#fe writes

“I couldn’t sleep, so I thought I’d come keep you company, lẽkia.” She spoke softly, eyes darting across the space without finding a clear destination. 

Aerys might have failed in certain aspects when it came to social interaction and the like but he knew his little sister better than most. And he could tell when there was something amiss. “You came here for a reason, little sister.”

She didn’t meet his eyes, furthering his concerns. It was unlike her. The youngest of his siblings were a bright presence wherever she went, the light of their family. Now however, in the privacy of his study, she was smaller. Something was weighing on her.

“Is this about Ashford?”

If Aerys wasn’t so attuned to her, he would have missed the way her breath hitched, how her shoulders steeled as if waiting for a blow. It only lasted for a second but he saw it. “If you’re worried about our brother, your fears are in vain, bykys zaldrīzes. Baelor will be fine. His recovery has been swift, there should be little reason for concern.” 

Their oldest brother had been hanging between life and death for weeks after the Trial of Seven and for a while, it looked like the realm might suffer a loss that would be difficult to recover from. But then something happened. He had started to show signs of improvement, slowly but surely. And before anyone knew it, Baelor was awake. The maester had worried that the injury would leave him impaired but he had recovered without consequences. 

“What if there’s a reason his recovery happened so swiftly?” She still didn’t meet his eyes, fingers tapping anxiously against the armrest of her chair.

Aerys leaned forward in his seat, seeking her eyes. “Whatever do you mean?”

She shifted slightly, letting the answer hang in the air between them. “It doesn't matter. Ignore me, I’m simply worried. I’m sure you’re right, he will be fine.”

She was standing before he could protest, shaking her head. “I will leave you to your books. Forgive me for disturbing you tonight, it was not my intention.”

Aerys stood then, reaching out for her hand. “Hãedar, you’re worrying me now.”

She shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. “Worry not, brother. I’m fine. The lack of sleep has its price, as you know. I’ll ask the maester for some dreamwine, so as to soothe my mind.”

Her hand was warm in his, their Targaryen blood running hot through their veins. Aerys could do little but accept her words, even if it felt wrong. There was something she wasn’t saying but he wouldn’t push. It wasn’t in his nature. Instead he did something he rarely allowed himself to do. He gathered her in his arms, slowly and somewhat awkwardly. Aerys wasn’t the one for physical affection but his little sister, his bykys zaldrīzes, were different from the rest of the people surrounding him. Maybe his embrace would help her anxiety. Maybe it wouldn’t. But he would try, for nothing else, she held a special place in his heart. 

He could do little but watch as she left the study, footsteps echoing in the empty corridor. A hollow feeling was gnawing in him, that something was amiss, that her excuses were simply a distraction to hide something else. But he couldn’t force the answers to questions he had yet to ask, nor did he want to put her in that position. 

Aerys would have to trust that she would come to him whenever she was ready for it. He hoped that despite all his flaws, she knew that he would be there for her, regardless of what was weighing on her mind. He lacked a lot, as he had been aware of since boyhood, but his love for his little sister was one of the few things that mattered to him. All he could do was pray that she knew without him having to voice it. 

Rhaegel POV

Rhaegel had heard the whispers that had surrounded him his entire life. Weak, simple, touched by madness. 

He knew them to be true. He wasn’t like his brothers. He was no warrior, no scholar and on his best days, he was barely a prince. Rhaegel knew this. It plagued his father, worried his mother, hurt his wife, and followed his children. 

But with her, he never had to pretend. She simply let him be, simply loved him despite all his flaws. She held his hand through the dreams, listened patiently as he spoke of things no one else understood. 

Rhaegel knew her before she came into the world. He saw her in his dreams long before their mother announced her pregnancy, declaring that they would gain a sibling. His brothers had been surprised but not Rhaegel. He already knew. 

When she was born, he knew her. Knew her eyes, her smile, her soul. She was the one constant he could focus on. He remembered when her small hand had gripped his finger, violet eyes staring into his very own, reminding him that he wasn’t alone in this world. He had loved her fiercely, for he knew her in a way his family did not. 

It was, of course, in his own strange way. His brothers all loved her in their own way, their bykys zaldrīzes. But it was love all the same. She was theirs, their sister, the one that completed the family.

Night had fallen over the Reed Keep hours ago, yet he was still awake. It wasn’t out of the ordinary. Tonight sleep had evaded him long enough that he had given up. 

He wandered the keep, footsteps light as he walked the dimly lit corridors. The guards were used to him by now, he guessed, for they did little to stop his drifting. He knew that they would stop him from leaving but tonight he had no such plans. 

His mindless wandering led him to her chambers without him even thinking of it. He just needed to be there. Her chambers were empty as he snuck inside, the candles flickering in the wind and the fire burning low. The sheets were cool, meaning she hadn’t been there for a while. 

Rhaegel wasn’t worried. She was most likely at Baelor’s side, as she had been since the tournament. Her worry for their oldest brother outshone their own, even their mother’s. They had always been close but she had lingered even more after the incident, rarely leaving Baelor by himself. 

He hadn’t been able to make sense of the dreams. Although, they rarely made sense. But he had felt dread when his brothers had set off for Ashford, dread he could not voice for he would only be regarded with pity, words that meant to soothe but never did. The dread had proved itself to be real, as the raven arrived from his youngest brother, heavy with guilt and shaky words written in stale ink. 

Rhaegel felt her before he saw her. He had always been aware of her soul, more so than others. It was a part of his very being, tethered to him since she took her first breaths.

“Dãrilaros.” He spoke quietly, so as to not startle her. As if she knew he was there already, she simply smiled at him, approaching him slowly. He stayed in his spot by the window, letting her come to him. 

“Rhaegel. Is everything alright?” She spoke softly, reaching out to place a hand on his arm. Her movements were slow, giving him time to step away if he wanted to. He didn’t.

He’d never liked other people touching him but he had never minded his sister's touch. It had always been gentle, comforting and kind.

“The dreams kept waking me up. Where were you?” His own voice sounded small in his ears, fragile even. He wondered why. 

Rhaegel could feel her hesitation and he understood. He had seen it already, what she had done. 

“I was with Aerys. It seems like sleep has eluded all three of us this night.” She moved closer to his side, settling onto the window seat. He watched as she pulled her knees against her chest, closing in on herself. 

He took a seat next to her, his hand finding hers. “He didn’t give you any answers.”

She shook her head. “I never asked him any questions.”

He regarded her for a moment, his little sister. The dragon must soon fly.

The whispers crept up on him, as they always did, lurking just beyond his grasp. He pushed them away, trying to stay with her and not get lost in his own head. 

“You haven’t told anyone.” He leaned in close, like they were sharing a secret no one else knew of. In a way they were. 

She let him come closer, simply accepted his presence in a way others didn’t tolerate. “No. I see no reason to. What’s done is done. I’d do it again if I had to.”

Rhaegel’s gaze drifted then, beyond her face, over her shoulder, down to the dark courtyard below them. “There have yet been demands of a price.” He spoke not to her but to the room, as if they were no longer alone.

“What do you mean?” She asked, her thumb pressing against his pulse. It was a familiar gesture. She had done it since they were kids, to calm him, to bring him back from the brink of insanity and back to reality. 

“The dragon must fly soon. I keep hearing it. It waits for me around corners, rumbles through the stone, bathes in the moonlight. Soon it must fly, it is the only way to right the wrongs done, do you understand?” He rambled now, thoughts far away. He wasn’t looking at her anymore, eyes landing on the window hatch just behind her. She didn’t notice. 

As always, she was gentle with him. “Okay, lẽkia. It’s okay. We can right those wrongs, together. I will help.”

He stood abruptly, ripping his hand from hers. “You don’t understand, the dragon must fly. There is no other way!” He was breathing heavier now, eyes hollow as the whispers grew louder and louder until nothing else could be heard. 

Rhaegel was aware that she was speaking, hands reaching for him. But the voices grew stronger, the whispers turned into screams and he couldn’t stop them. He had to right was had been wronged. It was the only way for them to stop, the only way for him to be left alone.

He pressed his hands to his ears, swaying back and forth. Fly, fly, fly. If only he could make the dragon fly, then it would all be alright. Things would go back to the way they were and they wouldn’t have to worry. 

There was a strange sensation spreading over his skin, a burning of some sorts. It slowly consumed him and the fire licked at the edges of his mind. Flames burst forth along with the voices, darkness coming for him beyond his vision. He should fight it, he knows but it is futile. He cannot stop it, no matter how he tries to fight it. If the dragon flies, all will be well. 

The abyss threatens to swallow him whole and he can do little but to take a step towards its embrace, hoping that it will work in his favour. He can hear something, just beyond his own heartbeat but it’s faint and the darkness allows him no time to focus. It consumes him whole, spreading along with the fire and he loses his vision to the void. 

All of a sudden there is nothing. No fire, no darkness, no whispers. The dragon has flown. The price had been paid. 

Baelor POV

The scream tore through the air, waking him from his slumber. He struggled to sit at first, cursing his own body. Sleep was slow to leave him, making him disoriented as he grappled to understand what was happening. 

There was raised voices outside his door, footsteps thundering down the corridor. He shoved the sheets to the side, reaching blindly for a tunic. The fire had transformed into glowing embers during the night, failing to provide a proper source of light. The candles were burning low but did little to help his vision. 

Baelor’s hand fell to the dagger underneath the pillows, eyes searching wildly for the source of whatever panic had roused the keep.

Someone was banging on the doors to his chambers and he barely had time to stand from bed before they were flung open, a servant he couldn’t quite place rushing in, foregoing protocol. The boy’s cheeks were flushed and his eyes wide as he quickly apologised.

“My Prince, I am sorry for the intrusion but there’s been -”

“BAELOR!” Maekar’s voice boomed across the hall, his youngest brother appearing in the doorway, in a similar fashion of the servant. His blonde hair was sticking out in every direction, sleep still heavy in his eyes. It was clear by his appearance that he thought the commotion was connected with Baelor himself but when he saw that all seemed to be in order, he visibly relaxed. 

Baelor turned back to the servant. “What is going on?”

“It’s your brother, My Prince. He’s in the south courtyard.” 

Maekar was already striding away and Baelor followed swiftly, dagger clutched tightly in his hand. The back of his head was throbbing but he ignored the pain, moving quicker to match his brother’s pace. 

Brother could mean Aerys or Rhaegel but as they rounded a corner they ran into Aerys coming down from his quarters. It didn’t surprise Baelor that he was awake. “Rhaegel?”

Baelor only nodded and continued to follow Maekar’s swift pace, who hadn’t bothered to stop when running into their brother. “It seems so.”

The screaming grew louder the nearer they got to the courtyard, which hurried all three of them. Neither was a stranger to Rhaegel’s odd moods and quirks but this felt different. Baelor turned to the nearest guard. “Alert the King and Queen. And our sister.”

Baelor was anticipating having to deal with another episode that Rhaegel so often suffered, steeling himself for whatever scene they were about to encounter. 

Nothing, however, could ever have prepared him for what lay in front of them as they entered the courtyard. 

The first thing he saw was the blood, slowly spreading over the cobblestones. A deep, dark crimson, so familiar yet so foreign. 

It was a stark contrast against the white nightgown of his sister, whose lifeless eyes met his as he came to halt before Rhaegel. His stomach lurched as he realised what he was looking at, bile rising in his throat. A cold dread spread throughout his body, the dagger falling to the ground with a clang. The sounds echoed across the courtyard but he did not hear it. He could only hear one thing.

Rhaegel wouldn’t stop screaming, clutching the body of their lifeless sister to his chest so hard that she was sure to bruise, had she still been alive. Tears were streaming down his face, a deranged look haunting his eyes. He screamed and screamed, pulling her body closer as if it would help. 

Baelor scarcely noticed how Aerys had gone very still at his side, face griefstricken as they both tried to wrap their heads around what they were seeing. 

Their youngest brother was the only one not frozen still.

Maekar was trying to pull Rhaegel away, for him to let go of her but it only served to make Rhaegel more crazed, striking out against their youngest brother. His fist hit Maekar in the side of the face, making him stagger backwards. Baelor caught his arm, pulling him upright without considering the action.

“My Prince, forgive me but we cannot locate the princess -” Ser Donnel stops abruptly as he comes to a halt beside them, choking on his words as he too sees what Baelor and his brothers cannot look away from. 

“Gods be good.” The whitecloak whispers, bowing his head. Baelor thinks he sees the faint tremor of Donnel’s hands but he can’t be sure. Nothing is making sense. 

“Ser Donnel. Close off the courtyard. No one gets in, understand?” 

Footsteps thunder across the stones and for a moment, everything goes very still. Baelor looks up only to see his father and mother crossing the short distance and he steels himself once again. His body moves without thought, stepping around Rhaegel and his sister, as to shield his parents from the scene. 

Maekar has the same thought because he very firmly plants himself in front of them, hands coming up to stop their mother from advancing. “Mother, don’t.”

“Son. Stand aside.” Daeron’s voice was quiet but Baelor could hear the faint tremor in it. He hadn’t been quick enough, they had both seen what lay in front of them.

“Father, I -”

“Baelor.” It was sharp as a razor, a quiet command without raising his voice. “Let me through.”

He could do little but move out of his father’s way. He wanted to look away but Baelor watched as Daeron approached Rhaegel, face twisting into something he could not name. 

Baelor had never quite seen his father like this before. As the oldest and his heir, he had been by Daeron’s side through everything since he was old enough to do so. The Blackfyre Rebellion had taken its toll and Baelor had witnessed firsthand what effect it had on his father. He’d seen it all.

But nothing could prepare him for the sight of watching his father crumple to his knees, shaking hands reaching out to take the body from his brother’s arms, cradling his only daughter close. 

Aerys grabbed a hold of Rhaegel, pulling him away. He had finally stopped screaming, only now staring down at their father and sister, eyes empty. Aerys’ face was ashen, colour drained as he kept a tight grip on their brother. 

Crying reached his ears and Baelor realised too late that it was his father. He watched as Daeron wept into his daughter’s hair, sobs wracking his body. 

Movement was caught in Baelor’s peripheral vision and his head jerked up just in time to watch as Myriah collapsed in Maekar’s arms, mouth open in a soundless scream. Maekar went down with her, sinking onto his knees, cradling her in the same manner their father was cradling their sister. 

Rhaegel leaned  heavily against Aerys, who struggled to hold his weight up and soon they both sank onto the ground, leaving Baelor as the only one standing. Rhaegel was muttering, rocking back and forth. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

He wanted to ask what he meant but he found no words. His head spun and he braced himself, trying desperately to stay on his feet. He could not fall. He had to be strong.

But as he watched his father cry, Baelor turned away and stumbled towards the wall, hands catching against the rough stone. He sank onto his knees, trying and failing to catch his breath. Tears streamed down his face and he tried to breathe, trying to calm down but he can’t. 

Somewhere behind him, his mother screamed. It’s a jarring sound, sure to haunt his dreams for a long time. Unlike Rhaegel’s frantic screams from earlier, Myriah’s screams are devastating, a wail that doesn’t resemble anything Baelor’s heard before.

He blinks furiously, wiping at his face to remove the tears but it does little to help. Black spots appeared in his vision, his head was pounding and he tried to rise but failed. He grasps at the wall, trying to find his footing and suddenly Ser Donnel is there, offering a hand but the black spots grow larger and his throat constricts, making him gasp for air. He fights against it but his body won’t listen and just as he think he’s making headway, everything goes dark.

Summary: You had met Maekar Targaryen in your first year at university. Total opposites, no one expected the two of you would be friends but here you were, two years later, sharing a flat.

He was your confidant, your best friend, the brother you never had.

When he asks you to spend Easter with his family, you agree, not thinking much of it.

It’s only the beginning though, as you meet his oldest brother, Baelor, heir to their father’s company and successful in ways you’ve only dreamed of. It doesn’t help that he’s kind and charming.

There’s an undeniable attraction between the two of you, but you’d never want to put Maekar in an uncomfortable situation.

“Rooster told me she was different. That he was serious about her. That he loved her and would take care of her. I should have realised something was off when it all happened so quickly. He was a bit too much, if you get what I’m saying.” Bob explained as he tapped his fingers on the armrest. 

Jake sucked in a breath. “I did think his behaviour around her was a bit, uh, controlling when I met them. But it wasn’t my place to say anything, so..”

“Controlling is one word for it.” Bob spat. He didn’t elaborate and Jake shifted uncomfortably while he watched his friend get his emotions under control. He could see the anger, the exhaustion and the pain written on Bob’s face and Jake wished he had Javy’s ability to make someone feel better with a few words.

“It was after our round of golf. After we dropped you off after lunch, I drove Thea back to her place but I didn’t stay because I had other plans. I dropped her off and then I didn’t hear from her in four days. Which you might think is silly but Thea and I speak almost daily. Four days of unanswered messages and calls going straight to voicemail. At first I thought she was sick, too sick to answer the phone but I also assumed if that were the case, Rooster was probably taking care of her.” 

He didn’t interrupt, letting Bob speak at his own pace. The uncomfortable pit in his stomach grew as Bob continued.

“But then I finally got a hold of Rooster and he had the audacity to tell me he didn’t know what was wrong with her or why she wasn’t answering. He blew up at me, telling me to leave him alone and stay out of Thea’s business, which was bullshit. He then stormed off and I might have followed him. He was at her place when I dropped her off on Saturday, so he was either lying about not knowing or something was wrong. And then...”

“Then what?” Jake interrupted.

Bob turned to look at him. “Did you know Bradshaw used to fuck your cousin? They had a friends with benefits thing going on, at least until Rooster met Thea.”

Jake shook his head. “I didn’t. I mean, she was pissed at him when I visited, because she kept complaining about him back and forth. Come to think of it, she complained quite a lot about Thea too. I tried to stay out of it, Athena has always had a flair for the dramatics and I wasn’t about to get involved in her personal problems.”

“Well, they did. Guess she wasn’t too happy when Bradshaw broke it off after meeting my sister.”

“What’s the supposed to mean?” Jake asked, feeling the dread spreading. This didn’t sound good. 

“Bradshaw made a bet with Athena, or she made one with him, it doesn’t matter. But they made a bet that he couldn’t get Thea into bed in less than three weeks. I found out after overhearing the conversation between Athena and Rooster on base. It was after I confronted Bradshaw about Thea’s whereabouts.”

Bob paused, as to collect himself, to gain some control before continuing. Jake kept quiet, heart beating against his ribcage while his own rage grew. 

“After I listened in on them, I headed to the bar where the rest of the squad was. They never saw me but I heard plenty. The bet wasn’t a secret. So Rooster fucked my sister for sport, then bragged about it to the team.” 

Jake’s anger coursed through him, engulfing his entire body. He dug his fingers into his palms, trying to control himself. What the fuck? He blinked at Bob, disbelief written across his face. “Are you fucking serious?”

Bob shook his head. “I haven’t gotten to the worst part yet.”

‘There’s more?’ Jake’s disbelief was obvious but he tried his best to stay calm and gestured for Bob to continue.

“They had a fight after I dropped Thea off at home after lunch. Bradshaw accused Thea of cheating on him, with you, of all people. Don’t even ask me about that, Thea refuses to elaborate on the details. All I know is that he accused her of cheating and then he left Thea’s place when she asked him to cool off.”

Bob paused, seemingly looking for the right words. “Then he cheated on her.”

“What!?” Jake spat, flying out of his seat. Bob stood up as well, urging him to sit back down. 

“Calm down. Remember what you promised.”

He sat back down again, back ramrod straight as he tried to do as Bob said. 

Floyd sat down as well, exhaustion seeping into his body. Jake watched as the anger left Bob’s body and pain taking its place. “Bradshaw cheated on my little sister with Athena. That asshole fucked his ex because they had a stupid fight, when he two weeks prior told me how much she meant to him. Fucking hypocrite. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it all and Thea’s unwillingness to talk about it isn’t helping nor is the fact that I promised I wouldn’t run Bradshaw over with my truck.”

“I requested a transfer as soon as possible. I wanted her to get away from that place, from Rooster, from Athena. She won’t talk and it’s killing me. I don’t know how to help her. I don’t know how to help her heal from something like this. I trusted him with her and he screwed her over.” Bob whispered the last part, eyes downcast. 

As angry and baffled as Jake was, he tried to shove it aside to comfort his friend. He could be angry later. “All you can do is be there for her, man. And so far, you’re doing a good job. You got her out of there.” 

Bob looked up. “I feel like a failure. I’m supposed to protect her.” 

“And you’re doing so to the best of your abilities. You couldn’t have predicted this.” Jake tried to reason all while trying to make sense of what Bob had just told him. 

“I would apologise for dumping all of this on you but you did ask. So now you know.”

Jake smiled sadly. “I’m sorry.” 

“Don’t apologise, this isn’t your fault.” 

He shrugged. “I guess there’s a reason Thea is uncomfortable around me. Athena’s my cousin and the whole, uh, you said Bradshaw accused Thea cheated on him with me?”

Jake tried to understand how he had played a part in their break-up but it made no sense. He hadn’t even made as much as a move towards Thea. Nothing other than being her friend, getting to know her in the same manner he knew her brother. 

“You’ll have to ask her about that, I don’t understand it. Not that she’s said much on the matter. I’ve asked twice and she just goes quiet and withdraws herself. So I don’t ask anymore, I’ll let her come to me about it.” Bob sagged into the couch and Jake reached over to pat his knee.

“You’re a good brother. Thea is lucky to have you.”

Bob didn’t answer but shot him a grateful smile. “I’m going to tell her I’ve told you. I can’t hide it from her.”

Jake shook his head. “I can tell her myself, tell her I bugged you until you gave in, so you don’t have to take the blame.” 

“I wouldn’t have told you if I didn’t think she’d be fine with it.” Bob assured him straightened up, pushing his shoulders back and rolling his head from side to side. 

Jake shrugged. “If you’re sure. Tell her I said I’m sorry and that I’ll give her some space, if that’s what she wants. I don’t want her to think I’m not there for her but I understand that this is a lot to process and I want her to be comfortable. But I’m here if you need me, either of you.” 

“I’ll let her know.” Bob paused slightly before continuing. “Remember what you promised though.”

Jake laughed humorlessly, shaking his head. “I will but I also wish I hadn’t agreed to it.”

Bob clapped him on the shoulder before rising from the couch, picking up his empty mug and putting it in the dishwasher. “You and me both. I loathe that I can’t do anything but she’s worried it will affect work. Which is why I made you make the same promise. I think we both know Rooster wouldn’t hesitate to get the higher-ups involved if we showed up on his doorstep.”

“I guess you’re right. He should count his lucky stars he’s out with the Warriors on deployment.” Jake rolled his eyes. 

Bob turned around, questions swimming in his eyes. “How did you know that?”

“Coyote. He’s in everyone’s business, as you know. I think he got this from Phoenix though, she and Rooster are tight. I’m sworn to secrecy though, so please keep it to yourself. I just thought you should know.” 

Bob snorted. “Coyote does have an uncanny ability to find out just about everything. It’s almost impressive. And thank you for telling me. It feels good to know he’s not even in the country.”

Jake stood as well, gesturing towards the door. “I should get going. Thank you for telling me, I know it can’t have been easy. And like I said, if you need anything…”

Bob nodded, mumbling his thanks. They went their separate ways as they reached the end of the hallway, Jake heading towards the living quarters and Floyd heading out to the parking lot, no doubt going to see Thea. 

Jake hoped she wouldn’t be too mad at Bob for spilling the beans. He knew Bob said it was fine but a small part of him still felt like he was intruding in something that was none of his business. He shook his head, trying to wrap his mind around what his friend had told him.

He reached his own room, a fairly new development. He now had a singles room and it was a blessing not having to share quarters with anyone else. Even though he got along great with Torpedo, Jake valued the ability to just have some peace and quiet. 

He kicked off his shoes before locking the door behind him. He itched for a workout, to work through the remaining anger he still felt after Bob’s revelation. He had shoved it aside earlier in the best interest of his friend but now, being alone, Jake felt it in his veins. 

Jake took a deep breath, breathing out through his nose. Deciding against the workout, he pulled out a worn yoga mat instead and rolled it out on the floor. He discarded his clothes, opting for a pair of shorts before sitting down on the mat, crossing his legs by the ankles. 

Meditating was something Jake had been doing for years, an early tool in his therapy lessons to help and diffuse difficult emotional situations. He and Javy frequently traded tips on the best way to meditate, which he was grateful for. They had been to a few classes together, Javy signing up the moment he realised that Jake was too hesitant to go on his own.

He figured it would be a good way to work through everything he’d learnt in the last hour. 

He put his phone on silent, not wanting to be disturbed before closing his eyes and falling into the familiar spaces of comfortable silence. 

Bob said he talked to you.

The message was short and simple but Jake felt the implications. Even though Thea didn’t specify, he knew what she meant and he couldn’t figure out from the text if she was upset about it or not. There was a reason he preferred phone calls over texting, especially in more serious situations. But calling her seemed improper, since it was just a simple text.

Yeah, he did. I’m sorry if I overstepped. I’m just worried. 

Thea didn’t answer but she had seen his message and now Jake worried that he really had overstepped and ruined something that couldn’t be fixed. He should have taken Javy’s advice and stayed out of it because now he felt like a jerk. 

Three bubbles appeared on the screen, indicating that Thea was typing, which made him even more anxious. He held his breath as the bubbles suddenly disappeared without a message coming through.  

Jake chastised himself for the disappointment he felt. What was he expecting, a thank you? She most likely reached out to tell him to stay the hell out of her business. 

Maybe he should call her. It was easier to talk that way but at the same time he was scared she would ignore his call. He had made her brother spill the beans on something very private, something that really wasn’t his secret to know. 

Jake almost dropped the phone when the screen lit up with Thea’s contact info. He hesitated a few seconds before answering the call. 

Jake started to talk before Thea even had the chance to greet him. 

“Hey listen, I’m really sorry for making Bob tell me and I don’t even have a good -“

“Jake, it’s okay.” Thea interrupted. “You would have found out about it sooner or later.” 

Jake grimaced, even though she couldn’t see him. “I guess, but I still feel bad.” 

“Don’t feel bad. In a way, I’m glad he told you. Bob’s been dealing with this too, so it’s nice to know he’s got friends that care about him.” Thea explained and Jake felt himself relax slightly at her words. So she didn’t want to curse him out. It was a good start. 

“Well, like I told him, I’m here for you both, if you need anything.” Jake offered. 

“Thanks, I appreciate it.” There was a slight hesitation to her reply, like she was grateful for his offer but had no plans on taking him up on it. He decided not to push further, knowing he’d already crossed a few boundaries in the span of a short time.

“Don’t mention it. Listen, I’d love to talk more but -”

Thea interrupted him before he finished talking. “It’s okay, I have some stuff to take care of as well, but I just wanted to call and yeah, say it’s fine.”

There was a slightly awkward pause where neither of them seemed to know what to say, so eventually they both just said their goodbyes and hung up. 

While the phone call did make Jake feel a little better, he still had about a hundred questions and Thea’s apprehension was noticeable, even through the phone. But after what Bob had told him, he guessed it made sense. 

He hated that he had played an unwilling part in the recent events without even knowing it. How it had affected his and Thea’s, albeit new, but what he had considered a solid friendship. They really had gotten along well. 

But she needed time to process and heal. Jake didn’t mind that. And he would help, in whatever way Thea would allow him to. He never wanted to cause her any pain. 

Jake did regret promising Bob not to hurt Rooster. What kind of man would do what he had done to Thea, someone Bradshaw had claimed to love? No matter how much he tried, he couldn’t wrap his head around it. While he’d never liked Bradshaw, he hadn’t thought him capable of this. 

He thought back on what Bob had told him, how Jake’s own cousin had been involved in the entire affair. Part of him wasn’t surprised, Athena had always been very possessive and manipulating when it came to partners when they were younger but over a friends with benefits situation? It all felt very odd. 

Jake wanted to dig up more, but he detested having to contact his cousin. She had played an undeniable part in hurting Thea, and for that, he wanted nothing to do with her anymore. It wasn’t like they were very close anyway, their main bonding point had always been that both of them were in the Navy. Growing up, they had more been forced to hang out by their parents despite not really wanting to.

Cutting Joanna out of his life wouldn’t change much, unless his parents decided to make a big deal out of it, which he doubted they would. 

He debated calling Bob, letting him know Thea had called him but he probably already knew. Instead, he shot off a text, asking if he wanted to grab dinner soon and that Javy would most likely join them.

Jake thought about inviting Thea, but he opted to just leave the invitation open, not to put anyone on the spot. He didn’t want to add to Thea’s pain, so it was better to just not put any pressure on the situation. Whatever she needed. 

All he knew was that he never wanted Thea to be hurt again, by anyone. Including himself.

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“Right, of course. You need your beauty sleep.” Hamish winked, standing up and offering his hand. She debated just standing up on her own but took it anyway, not wanting to seem rude. 

She really didn’t want to get back into the car with him, so she quickly caught Penny’s eye from behind the bar, begging her to interfere. 

Penny quickly caught on and hurried over to where they were standing. “Oh, are you leaving? Could I borrow you quickly before you go? It won’t take long, just … -“ 

“Sure, no problem.” She turned towards Hamish again. “Why don’t you head out? I don’t want to keep you waiting.” 

“Alright then. I’ll call you later.” Hamish kissed her cheek before heading towards the doors. 

Both she and Penny watched through the window as he got into his ridiculous car and drove out of the parking lot. 

“I thought he’d never leave.” Hangman appeared out of nowhere, pool cue in hand. 

Penny patted her on the shoulder before going back towards the bar, Jimmy waving cheerily at her. She waved back before turning around to face Hangman, raising one eyebrow. 

“And have you been keeping track of him all evening? I must say, I’m surprised. Didn't you know you were so interested in what I’m up to?” 

Hangman rolled his eyes, grabbing her elbow and steering her towards the pool table. “I haven’t seen you look that bored since the last briefing you guys were forced to join.” 

He made no attempt to deny that he had been watching her and her date, which brought a warm feeling in her stomach. 

There was a time where the two of them could have been something, but neither had been ready for it. Now, she wondered if they should have taken the leap anyway. 

“Well, to be fair, it was almost three hours and even Cyclone looked bored, and he was the one holding it.” She countered, accepting the pool cue he handed her.  “You sure you’re ready to lose?” 

Hangman snorted, leaning over to make the break. “I never lose, sweetheart.” 

“Guess there’s a first for everything then. It’s going to be entertaining watching the smirk fall off your face.” 

He shook his head. “I’ll enjoy watching you try. And if I can entertain you, what’s the harm? Better that than what that stupid-what’s-his name could ever come up with.” 

He was joking but she could read him easily enough at this point. “Are you jealous?” 

“I don’t get jealous. Especially not over someone named Hamish. Stupid name, stupid face.” 

She took her shot, sinking a solid before answering. “You know, I don’t mind if you are. It’s cute. And even though he’s the most boring person ever, his face was nice to look at.” 

She tried to get around the table for her next shot but Hangman crowded her against it, trapping her between his body and the table. “Mine’s much prettier to look at.” 

His breath was warm on her face, his lips inches from her ear as he bent his neck slightly to look down at her. 

She tried her best to come up with a witty comeback but him being so close distracted her. 

“Nothing to say?” Jake smirked, leaning even closer. 

She took a breath, willing herself to get it together. “You also have a stupid face so I’d argue that you’re pretty much the same.” 

Jake straightened up but his eyes never left hers. “I take offence to that. And I’m nothing like Hamish. I’ll prove you wrong.” 

“And how are you going to do that?” They were headed into dangerous territory but the butterflies told her it would be worth it, as did Jake’s smile. 

“Guess you’re just going to have to stick around and see.”