there's a reckoning still to be reckoned

He didn’t know where to go, but he knew the cabin with the Winchesters was probably the last place he wanted to go. He didn’t need to hear about the shitty decision he had made to take on a few of the growing-pack on his own.

Well maybe not the LAST place, he certainly didn’t want Maggie seeing him like this. Right. It looked like his options was to go to Mila’s. 

As he hobbled up the wooden steps to her front door he prayed to something, someone, anything that she wouldn’t be hysterical or anything. 

Before he could get the motivation to raise his hand to knock on the door it was being yanked open and in a whirlwind of dark hair and commands he was on the couch and Mila was sitting in front of him, all but hyperventilating. Jeremy reached for her hands, stilling them for a second, catching her gaze.

“Hi sweetheart.”

He said with a wry smirk.

“I’m okay.”

Jeremy knew that wouldn’t pass as an explanation but he didn’t feel like being lectured right now. 

“I knew where some of the pack were having a party tonight so I dropped by. Uh, to say hi and you know, party and stuff.”

Ahem.

“But it was going fine until, yeah, I don’t really remember what happened. Will you look at my ankle, it might be broken. Also you should never answer the door without checking who it is, especially not right now. You hear me?”

Clenching her jaw, Mila shook her head, squeezing his hands in hers, "Don't 'Hi sweetheart' me, right now. Have you seen yourself? Do you have any idea how scared I am?"

And god, was she scared. He wasn't dying, so that was a plus, but Mila could smell the wolves on him. Already she felt her blood boiling. If they'd gone after Jeremy because she'd left the pack, she'd flip her lid and throttle them. No one fucked with the people Mila loved.

Taking another deep breath, Mila leaned forward, her forehead lightly pressing against Jeremy's. He was okay. And as much as she wanted to scream and yell and cry at him for being an idiot and going in alone, she couldn't.

Wincing, Mila pulled back, tilting her head to the side, "Jer. Baby, I know hunting is your thing and I have no doubt you're good at it, but you can't do that. Not alone. For this reason right here. I feel like I'm going to puke up my heart right now and no one wants that visual...ever."

Mila choked out a laugh, a tear finally rolling down her face. Smiling, she wiped at her face and moved to look at Jeremy's ankle, propping it up on the table. It was swollen and bruised - definitely broken.

Shooting Jeremy a glare, Mila rolled her eyes. "I could smell you, Jeremy.  I knew it was you. But I got it. No more answering the door without looking."

Grabbing an old splint from the first aid kit, Mila set Jeremy's ankle, wrapping it quickly before rejoining him on the couch. "You'll need a cast, or at least something sturdier than that, but it's better than nothing." Letting out a sigh, Mila placed a hand on Jer's cheek, moving it to run through his hair only to return to the side of his face.

"Please, please, don't go alone again. You know I'm not going to ask you to quit; you wouldn't listen anyway. But...this. You covered in blood and bruises, I -- I can't do this all the time. I already worry about you, and do not tell me not to, it's a natural reaction. So, for me? Please?"

                    something in the way you move

                                 makes me feel like I can’t live without you

                                                       it takes me all the way ,

Jeremy laughed a little bit she was pulling him closer and he rested his chin on her shoulder so he could hold her close. She felt so tense in his arms and god he hated this. These were things she shouldn’t have to fucking worry about. Honestly. Was a normal time growing up so hard to fucking ask for around here?

It was amazingly unfair.

“You’re amazing for understanding. I know it’s not… I wish I didn’t have to, trust me Tink. But it’s a danger to the balance and we have to take that in to consideration as hunters. But we’re not inhuman you know, I mean I know you know but still.”

He tugged her back when she leaned away because she needed cuddles, he was sure of it. He just wanted to tuck her away in bed until this was all over. But she was going on about how she had a family and that was it. Nope. Jeremy picked her up and ignored her bitching, carrying her up the stairs with Jasper at his heels, plopping her in to bed, before scrambling under the covers too. Pulling them up over their heads he pulled her close again.

“We’re not getting out of bed today, you hear me? But you’re right, Tink. You do have a family and we love you. Rachel and me and Mags, and Mer and Dean and Sam and probably even Blair a little bit. You are ours and we’re yours. But right, you’re not a princess. You’re Joan of Arc. Strongest girl I’ve ever known, you know that? You amaze me, like every day. Honestly Mila, I don’t know how you’re so fucking charming and adorable and sweet and fearless all the time. I just sit back and watch you sometimes and wonder how I ever was privileged to have you in my life in any way.”

Jeremy pressed a firm kiss to the top of her head.

It was amazingly unfair, but Mila couldn't really remember a time in her life when her life wasn't amazingly unfair. She should be used to it by now; constantly being thrown curveball after curveball,  but she never would be. No one could ever really get used to something like this.

Shaking her head, Mila sighed, "It's not that hard, Jer. I know you guys aren't inhuman...and that makes it a little easier for me to understand. I get that the balance is off and...I don't want this to turn into something even bigger than it already is."

Mila fell back into Jeremy's pull, closing her eyes, but they quickly popped open when she felt her world flip. "Jer!" Squealing softly, Mila started laughing. What in the hell was he doing? It was so random and sudden, but her protests went unheard, so she sighed and let him do as he pleased. Snuggling herself under her own covers, Mila pressed herself close to Jeremy, arms snaking around him tightly.  His words made her smile and she pressed a kiss to his jaw.

"Aye, aye Cap'n." Mila nuzzled into Jeremy, content and finally able to relax. "Mmmm. Exactly, though I could argue that part about Blair. Not sure she would care either way if I died, but I'll take your word for it." Blinking slowly, Mila brought her head up to look at Jeremy, a small smile on her lips. :And you say you're no good with words." Leaning up, she pressed a long kiss to Jeremy's before laying her head back down. "You're better at them than you realize. And I don't think I'm as put together and charming as you make me sound, but thank you. I kinda sorta love you a lot, y'know that?"

Sighing, Mila closed her eyes again and nodded.

Felt good though.

Jeremy was nearly holding his breath as she looked around, and spun in a little circle but thens he was grinning and he could exhale. Wrapping her arms around her he pressed a few kisses on her.

“Hush. I’m definitely not perfect but thank you. I appreciate it. I just wanted to make this special for you. Show you there’s actually a life outside of Mystic and stuff, you know. But you really like it? I mean it’s kind nice.”

Lifting a shoulder he pressed another couple of kisses on her before gently pulling away so he could start to arrange their things.

“Alright, Cafferty, what’s the first order of business? You wanna get some food then hit the beach?”

That was a worry Mila could handle.

Mila wasn't sure she could remember the last time she'd smiled this much or felt this free. Of course Jeremy would be the one that would make her this happy. Anyone else and she probably wouldn't have been able to let go this easily, but being wrapped in his arms it was surprisingly easy.

"Mmmm. I could argue with you there, but I'm too happy to actually do that. Well, you've definitely done that already. And you have no idea how much I appreciate it. I love it, Jer! Nice? Uh, this is a little more than nice. You're talking to the girl who had to share rooms with two other girls. This is like my own personal castle."

Mila laughed, returning Jeremy's kisses happily before letting him go and flopping onto the bed and watching him. Humming to herself softly in thought, she pursed her lips.

"Food then beach sounds pretty good to me." She sat up, smiling, "Though, if there are girls staring I will not hesitate to take them down.." Grinning, Mila slid off the bed and grabbed her purse. "M'Ready whenever you are."

-rubbing a hand soothingly up her back-

You won’t have to do this without me until you realize you’re sick me. Until then, I’m stickin’ around. Sorry Tink.”

-grins-

We’ll try and talk to her, me Sam and Dean. We’ll see. If anything we’ll just, you know, make sure she’s safe. But I need you to know that some of Hayley’s pack is going to die and that could mean bad things for us in terms of Hayley’s response. We’re not going to be a friend of the pack. It’s your decision if you want to join them, Mila. But know the cost, alright?

It’s not an ultimatum by any means, don’t think that. Just know that it’s the facts, is all.

-sighs, tightening her grip on him;

Sick of you? I've been sick of you since I was like...ten. -snickers; Kidding. I will never get sick of you. So long as you don't call me princess. Then I'll have to hurt you.

-smiles;

Okay. I can handle that. I just want her safe. -nods solemnly; Don't get me wrong, I'm not entirely thrilled over the ideas of werewolves dying. It's weird. I'm not close to any of them, but...they're like me. But I understand why. It's not safe and I don't...blame you for doing this. You're a hunter. It's what you do. 

-leans back lightly, looking away from Jeremy;

I know. I don't...want to be part of that. Not anymore. I have a family. I have a pack of my own and that doesn't include a bunch of crazy werewolves running around. I've had a pack since before I was a wolf. I don't need another one. I know it's not an ultimatum, but I've already made up my mind. Hayley has enough wolves to keep her occupied. She shouldn't miss me in the slightest.

-wraps his arms tighter around her-

Shh, sweetheart it’s alright. I promise I will try my hardest not to let anything happen to her, okay? She’s like my older sister, I know how invaluable those are. You can trust me, you know you can. 

-wipes at her tears-

When this is all over we can sit down and talk to her alright? It sounds weirdly to me like she is drinking some weird wolfy kool aid. We’ll figure this out. You’re not in this alone okay? You got me, whether you want me or not, alright?

-smiles lightly-

And anyways, Rachel loves you I doubt she would leave.

-leans into him and nods;

I do trust you. More so than anyone else. So, I know you will. I hate this. God, I hate this. I just want to put you all in a little box where nothing can hurt you and I can keep you forever and...-sighs; If only life were that generous.

-closes her eyes, sighing;

Yeah. I know what you mean. It's like a little cult and it's scary as hell. I just...I hope she'll listen. I want her to be happy, but...this is...not normal. You know, you're kind of great for sticking with me through all of this. I know it's not easy for you. So, thank you.

-smiles, pressing her forehead to his;

I hope that's enough. 'Cause I kinda love her too.

After their last conversation Jeremy had been making an effort to try and stop by the house more often, spend more time with his sister.

“Actually I told her I’d go prom dress shopping with her. Ugh. I take it back I am the best brother in the world.”

Jeremy couldn’t help but laugh when she pointed out that Maggie knew before they did that they would end up together. Of course she did. But on another note, Jeremy was going away with his dream girl and leaving all the stresses behind. He had to remember that.

“Well we’ll see how you feel about food after the ride there. We can nap or whatever. It’s up to you, you’re totally going to feel like a princess when this is over. So you want something, just ask okaaay? I know you don’t like to be just humor me for the weekend.”

The drive was long but Jeremy enjoyed it. It really did work— the further Mystic got the less stress Jeremy’s felt. By the time they parked outside the B&B and Jeremy was helping Mila out of the car Jeremy felt amazing. He was totally ready for this.

After checking them in he steered Mila towards their room.

“No peeking until I say so, okay?!’

He opened the door, setting their bags by the bed. It was as nice as it seemed on line, but canopy bed, everything in white, a couch, a kitchen and french doors leading out to a fairly secluded part of the beach. It looked like they were on a tropical island.

“Okay, now you can look.”

Mila laughed, though she was entirely serious. The Gilberts had always been a huge part of her life and clearly that wasn't meant to change any time soon. Not surprisingly, Mila was perfectly fine with that.

"Wooooow. You really are the best brother ever. I think I told her I would go too. Maybe that'll ease your pain a little." Mila winked, playfully. "Though, I also told her I'd be her date...so, that's a thing."

Mags always had been the more perceptive of the three of them. At least, when I came to actual human interaction. Mila had never been good at it while Maggie excelled. Mila had always been envious of that.

"Sounds like a plan to be. But, princess? Did you really have to use princess?" Groaning, Mila let her head fall back. "Fine. But only because you're doing this and I kind of love you...a little bit."

By the time they reached their destination, Mila felt like Mystic was just a memory. She was free, if only for the time being, from all the drama and stress that home held. Getting out of the car, Mila stretched as Jeremy checked them in before leading her to their room.

"Alright. No peeking. Got it."

Eye closed, Mila waited for Jeremy to give her the okay to open them again. When he finally did, Mila's jaw dropped at the sight. Not in a million years had she expected this. A quaint little room, maybe, but this...this was something else entirely.

Turning back to Jeremy, Mila's eyes were wide and a smile was beginning to form on her features.

"Jeremy Gilbert." Laughing softly, Mila shook her head and threw her arms around his neck, pressing her lips to his quickly. "You're kind of a little bit amazing, you know that? This is perfect. You're perfect."

-laces his fingers with hers-

That’s majorly messed up. Totally damned if you do damned if you don’t. Shit I didn’t know it was like that. I’m sorry Meel. That’s… that’s really ridiculous. I’ll have to talk to Rachel or something. I wish she would have just told me. 

-shrugs-

I don’t think I like her being around this group, I dunno. It just all sounds so shady or something. Also I didn’t know you were part of the pack, you should have told me. I know this is hard for all of us but I gotta know these thing. I don’t, understand the world you’re in now so you have to help me okay?

-tugs her up and in to his lap, pressing a kiss on her shoulder-

No way, Tink. You’re not going anywhere. You can be the woman you want, pack or no pack. We’ll run them out of town before I let them make you leave your home. You understand me? Rachel can make her own decisions and we’ll hope she chooses family but Meel. We’re going on a hunt soon. Before the next full moon. I need for you to PROMISE me, you won’t get in the way. Okay? Promise me, because I love you and I need you around.

-squeezes his hands;

It's okay. There's nothing we could have done. -nods; Yeah. I think she'd like that. She should have, but she's scared and hurt and...I'm scared for her.

-closing her eyes, she let out a shaky sigh; I don't either. Something about it is just...off. I know and I'm sorry. And I'm sorry I keep having this to be sorry for. I'm trying. I promise, I will. There are still somethings I don't totally understand either, but...I'll do my best.

-wraps her arms around him, leaning her head against his;

I know. She'd have to remove me by force and lord knows that wouldn't go over well with some very dangerous people, so. I'm not all that worried. Not yet anyway. -nods; I understand I just...-bites back tears; I already lost Ava and...I don't know if I can lose Rachel, too. She's in a bad place and I want to help her but...she won't listen. Okay. I promise. Just...make sure nothing happens to her. If she leaves, she leaves. Just make sure she's alive when she does, okay? I need to know she'll be alive at the end of all this...