm proud of you.

[TXT] : i don't know why i'm telling you this.

[TXT] : i'm sorry, i should've said something sooner

[TXT] : please don't be mad..

[TXT] : are you coming over or just teasing me?

[TXT] : i won't bother you again.

[TXT] : i almost sent this three times.

[TXT] : did you get home safe?

[TXT] : you don't owe me anything clearly.

[TXT] : i miss you.

[TXT] : guess who i just ran into..

[TXT] : i can't sleep.

[TXT] : i need clarity.

[TXT] : tell me to behave.

[TXT] : okay fine you win.

[TXT] : hello?

[TXT] : you did good.

[TXT] : do you miss me?

[TXT] : i'm bored, entertain me.

[TXT] : are you safe??

[TXT] : you're unbelievable.

[TXT] : i shouldn't have said what i said earlier.

[TXT] : i hope you're asleep because this is embarrassing.

[TXT] : don't ever say that again.

[TXT] : are you flirting with me?

[TXT] : you owe me gas money.

[TXT] : stop avoiding me.

[TXT] : call me when you see this!

[TXT] : you still mad?

[TXT] : can we talk in person?

[TXT] : can i crash at your place?

[TXT] : you're going to get me in trouble.

[TXT] : i'm spiraling.

[TXT] : you're doing this on purpose.

[TXT] : okay i'm done texting now.

[TXT] : you look cute.

[TXT] : glad you had fun.

[TXT] : i'm exhausted.

[TXT] : i'm trying to be respectful but you're not helping.

[TXT] : why would you think that was okay??

[TXT] : i want to move on.

[TXT] : thanks for the heads up i guess.

[TXT] : you left your panties here for a reason didn't you.

[TXT] : you know exactly what you're doing.

[TXT] : please don't tell anyone.

[TXT] : remember when we said we wouldn't do this again.

[TXT] : i can't find my shoes.

[TXT] : do you always do this or just to me?

[TXT] : tell me you don't miss me so i can shut up.

[TXT] : you crossed a line.

[TXT] : you up?

[TXT] : you didn't have to do that.

[TXT] : don't get smug.

[TXT] : i'm on my way!

[TXT] : i should not be saying this.

[TXT] : remind me to tell you later.

“oh? no? so what are your plans, darlin’? you wanna waste away your life with me in this hellhole?” he turns it into a joke because commitments and serious love confessions still terrify him. does he want her to stick around forever? a part of him does, a part of him wants to hate her for thinking he’s worthy of her, for being so traumatized that she wants to settle for someone like him. she can do so much better. refocusing on her neck before these thoughts can get to him, he leaves a trail of kisses all the way to her pulse point, nipping gently at the soft skin there.

“good idea. then again, wearin’ somethin’ underneath defeats the purpose of the dress. where’s the fun in that?” he playfully wonders, teeth grazing her skin, leaving a small love bite behind. his tongue darting out, circling it lazily before another kiss is planted. calloused palm moving up her side, only satisfied once it’s tangled in hair. he lets out a soft chuckle and adds, “last year they had this game where you could pay to try and dunk a clown. no impressive prizes to win there, though. hopefully, this year, they’ll have some stuffed animals.” he’d like to win her something, feel like a kid in love again.

just don't hurt me, please!!

oh, jesus christ, what the fuck are you doing?!

shhh ... quiet.

it was horrible ... it was ... i don't even know what it was.

try drawing. can you draw what attacked you?

[ NAME ], hey, can you tell me what happened?

what kind of fucking animal does this?

we should cut it off before the infection spreads.

do i look like a doctor?

i don't remember much, i don't even know what i saw.

i've got a gun! and i know how to use it! ... sort of.

i need this, it's not safe out there.

are you trying to piss me off?

when i was little, i used to think islands would just, like ... float.

you don't mind that we're talking about it, right?

why is it up to me to justify my feelings?

do i take the high road and forget about it?

this is actually kind of fun.

now that i'm by myself, i kind of like it.

nothing personal, it's ... a me thing. we're cool, right?

that's the summer camp experience right there.

i couldn't find anything to eat, the kitchen's pretty cleared out.

fuck, i don't even know what happened.

i'm okay... i'll be okay, thanks to you.

no, i just helped a little.

you're here with me. that helps.

uh, what happened to the lights?

we're holding down the fort.

did anybody else hear that?

stay here, i'll check it out.

is this the last time we're gonna see each other?

i'm sorry, [ NAME ], i'm just distracted.

maybe i was just misreading the situation back there...

of course i wanted it to happen, i just didn't know if you did, too.

you're just saying that because i'm hurt.

we have to hide ... we have to hide!

jesus, where's the gun?

technology ... it giveth and it taketh.

i'm sorry if it's not up to your standards, but i've been putting in some TLC.

how do you even know all this stuff?

technical stuff has always been hard for me to get a handle on.

if you'd like, i could show you the ropes.

i'm gonna keep an eye out.

we can't be sure they were talking about us.

but that's not ... that's not possible, right?

what is this?! make it stop, make it stop!

god's sake, tonight sucks ass.

[ NAME ], is that you?!

well, that bodes ill. fucking hell.

oh my god, no way — am i glad to see you!

you left me back there, you asshole!

what the fuck is going on?

sorry, i'm just ... i'm glad you're okay.

you don't have to be a dick about literally everything.

you're right, i'm sorry.

ugh, you're so annoying.

okay, can we please not do this right now?!

quit moving so much!

i mean, it's not bleeding, but you need to see a doctor.

we need to be keeping a record of everything. for the police.

i have a funny feeling the cops aren't gonna want to believe us.

this isn't you ... this isn't you!

where the fuck is everyone?

you were defending yourself.

i need your help. please.

i'm not. killing. "people"!

i'm gonna open the door, slowly.

i ask, you answer. that's how this works.

fine. what do you wanna know?

you have no idea what's going on here. not a goddamn clue.

you just stepped in some grade A, double prime, cosmic type shit.

your only option is to buckle the fuck up and do what i say.

please stop trying to intimidate me and tell me what the fuck is going on.

i feel like i'm going crazy!

i'm kind of all mixed up, but more or less in-tact i think.

there's blood and ... stuff ... everywhere.

i feel like i remember bits and pieces but none of it makes sense.

who does this guy think he is?

i'm not going anywhere, we can talk right here.

you have nothing to bargain with.

can't break old [ NAME ]. many have tried, many have failed.

i'm being serious, [ NAME ].

last night feels like a lifetime ago.

what the fuck does that mean, though? were we set up?

well, how do you know how kidnappers act?

i'm just trying to get us out of here.

what if we can't make sense of it?

sometimes things just don't make sense. what then?

this isn't forever, [ NAME ].

you've got to stay positive, you can't think like that.

you were poking around in my stuff?

i can't believe you didn't tell me.

we've been making plans, [ NAME ], what the fuck?

i'm sorry, [ NAME ], this really sucks.

i'm sorry. i shouldn't have kept it from you.

you know you can talk to me about anything, right?

okay, let's just focus on getting out of here for now.

yeah, that was really sketchy.

i'm surprised you're not more messed up.

i don't have a scratch on me.

i'm just saying there's a slight chance it was a werewolf.

are you out of your goddamn mind?

you got anything better? zombies? aliens?

interrupt me again, you're on your own.

would it really be so crazy with all the shit we've been seeing?

i'm just trying to keep an open mind.

those are just campfire stories.

there's more to all this than you think.

just let me finish, then you can decide if you believe me or not.

the next few weeks were long.

that's really not very helpful, [ NAME ].

okay, okay, just- one problem at a time.

just interested is all. feel like i hardly know you.

no reason we can't be buds, right?

you don't know the half of it.

you're not gonna believe it until you see it for yourself.

don't get too close.

don't worry, [ NAME ], i'm here.

i just don't feel so good.

what do you need? what can i do to help?

just stay back, okay? you shouldn't be this close.

whoever was wearing this can't be doing too well.

you want to tell me what happened?

why didn't you run?

this doesn't mean i trust you.

i'm too tired to argue.

i'll brew some coffee.

you know... just because you know, doesn't mean you know.

this isn't what it seems to be.

you're gonna have to be more specific.

you're in just as much trouble as i am.

my family? we didn't mean to hurt anybody.

we're just trying to survive like anybody else.

we're gonna end this thing once and for all.

family is the most important thing in the world.

starting to get the picture?

it's not a lot to go on. and frankly, it's shit.

seems pretty straightforward to me.

if you can kill a werewolf, and that's a big if.

that's where i'm hoping you'll come in.

you're the best option i've got.

maybe it doesn't matter.

take some time to think about all this. i'll be back in the morning.

seen enough yet?

we should be careful of anything that fucker says.

we're gonna fix it on our own.

it wasn't you. i know it wasn't you.

we're gonna fix you, [ NAME ], i promise.

goddammit, [ NAME ], what are we gonna do now?

what happened to "we're all in this together"?

god, it's so obvious.

i thought i heard someone ... i - i still can.

it's coming from behind that door.

we're one step closer to going home.

that's it ... that's the story.

what's that supposed to mean?

don't make me spell it out for you.

all i know is i have to do this.

so this is our new guest...

dumb fuckin' animal.

get your hands off me! let me go!

i didn't mean for this to happen!

is it money that you want?

please just let me go, i'm so sorry!

say what you've gotta say.

[ NAME ], don't you think this is a bit much?

this isn't a ghost story, it's a creature feature – it's really happening.

worst case scenario, this should give you a fighting chance.

put that fucking thing down before you hurt someone.

i don't care what you think.

how well do you know [ NAME ]?

i don't think anybody 'knows' anybody. not really.

if i let my conscience slow me down, everything gets a lot worse for everyone.

shit ... we haven't got much time.

so, what's your deal, then?

so, i don't fit in the right box – is that what you're saying?

the most responsible thing is to try and get help.

this whole time we were having such a fun summer.

the engine's completely screwed.

if i could summon a working car out of thin air, i would.

now i know you've got a screw loose.

did you get bitten?

get away. get away from me!

i wish i could take it all back, but i can't.

"taken care of the problem", do you hear yourself?

don't you go around like you're better than everyone else.

don't you tell me what to do, you piece of shit.

we're gonna be laughing about this in a few years.

it's motion activated ... i think.

i guess we just make ourselves at home.

i guess i just don't like to see other people sad.

well ... fuck this night, huh?

c'mon, i wanna hear you say it.

i sure as hell can make you suffer.

i keep trying to fix it, but people keep getting hurt.

i shouldn't have let you come.

try not to make so much noise.

are we going to end up in a documentary?

i used to be pretty good at the claw game at the local arcade.

just, uh ... watch my back, yeah?

hurry the fuck up!

so much for our brilliant escape plan.

it's better than being out in the open. come on.

i don't want to be waiting around.

we need protection. go see what you can find.

i'm feeling pretty good, actually.

what are you doing? ... stop that.

i'm done being chased.

this is proof we're on the right track. stay close.

thanks .. for uh, not killing me.

you think this is over? this isn't over.

okay ... okay, it makes sense. it all makes sense.

help me. we can help those who are still alive.

in what world would i wanna help you?

you go by yourself, you're gonna die out there.

this doesn't mean i forgive you for what you did to me.

can someone please get me some fucking clothes?

where the hell are we?

we definitely should've gone to the motel.

the night's not over yet.

we gotta get a vantage, come on.

we have enough on our plates already, stop discovering shit.

showtime, motherfuckers.

fuck this whole night.

should we go find the others?

we're safer here, and it's nearly morning.

let's go, let's go, let's go!

what happened in the past doesn't matter right now.

we need to know what we're up against, at least.

what we're up against is my one chance to end this for good.

[ NAME ], wake up!

where did it go? it can't have just disappeared.

over here ... got some blood. leads through there.

what the hell happened here?

we could be killed. you ready to end this?

let's fucking do this.

you've been through a lot more than i have.

if anyone deserves to survive, it's you.

really? you're still hiding stuff now?

every full moon for years.

please, let's just ... go.

i bet you think you're fucking clever.

i tried to help you. i tried to warn you.

i even started to like you.

i won't forget what you did.

❛ i'm not planning on leaving , so you have plenty of time to have me all to yourself . ❜ she meant it . abilene clung to the people she loved desperately , and abel and jax were no different . besides , she thought , pregnancy scared her . she knew that she wanted children one day and a family , but after watching her mother . . . abilene was terrified of going through that . she wouldn't presume that abel was her son , not when she was little more than jax's girlfriend , but she loved him like he was .

her forehead rested against his , noses brushing against each other , and giggled when jackson continued . abilene doubted that he would ever be the kind of man to start driving cars . even when he was old and wrinkled she could still picture him on his harley . another immature joke popped into her mind and she said , ❛ i'll make sure to wear something under my dress , then . ❜

his lips found her neck , planting a kiss just beneath her jaw that had her breath hitch . her neck was sensitive , more so after lukas than it had been before . her heart stuttered as if still unsure if it should be afraid or excited before finally settling into the later . she opened her eyes to look at jax in the darkness .

❛ i'm expecting it , baby . ❜ she kissed the side of his head as he kissed her throat . his hair carried the smell of leather , of the shop , of his cologne . it was a comforting smell that she let wash over her , heat and anticipation running through her veins from where his lips touched her . ❛ are you trying to get out of my massage with all of this talking ? ❜ she teased .

“i  know  that,”   he  whispers  into  the  air  between  them,  searching  her  doe-like  hues  and  almost  wishing  that  she  would  run  away  from  him.   he  just  wants  to  protect  her  from  the  dangerous,  violent  life  of  SAMCRO,  and  thinks  he’s  doing  the  bare  minimum  by  not  sharing  any  details  of  it  with  her.   it’s  hard  at  times,  and  he  almost  caves  in  when  she  assures  him  that  she’ll  always  be  here…   but  he’s  convinced  that  if  she  knew  the  truth,  she  would  never  look  at  him  the  same  way.   the  joke  that  rolls  off  her  tongue  is  appreciated,  met  with  more  laughter,  eyes  crinkling  at  the  corners  as  he  shakes  his  head.   “oh,  is  that  the  plan  for  the  night?”   he  chuckles,  letting  her  guide  his  hand  to  rest  against  her  hip.

her heart was thundering in her ears while her body reacted as though it was their first kiss . he had that kind of affect on her still - he made her feel special , beautiful , loved . the taste of his lips was familiar and exciting all at once until her brain began to feel fuzzy . abilene's lips parted and his tongue tangled with hers , sending heat and tingling pleasure scorching through her veins until her knees felt weak .

abilene whimpered , her fingers tightening in his hair when he pulled away even as she tried to catch her breath . it was her fault for bringing up gemma , she thought , but it didn't stop the pout on her lips . her eyes opened to meet his . pale blue like the sky on a frosty winter morning , and that silly , handsome grin on her face . . . she couldn't help but return his smile .

“hey,  i’m  a  very  patient  man,”   he  lets  out  a  soft  chuckle  because  usually  he’s  anything  but.   he’s  impulsive  and  explosive  but  never  when  it  comes  to  abel.   “it  just  scares  me,  y’know?   i  can’t  explain  this  feelin’.   i  hate  to  see  him  in  pain  or  uncomfortable,  and  i  always  worry  that  it  might  be  something  serious.   just  the  sound  of  his  cries  makes  my  world  stop  spinnin’  for  a  moment.”   never  thought  he’d  be  one  of  those  parents  but  here  he  is,  constantly  worrying  that  something  terrible  will  happen  to  his  kid,  that  his  little  heart  will  give  out.   no  one’s  warned  him  how  terrifying  it  is  to  be  someone’s  old  man.   it’s  the  teasing  remark  that  rolls  off  abi’s  tongue  that  has  him  focusing  on  her  again,  a  goofy  smile  spreading  across  his  lips.   “look,  i  have  the  sense  of  humor  of  a  thirteen  year  old,  babe,”   he  playfully  warns,  trying  to  refrain  from  saying  the  dumb  thing  that  he  wants  to  say  but  failing,   “rather  i  give  you  the  tip.”   beaming  like  an  idiot,  so  proud  of  himself  and  his  immature  jokes,  it  feels  way  too  inappropriate  while  surrounded  by  teddy  bears  and  bright  blue  walls.

the places where jackson's hands held her hips still tingled as they moved down the hallway .her lips did too , even though his kiss was soft and sweet . he had this way of touching her that made her feel giddy , like she was the only girl in the world in his eyes . it was like he set some kind of flame alight deep in her belly .she wanted to be closer to him . she wanted to be let in to his world , to know whatever it was that kept him up at night , or that made his sleep restless . on some level she understood why that barrier existed . . . but surely she could help jackson bear some of those burdens that tugged so heavily on his shoulders ?

❛ and i'll always be here . ❜ abilene nodded . she wasn't the kind of person to cut and run when things got tough .she'd lost so many people in her life that she clung to those she loved tightly . and maybe they hadn't put those words to their relationship yet , but abilene knew how she felt .she loved him . she loved abel . she loved their family .

her gaze flickered between his eyes .he was still hiding something ,but abilene felt it clear that he did not want to speak about it tonight . she acquiesced with a nod . ❛ bumper cars ? i thought that's what we were doing tonight ? ❜ she teased again to lighten the mood . as the bedroom door shut she squeezed his hand again and brought it to her hip . her tank top had rolled up a bit at the hem from sleeping and her sweatpants sat low on her hips , giving him a sliver of olive skin to touch as she moved closer to him . her hands moved to his chest and traced along his ribs while abilene looked up in fake thought .

abel  looks  so  peaceful  now,  though.   jackson’s  pale  blue  eyes  flicker  from  the  crib  to  abilene’s  face,  a  soft  smile  tugging  at  the  corners  of  his  lips.   it  makes  him  happy,  knowing  how  deeply  she  cares  about  the  baby  that’s  not  her  own.   takes  a  special  kind  of  person  to  be  able  to  do  that.   “what’d  you  do  to  him,  anyway,  huh?   you  a  baby  whisperer  or  somethin’?”   walking  up  to  the  crib,  he  lays  a  hand  on  the  railing  and  looks  down  at  his  son.   such  a  little  angel  now  that  he’s  not  screaming  his  lungs  out.   he  kisses  his  fingertips  and  presses  them  to  the  boy’s  forehead,  scared  that  if  he  leans  in  and  plants  an  actual  kiss  on  his  skin,  he’ll  wake  up  and  start  screaming  again.

“a  massage?   i  see  how  it  is…”   he  lets  out  a  hushed  laugh,  pressing  his  lips  together  to  hide  his  amusement,  his  heart  rate  slowly  but  surely  calming  down  when  she  cups  his  cheek.   he  closes  his  eyes  for  a  moment,  his  own  hand  coming  up  to  coil  lightly  around  her  slim  wrist.   “yeah,”   he  breathes  after  a  moment,  blue  eyes  fluttering  open,   “i’m  good,  darlin’.   you  worry  ‘bout  your  massage,  yeah?   i  take  payment  in  kisses.”   musing  playfully,  he  tries  to  make  light  of  the  situation.   part  of  him  wants  to  confide  in  her  but  he  knows  it’s  best  if  she  knows  nothing.   in  her  eyes,  he’s  just  a  harley  enthusiast.   he  doesn’t  want  her  to  see  him  for  who  he  truly  is —   a  criminal,  a  killer.   “let’s  go  back  to  bed.   c’mon,  i’ll  give  you  a  massage,”   he  murmurs,  leaning  down  and  kissing  her  softly  on  the  lips  to  try  and  distract  her  from  asking  more  questions.

abilene's head tipped slightly to the side , though she couldn't help but return jackson's smile . she didn't mean now , but she was never one to turn down a massage . she could see the brief moment of comfort he sought in her touch before he was back to that teasing , flirtatious way that he spoke . he was like a magician trying to draw her attention one way so she would miss the trick he performed with the other .

❛ don't worry , i'll make sure to pay you . might even give you a tip . . . if the massage is good enough . ❜ she was teasing him , hazel eyes looking back up into his . he was still hiding something . . . but abilene chose not to pry . she had heard enough whispered around town or from lukas about the sons that she knew they were more than just a club for harley enthusiasts . she may not know exactly what they did but she knew it most likely wasn't legal . jackson was a good man , even with his flaws . she'd seen him helping folk and she doubted she would even be alive if not for him .

she melted into him when he pressed a soft kiss to her lips . her arms moved to wrap around his shoulders and draw her body against his . she returned the kiss and they parted with another smile on her lips . her earlier exhaustion seemed to have faded for a moment while she was looking up at jackson through her eyelashes . she nodded and let jackson lead her back towards the bedroom . she looped her fingers between his as they both slipped through the bedroom door and jackson closed it behind them .

❛ don't worry about it , jax . ❜ she meant it . she wouldn't claim to be abel's mother , but she loved the boy dearly . she didn't mind waking up when it meant that she could hold him for a few more minutes , nor did she mind watching him when jax needed . her hand rested on abel's chest for a moment , feeling him breathe deeply in sleep . she waited a few more moments before pulling her hand away . ❛ i have tomorrow off , i don't mind waking up . ❜

not without her gaze lifting again and finding the look in the other girl's eye, didn't have a clue how she felt about her, but it didn't seem nice. the fleeting thought of turning away, going back to her side of the cage came before she winds up makin' enemies before even put in the arena but the question made her stay. "no." shaking her head, it was important to answer. "tryin' to avoid it as much as i can." sayin' honestly while the thought turned her belly ill. "think i'll be one of the first to go because of it."

the distraction of their dresses made her feel a little better, head canting, eyes intrigued as she finds the beautiful details on the yellow. admiring the flowers, looks a lot alike somethin' she'd attract to. "well that's a gorgeous thing. creative. and pretty color, too." lucy gray complimented, "always try to add in flowers to my wardrobe if i can, she's got good taste." spent many times weaving floral patterns into her own outfits that were layin' long back at home. "my mama made mine too. was hers actually. she loved color and i guess that love passed right on down to me. and this..." pointing to her corset, cream colored, green snakes hand painted on & adorned with flowers too, "this is katniss." the plant she likes so much. "similar to what my mama would say." sentimental smile gently pulled at her lips, "rainbows are good luck. but you know what else is too? sunshine. the thing that helps create rainbows." like her own dress, pointing to it.

❛ maybe i could one of those folk , ❜ she gestured with her head towards where the tributes that had already formed flimsy alliances were sleeping . they hoarded the food and ate perhaps the best of all of them . abilene's stomach cramped again . ❛ or that bitch . ❜ she muttered again , the disgust and rage she held for arachne practically dripping from every word . ❛ but not you . ❜ abilene reached out a hand towards lucy gray , her little finger extended with a small smile on her face and said , ❛ i swear it . ❜

hazel eyes followed lucy gray's hand as she pointed to her corset . in another world , maybe , lucy gray could show her how to make something as pretty as her rainbow dress . abilene wasn't particularly skilled with sewing , but she was never one to give up . her eyes focused on the plant the other girl mentioned as there was something familiar about it . . . then her eyes lit up when she finally remembered where she had seen the little white flowers before .

❛ those grow by the water , right ? ❜ she remembered her legs stained with mud looking for them , gathering the roots for a recipe for her grandmother . papa de agua . ❛ the water potatoes , right ? ❜ her hand went to her stomach as though holding it could stop the painful cramping that twisted it again . she was starving . she knew that to be a simple fact . would she even make it to the games at this rate ? did it even matter ? she wasn't a killer . she didn't think she could ever be .