ALL I DO IS WIN

This is Jackson's world. You get to live in it. You're welcome.

[halcd-blog]

[Though Cora didn’t drink very much, she did end up crashing at Jackson’s place. She woke up in time to get to class, but decided to skip, for a multitude of reasons. She didn’t really feel like going to class, and she wanted to make sure everyone else was okay, first. And it was possible that she didn’t want to run into Monty yet. Jackson’s parents were kind enough to let her stay without question, and hadn’t batted an eyelash when she made no move to go to school. She should leave soon, but she isn’t ready to yet. Falling back on the couch, she runs a hand over her face. She needs to call that therapist back. She looks up when she hears someone coming in.] Hey. How do you feel?

[capwhittemore-blog]

Amazing.  I could run a marathon.

Actually, I don’t feel that bad.  From the alcohol.  How do you feel?

[lvdicmcrtin-blog]

“I’m almost there.” [She breaks about ten traffic laws, going as fast as she is, bu isn’t particularly concerned with that. What matters is Jackson, and what’s going on in his head right now. Lydia doesn’t know what he’s thinking, she wishes she did, but it can’t be good. There’s no way. They’ve all been so careful not to mention that. It’s on the list of things that they don’t talk about. Things all of them know better than to ever bring up, for reasons like this. 

Lydia feels her mouth moving, and hears herself speaking, but she isn’t sure what she’s saying. Anything to keep his mind on her, and off of them. Before long, she’s pulling up to Saucey’s. She doesn’t bother to correctly park the car, or even shut the door when she climbs out. She reaches him in a matter of seconds, pulling him into her arms without hesitation.]

[capwhittemore-blog]

[As soon as Lydia is in his arms, it’s like everything else stops spinning around him, and like he can finally breathe again.  He wraps his arms around her and buries his face in the crook of her neck.  He stands like that for several minutes, getting anchored back to reality-- this, now.  He has control of his own body.  No one else does. Lydia does, too.  They have their lives, they have each other.  The memories are memories.  It can’t happen again.  It can’t happen again.  They’re safe now.]

[lvdicmcrtin-blog]

“Don’t say sorry. You haven’t done anything wrong. I’m on my way to get you. D can come get the car later, we’re going home. Just stay on the phone, I’ll be there in five minutes.”

[As she flicks her turn signal on, she tries to imagine being in his place. She tries to imagine someone mentioning what Peter Hale did to her, comparing it to anything. She feels sick, just thinking about it. She turns the corner.] “Jackson, I’m so sorry. He had no right to bring that up.”

[capwhittemore-blog]

“Thank you, babe.”  [The sincerity in his voice breaks through everything else, even the tinge of panic, of sickness, of every horrible memory that’s flooding his mind.  He feels like he’s on the verge of a panic attack, and he hates that this still happens, hates that after all these months, the memories of it are so sick and fresh in his mind.  He feels weak and stupid and angry and sick, and then Lydia’s voice comes across the line, and it’s the only thing that makes him feel better.  Saving him, again.  He makes his way to the parking lot, feeling a rush of relief when she says they’re going home.]  “I’m outside, I’ll wait in the parking lot.”  

[The idea that Connor might have thought comparing would help, that he could have done this to Lydia, makes Jackson feel sick all over again.] 

[zenwolfconnor]

Okay. Would it be alright if I helped you?

[capwhittemore-blog]

I’ve got it.

[lvdicmcrtin-blog]

“Hey. Breathe, okay? Where are you right now?”

[capwhittemore-blog]

“At Saucey’s, downtown.  I’m sorry, babe, can you...can you meet me here?”

[zenwolfconnor]

Alright. Would you like to move out to your car, where it’s more private?

[capwhittemore-blog]

[Jackson nods, dragging himself to his feet.]

[lvdicmcrtin-blog]

“—Babe?”

[capwhittemore-blog]

“-----Hey.”

[zenwolfconnor]

…would you like me to call someone?

[capwhittemore-blog]

Lydia’s calling...

[capwhittemore-blog]

Text → Queen Lydia

Lydia: What the f [ unsent ]

Lydia: I'm heading to your place right now.

Lydia: Do you want me to call you?

Jackson: Please.

[zenwolfconnor]

You’re a werewolf with a very short temper. It’s not completely out of the question. 

…then again, it’s been repeatedly established tonight that we don’t know each other, so I apologize.

I don’t plan on it. I’m sorry, it’s… the comparison thing, it’s something I’ve done with Cora, to help with understanding, but that was wrong of me to do so without your permission. 

Jackson… sit down. You’re hyperventilating. 

[capwhittemore-blog]

No, we don’t, and we’re in public, and... [Jackson glares, intending to tell Connor to fuck off, but he really is feeling sick, so he slumps back into the chair, holding his face in his hands.  He’ll be fine in a few minutes.  Then he’s out of there.]

[capwhittemore-blog]

Text → Prince Danny

Danny: How many people are coming over? I'll bring enough for everyone.

Danny: Nothing to thank me for.

Jackson: 5 I think?

Jackson: Still. Thanks.

[capwhittemore-blog]

Text → Lady Cora

Cora: Yes [ unsent ]

Cora: I'm never really okay.

Cora: I'll be over soon.

Jackson: I'll see you soon.

[capwhittemore-blog]

Text → Queen Lydia

Lydia: Obv. What's wrong? Do I need to hunt someone down?

Jackson: I love you.

Jackson: Connor, apparently, thinks what Gerard and Matt made me do is a great topic. And that it's the same as what he did to Danny, Lucy, Liam, and Isaac.

[capwhittemore-blog]

Text → Isaac

Isaac: I have never needed a drink more in my entire life.

Jackson: What happened?

[capwhittemore-blog]

Text → Lady Cora

Cora: Yeah.

Cora: You okay?

Jackson: No.

Jackson: You?

[capwhittemore-blog]

Text → Princess Katie

Katie: It is totally a school night but also yes!

Jackson: Thanks, kiddo.

[capwhittemore-blog]

Text → Prince Danny

Danny: Can't say I need the drink, but I'll be there.

Danny: Do you want me to pick anything up on my way?

Jackson: ...Capri sun. Also tacos.

Jackson: Thanks, man.