"Hey it's me," Sophie called out as she opened the front door to her in law's house, putting down the container she had of homemade lasagna while she took of her shoes. She made her way inside and found of her father-in-laws in the kitchen, "how you holding up?" Things were a bit all over the place since the accident and she made a point to try to make a home-cooked meal for them at least once a week. "I brought some lasagna, it just needs to be heated up and I left the instructions on a post it note on top," she patted it as she put it on the counter before turning to hug him.
The sound of his daughter-in-law's voice made Jet look up from the laptop screen he had been diligently staring at for the last few hours. Photos they'd taken over the last few months, emails he'd sent to people within the system, almost as if he were looking for something he'd missed before. I reason that would explain all of this, yet, when nothing was found, Jet felt his head begin to pound. A problem for another time; right now he was happy for the distraction. "Hey sweetheart." he greeted from the kitchen, though stood to greet her at the door, only to see she were half way in the living room by the time he'd stood. Reaching out he took the pan from her, wrapping an arm around her in a hug, one that he would give her properly once his arms were empty. "I'm okay." he stated, pressing fingers to his temple in an attempt to ease the pounding in his head. "This was very sweet of you." he smiled. "Thank you. For bringing this and always checking in." he stated, this time wrapping her in a proper hug. "We're happy to call you ours." @sophiemasoncooper
Andrew could only wonder what was going on inside of Jefferson's head, for as he turned around to make his way to the building where they were keeping his son, he found him just standing there, hand latched onto the door where Andrew needed to go through. It seemed that he didn't have the luxury to prolong the inevitable, making his way towards the man, boxes with flowers in his hands, a barrier between the two. "You okay?" He asked, as the other hadn't seemed to have move since he had started walking up here. The answer to his question was a rather obvious one, or so he could imagine. But saying a simple hello wasn't something he could do right now. @jeffersontcooper
Jet hadn't realized he'd been staring, yet, as the other seemed to be getting closer, the box of flowers growing larger as well he blinked, realizing a moment later that the other was in fact getting closer. He let his gaze shift, weight simultaneously shifting to his other foot as he opened the door. "No." he answered out loud, shaking his head. It was one of the few times he'd admitted that he wasn't in fact okay with the way that any of this had played out, and while he refused to say why out loud just yet, he was sure that the other understood why he wasn't. The guilt was too much for Jet to wrap his head around, even with him having taken a couple days off work. "Let me help you with those." he suggested, arms extending to take the box from the other if Andrew were to accept his help. @drewxcowan
"Something they should change, then, if they want people to keep coming." Erik huffed, a wave of his hand. He didn't want coffee anyway. It made him too jittery, too awake and right now that wasn't something he needed, or could handle. When offered the chocolate chip cookie, Erik shook his head, not really being something he was feeling like right now. "I'm good, thanks." A sincere answer, for it was obvious the man was trying to make him feel at ease. It's also why his next confession wasn't that surprising, but it did make him feel on the spot. "You know, that's kind of a fucked up thing to say." Erik stated, as obviously the reason why they were there wasn't a positive reason. "But I respect it." @jeffersontcooper
"Yeah, you have a point." Jet nodded, shaking his head. There were a lot of things he'd personally change about these meetings if it were up to him. But, he wasn't one that felt it was necessary to change something that wasn't completely broken, there was no point in changing. It was only once he denied the cookie too that Jet smiled, nodding again. "Understandable." he nodded, shrugging. At his comment, though, Jet laughed. "You know what, you're right." he spoke. "I just know how hard it is to be here." he nodded. "And the courage that it took. But I'll work on that introductory line." @erikxnystrom
Looking uup and closing her eyes, she let the sun shine and warm her face. It was one of the best parts of her day, getting to take a break and get some fresh air. That one hour in the middle of the day broke of the monotony of the corporate world. "Me too," she smiled, now looking at the man beside her, "especially during lunch. Something about the fresh air that just helps the day move faster. And oh totally. It damoens the mood when it's rainy out." She didn't mean to make a pun but it really did. "I'd love to," she nodded with a smile, "and I'd feel honored to join you both. And eh Gizmo my dog will get over it. He'll be fine." @jeffersontcooper
"I agree." Jet nodded. He was a fresh air kind of guy anyways, but he had to agree that some of his best parts of the day often happened on his lunch breaks. Sitting in the sunshine, a text sent to his family wishing them a good day; it was the highlight of his day that was for sure. "I'd love the company." he smiled with a nod. "And if you're sure your furry guy at home won't mind than I'm sure I speak for Gus too when I say that you are more than welcome to join us." he smiled. "Other than it being, well, work, how's your day been so far? Anything you want to get off your chest? I've been told I'm a great listener." @niaclairmont
closed starter for @jeffersontcooper @tomasxcooper
"Dad?" Marty yelled as she ran into the Cooper house. Seeing the news report wasn't something she had expected and after making sure Emilia was good with a friend and checking in on Luca, even though he was on a trip with his father, she had rushed to get some information from her dads. "Dad?" She called out again and ran into the kitchen where she spotted them both. "What's going on? What the hell happened?"
He hated what had happened; they had been working so hard to make Kyle feel safe in their home. But a few times before the accident, he had done something. They had troubled kids before, but normally helped them, but this was big, bigger than anything that had happened before. He first heard the door opening before he heard Marty calling out. "In the kitchen, darling." he was trying to get a hold of himself so as not to be upset around Marty. He was just sitting, trying to relax with a cup of tea. "We should try and be calm." They didn't need to stress more with Marty around. He saw her walk into the kitchen and got up to hug her and hold her. "I don't even know" a lot of reports were still coming in and more. @jeffersontcooper
Hearing they're daughter from the front door, Jet exhaled, nodding when Tomas stated they needed to try to remain calm. He didn't say much, not for a moment and instead he stood, letting Tomas hug her and then taking his own turn before he exhaled. "We do know." he stated, shaking his head. He was clearly in the 'anger' part of things, and was finding it really hard to remain calm. Not because he was someone that naturally liked to blow up or even easily anger, but, this entire situation had really put things into perspective. "We know that Kyle snuck out of the house while we were gone, stole Dad's car and crashed it." he spoke. "Not only that, but he hit someone, killed them and then ran from the scene." @martyxrivera @tomasxcooper
"I never thought I would be, honestly." For most of his life, Bradley had lived without pets. His hours weren't so long that he couldn't have one but when he was younger, he was traveling during the summers a lot more than he did now. "That's nice to have some sort of external motivation." He said with a nod of his head. "It is," he nodded his head once more, "more so kittens. I think. You'll find bonded pairs that are adults as well, but it's more recommended if you're adopting a kitten to get two. They don't necessarily have to be from the same litter, either." Bradley explained, having learned quite a bit from his own cat ownership. @jeffersontcooper
"You not a pet kind of guy I take it?" Jet questioned, though, he'd realize later on that it was a silly question. Clearly that's what the other meant by never imagining that he would be one that had pets. In Jet's opinion, a home wasn't a home without a pet or two running around among the chaos. "I personally don't know much about cats." he admitted with a small shrug. "I know some about them, but, I've always been a dog person myself." he smiled. "I didn't know that kittens weren't picky though; I'd assumed it was always getting two from the same litter is the best way to go. Learned something new today." he smiled. "Now I know that if there's a problem with cats in a litter I don't have to worry about feeling bad if I take one from another litter to be it's playmate instead." @bradleyxkincade
It wasn't unexpected that the news of Percy being the casualty of the accident happening outside of town had spread like a wildfire. Rather than risking having a journalist at his door, he'd hoped that putting out a statement had been enough to prevent that from happening, which it had. Though he'd still had to open the door for concerned neighbours, for the DA and the sheriff themselves and even the mayor. Aside from that, he'd only leave the house for arranging the funeral and for seeing his son, now that he still could. The flowers that were placed at the front door steps were all brought with him to the funeral home and the flowers that lasted would accompany him to join his mother at his church. So he visited once more that day once the visiting hours had started again, pulling the box of flowers from his car when he saw him, his gaze lingering for a second before turning back to his car, his pale image staring back at him. He hadn't had the time to properly process how he felt about the Coopers, wasn't sure how he was supposed to feel. Should he see them as partially responsible? As innocent bystanders? Andrew knew that Kyle had proven to be challenging, he'd just never expected it had been so bad it could result to this. The truth was, he hadn't had to think about it, for he was told that Jefferson had taken a few days off, the reason why something Andrew could guess but also understand. In an attempt to protect himself from confrontation, he just hoped the other hadn't seen him and would enter the building before he did. But with how observational as Jeff was, he felt that those chances were slim.
The days that had lingered since hearing the news that Percy Cowan had passed - by the foster child Jet and Tomas has welcomed into their home none the less - had sent Jet into a spiral. He'd taken a few days off, his heart heavy with grief, confusion, but mostly guilt. On one hand he couldn't stop thinking about how losing a child must feel; one's only son at that. He hadn't been able to be a father to his son Tucker in the same way he'd been a father to Marty and Evan growing up, and that alone had pained him enough. But losing Tucker was something he'd never live through, he was sure of it. His heart went out to Drew, and while he'd wanted to reach out for him as his friend, the guilt that had his gut in a knot had made it hard. Yet, he'd sent his condolences anyways, a text message, some flowers, even left a meal on his doorstep, all of which had gone unanswered. Not that he was surprised; if he were Andrew he wouldn't have wanted to speak to him either. Guilty by association, that was a thing right? Returning to the funeral home and seeing Cowan family on the schedule had nearly been enough for Jet to take a few more days off, yet, he stayed, knowing that even if he wasn't the director in charge of Percy's viewing - he'd specifically request not to be, truthfully, it hit too close to home - that someone needed him. That was the unfortunate thing about his career; he'd always be needed because life was always just a little too short. He'd stepped outside for some fresh air, not really having been paying much attention at first. Yet, when he spotted the familiar vehicle of his friend's, he felt his heart sink. All he could manage was stare, watch him as if he were a ghost himself. He cleared his throat, though it was suddenly dry. So instead, he stood, hand on the handle of the door in the off chance he needed to make a quick escape to give the other his space. @drewxcowan
Thankfully, the unpacking went quickly. Both knew they wanted to hurry and get it over with, so it was done rather quickly. He had giggled, looking at him, "You will love it for sure, you are so cheesy," he teased, even though he knew he was the cheesy one. He smirked as he walked up to Jett. "You are all I wanna climb today," he said, acting all serious about it and sexy, but he laughed. "Oh god" he shook his head. "I knew you loved it," he looked hard and long at a room with a view like this. He wanted a big window in the bedroom, which had a great look. It was so out of the way the window could be just left open. @jeffersontcooper
Getting out of town and spending some much needed alone time with his husband was always on Jet's to do list. Being together for the majority of their adult lives and even though their kids were grown - minus Kyle and Josie - they were so engulfed in work half the time that Jet felt he didn't do his part to prove to his husband just how much he adored him. So, now that Tomas had planned this entire trip, Jet found himself already thinking ahead, doing his best to plan something for the other, Tomas deserved it just as much as Jet did. "I love you." he stated, a kiss pressed against his husband's lips, quickly. "Even if you'd have planned a trip where we were wearing as many layers as possible, hiking from sun up to sun down or wrangling snakes I'd still enjoy it because I'm with the love of my life." he smiled. "Now -" he paused, hand in his husband's. "Let's make use of this view while I still have enough light to admire you." he spoke, leading his husband to the bedroom, door closing behind them. @tomasxcooper
The following thread contains themes of car accidents, death of another, police presence and arrest. Please proceed with caution.
w/ @tomasxcooper, mentions of @galexpeterson
JET: “I have to say, we should make date nights a regular thing.” Jet stated, turning on his turn signal and waiting for the light to turn green, hand placed on his husband’s knee. Date night looked a little different this night as Jet had insisted they try this new mexican food place outside of Kismet Harbor for dinner, and he’d been pleasantly surprised himself with how delicious it had been. But now, he was eager to get home, get into more comfortable pants and get their kids in bed. “I trust Madison was able to get Josie settled; there’s not many people that kid sleeps for.” he laughed, foot pressed against the gas pedal as the GPS system alerted to reroute just ahead. “That’s -” he paused, taking a moment to remove his hand to zoom in, trying to find the street that they were now detouring towards.”Can you help me find Walker Street? Apparently we have to go back a different way. Looks like they’ve closed a road up ahead.”
Tomas: Smiled as he looked over at Jet and nodded, “We do, it’s not always easy to plan but we need try and make it work,” even if it was only once or twice a month. But the food was good so it was good that they tried a new place outside of the places in town. “She normally is good, so let's hope,” but Joise could just wanna wait up for her dads too sometimes. “And i hope that frtio is being good.” That dog was wild at times but was young. He looked, hearing the gps saying the road was closed from an accident. “oh no I hope its not to bad.” he hated the thought of someone getting hurt from accidents. “Um” it was still light out but he knew this time of year it changed rather quickly. “It looks like we go down a bit then on the left should be Walker Street,” he said as that’s what it looked like.
JET: Hearing that there was an accident, Jet exhaled. “I hope it’s not either.” he stated, though, he was sure with it being bad enough to detour it wasn’t good. That seemed to be the experience that he’d had anyways, any accident that required a detour wasn’t good and was often one that took hours to clean up. As they turned onto the street though, being instructed to take the next left and then merge onto the interstate a little later on, Jet nodded, feeling as if he could make his way there with little effort moving forward. “I assume since things are quiet on your end that there’s not any sort of issues back home which is always good.” Jet stated. “But I can’t wait to get home.”
Tomas: he knew that Jet knew well the outcome of what a bad crash could be “Lets hope everyone okay” he knew in time they would hear what happened in the crash, the town would talk sooner or later. Thankfully the turn didnt lead them to far off track and they were on their way home “I hope not but I have no messages” so the classic no news was good news sort of thing. They talked about up coming plans as soon as they turned down their road. As much as Tomas loved to go out he was happy get home. Soon as they got near the house Tomas looked at the house and turned his head a little before looking back towards Jet “Did you move my car before we left” Maybe Tomas didnt notice as he just got into Jets car, but sometimes he had move Tomas’s to get his out. But soon they both knew his car was missing, not parked near by or in the garage. “Did someone steal it?” he was confused they lived in a good place no one ever stole cars or broke into places. He hurried inside now to make sure everyone was okay. He asked Madsion who said she didnt hear a peep from Kyle who was locked away in his room and Josie was laid down to bed a bit ago.
JET: The question spewing from his husband made Jet shake his head, their house coming more into view as they approached. “No, remember I had to squeeze past to open your door because I parked crooked.” He stayed, pulling into the driveway, a wet spot on the driveway that often pooled under the cars as the air conditioners leaked from the difference in temperature. An obvious reason for Jet’s mind to race. “Yeah-“ he paused, shifting off the ignition, door flying open. “I think someone did.” He spoke, taking off towards their house, immediate panic overcoming him as he was convinced something was wrong. It was only once Tomas had joined him inside and Jet had found himself able to think properly. “Kyle’s upstairs?” He questioned. “Can you go check on Josie, please?” He questioned, turning on his heels. “I’ll check on Kyle.” He paused, eyes landing on Madison again. “Did you notice our car was gone?” He paused. “Not mine but, Tomas car is no longer in the driveway.”
Tomas: he was nervous as they pulled in seeing his car gone, he didnt think Jet moved it but it was his last hope for them to not have a stolen car. “Shit….” he was annoyed that was a lot of work and they only paid off his car last year so it was extra annoying. He was worried too but was doing his best not to panic “Sure” he went to Joises room that was near their bedroom, he opened the door and peaked in seeing her sleeping he got closer to check on her and she was asleep, he made his way out of the room without a sound towards his husband, Madison looked at Jet and shook her head she had no idea but admitted that she didn't look out front much to notice. “Okay…. Great” he was annoyed that his car was stolen now as he didnt think anything else could have happened “Now Kyle is he okay?” he asked as he followed Jet towards the teenagers room. He was always closed off in his room, his music blasting or something he was watching. That was going on now he could hear muffled music blasting from down the hallway.
JET: Seeing that Josie was okay and following the sound of his husband’s voice as he cursed about the stolen car, Jet exhaled, hand running over his face. “Okay, so, our teenager stole a car.” Jet sighed, shaking his head. “We need to figure out how to punish him. He could’ve hurt himself. Hurt someone.” Jet stated, shaking his head, now both standing outside Kyle’s door. Taking a step forward, Jet could hear the music and he knocked, trying to let the knock carry without waking Josie. “Kyle, we need to talk.” he stated, though, he was sure that wasn’t going to get the child to come out.
Tomas: “seems like it” maybe there was a chance it was not Kyle, but with Kyle locked away in his room he knew the chances were high it was Kyle. He sighed as he followed after Jet, this wasn’t good. It wasn’t that long ago that Kyle got busted stealing from a store when Jet and Tomas went out of town. “It can be… he wouldn't.” Tomas want to have hope that it wasn’t Kyle. it wasn’t that often they had a troubled teen like this but Kyle seemd to just always have something upsetting him. “This is crazy” he said as Kyle was not wanting to open the door and wasn’t hearing them from the loud music that he was thankful Joise was sleeping through. Soon enough he heard the doorbell. " I’ll get it , you try with Kyle” he said as he turned to go the front door. He peeked seeing it was Gale? Oh that wasn’t good. “Jet….honey come here” he said from the hall as he went to open the front door.
JET: Jet did his best to try to get Kyle to come out of his room, which was proving harder and harder to happen. As the doorbell had rang, he nodded, happy that Tomas was going as it was likely something with the car anyways. “A copy of the insurance cards are on my phone if you need them.” Jet spoke, knocking on the door to Kyle’s room one more time. “Kye, bud, open the door please. I just want to make sure you’re okay but I also want to talk.” he stated, only looking up and away from the door when Tomas called for him. Exhaling, he took off towards the stairs, the sight of Sheriff Peterson one he shouldn’t have been shocked to see, however, his eyes shifted, hand extending to shake the other’s. He were no stranger to the sheriff, however, he had a feeling this wasn’t a pleasant visit or one he’d welcome in the long run. “Evening, Sheriff.” he nodded, shifting. “Please come in. I have a feeling you’re here on behalf of a stolen vehicle? We sure hope that Kyle hasn’t caused too much trouble for anyone.”
Tomas: nodded he has his insurance on his own phone so he was ready to pull that out when Sheriff Peterson showed up at the door. He to shook the others hand and walked into the living room space to talk. “We have been teaching Kyle of drive… we are guessing he took a joy ride” maybe stalled the car somewhere, and Gale or another officer found it was what Tomas was guessing. “We are so sorry we are trying with him” but he’s been their most troubled one they've had for a while. “Do you want a drink?” he asked Officer Peterson as he was nervous but Officer Peterson shook his head they didnt need anything right now. “He’s in his room we can try and get him “ he said looking down the hallway for a moment. “But did you find my car?” he asked hopefully.
JET: Everything that happened afterwards seemed to be a blur. From the moment that the Sheriff entered their home, all Jet could manage to focus on was the way that everything seemed a little more tense in the last few seconds. Everything stood still - time seemed to slow to a screeching halt - when the words left the Sheriff’s mouth. They’d found the car, significant damage as it had hit a tree - or a fence, honestly Jet was barely paying attention as the knot in his stomach kept growing - and he sat up a little straighter, hoping that Kyle was okay. “We’ve been trying to get into his room since we got home.” he stated. “Unfortunately the key to his knob has been missing since Kyle moved in; we’re changing the locks as soon as we get in -” yet he was interrupted, the admittance that the license plate on Tomas’ car was seen leaving the scene of an accident. A hit and run. “Is everyone okay?” he questioned, feeling himself start to panic at the idea that Kyle could be injured. “I mean, did anyone in the accident -” yet his voice trailed off, the words ‘No, there was a fatality.’ ringing in his ears. He looked up at the babysitter whose eyes were wide. “You said Kyle was fine when he came in?” Yet she shook her head, reminding him she hadn’t seen him come in at all. So Jet stood. “He might be hurt, we have to get in his room.” he stated, leading them towards Kyle’s room, the police behind him.
Tomas: he didnt like this, he never wanted something like this to happen to one of their kids. But here they were geting told by Officer Peterson that his car was found damaged. He reached for Jet’s hand as he stood there, hearing what Gale was saying this wasn’t good. “He’s not a bad kid he just came from a bad place” he had hope with all their kids that they would turn around with him. He eyed the sitter “How about you go sit in Josies room…” There were things she didnt need to hear and they wanted to keep Josie asleep and out of the way. “A … what… “he had to be hearing things, that he was in a panic that his mind tricked him into thinking he heard a word he did not. He followed as he went to Kyles door and was helping knock on it “Kyle please the police are here…” he said not wanting the police to have to break down the door. Joise was only down the hall and the last thing he wanted was for her to wake up from all the noise happening.
JET: Everything seemed to be happening so fast, but, within the blink of an eye they were back outside Kyle’s door. He too wanted them to be as quiet as they could with Josie sleeping down the hall, but, a moment later he found himself knocking on the door again. “Come on, Kyle.” he coaxed, watching as the door opened a moment later, Kyle standing in the doorway, eyes focusing on the cops. Jet took a step aside, eyes focusing on the teen. “We’re sorry things didn’t work out and we can’t get you out of this one.” he admitted. Maybe he shouldn’t have said anything at all, but, he really did feel bad that things with Kyle weren’t going to work out. In a way, he felt like he’d failed him.
Tomas: it was wild what was going on something he never thought would happen. They had troubled teens before but nothing like this. He sighed “Kyle sorry” he couldn’t say much to the young man, it was just hard to think about. Tomas too thought that he failed him. He said sorry to the officers and that him and Jet were here if they did need anything. He stood to the side and watched as Gale and other other officers took Kyle away as Jet and Tomas walked them all too the door and closed it behind them.
"Yeah. I know what you mean." Perhaps he should have a better understanding of the foster system, but there was only so much he could focus on with his job. Luckily for him, there were families such as the Coopers around to take care of lesser 'fortunate' children, for a lack of a better word. Gale exhaled deeply, walking up to the coffee joint where Jeff was going to collect his cup of Joe. He wasn't sure what had triggered it, but all of a sudden the Sheriff felt that he needed to be somewhere that wasn't grief counseling. Perhaps he wasn't ready after all. "Sorry, I uh.." Gale started, rubbing the back of his neck. He'd waited for Jeff to order his coffee before he'd spoken up, moving to his pocket where he fished out his wallet, figuring paying for the other's coffee was the least he could do. "I don't think I'm ready to start group sessions." He figured honesty was key, plus he also wouldn't even know where to begin with thinking of an excuse that was believable. Placing the money on the counter, he slid the wallet back in his pocket. "Maybe next time.. Save me a seat?" @jeffersontcooper
"We do what we can, that's really all we can do." Jet shrugged. There were plenty of foster families in the world and Jet was happy to be part of one, however, he knew that it didn't always come with it's own disappointments and perks. Something that came with it, he supposed. He ordered his coffee, turning towards the other as Gale apologized, causing Jet to raise an eyebrow, for half a second thinking maybe he'd missed something he'd said that was offensive or that the other said that he hadn't heard. As the other tried to hand him cash, however, Jet shook his head, focusing on him as he spoke again. It was only when the confession of not being ready to start group sessions left the other's lips that Jet nodded, a hand clapped onto the other's shoulders as if to say he understood. "That's okay. There's no rush." he shook his head, smiling softly. "There will always be a seat available for you, but if you ever want to talk privately, just know that I'm only a phone call or a doorstep away. My door's always open for you." @galexpeterson
Therapy. One thing that Erik had always tried to avoid. So to make it less overwhelming, he'd allowed his mother to drive him over to a grief counselling session, deciding she would skip out on this session so she wouldn't make it awkward for him having his mother there, listening to him talk about his feelings, about his guilt. He was there twenty minutes early, sitting alone in a chair he already knew he was going to somewhat struggle with getting out. Perhaps he'd wait for everyone to leave by the time he'd get up, make it less mortifying for himself. When Jefferson walked in, he straightened up a little, feeling awfully exposed. "I think we're early." He said, unaware that he was the one to guide the session.
"You are." Jet nodded, eyes shifting towards the other, the Styrofoam cup of coffee in his hand brought to his lips for a second before he squirmed, looking back at the other. "I'd offer you coffee but the stuff they have here is not good." he added, letting his hand extend as he looked down at the other, Jefferson, but most people call me Jet." he stated. "I'm actually not early, well, I am but - " he paused, turning away for a second, a folded napkin in his hand when he returned his attention to the other one. "We have treats usually here, I snagged this chocolate chip cookie as my personal fuel but you look like you could use it more than I could." he nodded. "It's yours if you want." he encouraged, smiling a little wider. "Also, I should probably let you know. I'm the guy that runs this thing." he stated. "And I'm happy you're here." @erikxnystrom
He teased, "Please, I know, babe." he wanted to relax and have their fun, but they had finished unpacking. The worst part of any road trip was unpacking. You got so excited to be there but had stop and unpack. it took a few tip but soon enough they got all from the car into the house and kitchen or whatever area they had to be. "There," he smiled, glad to be done rather swiftly. He did his best to act serious but had a giggle at his husband's reaction. He laughed, "I almost said something so cheesy," he teased as he went up and gave Jet a kiss. "Come on, the hikes this way," he teased, taking his hand to the back bedroom that had, from what he saw from photos, a big window that looked over an amazing view. @jeffersontcooper
Jet was thankful that at the end of it all, the unpacking part of the trip didn't take long. Between the two of them - and Jet's desire to double carry anything he could, they were done in no time, but not without breaking a sweat. It was only when his husband said that he almost said something cheesy that Jet rose an eyebrow. "You can say whatever you want, it's a judgement free zone. Especially if it's something sexy." He teased, though, a moment later his hand was in his husband's as he led him to the back of the Airbnb. "But the -" he paused, the sight of the window causing his eyes to widen. "Oh." he spoke, voice soft. "That's-" he smiled, cheeks flushing. "I like the way you think." @tomasxcooper
"Go ahead," Bradley said, gesturing to the seat next to him, the same one that Jet looked at. He never minded the other' mans company, if he were being honest. "Dorito, huh?" That brought a chuckle from Bradley. Not much had been making him laugh as of lately, but that did. The corners of his mouth lifted with the thought. "They do seem to be a great match for one another." And that was only from his momentary observation, shifting his gaze to the dogs as they lay next to one another. "No dogs." He answered, shaking his head. "I just have o-two cats." He quickly corrected himself, unsure if he should even be counting Nova as his cat. But she was still at the house. "Jimmy and Nova," his smile appeared faintly as he spoke. "They're practically in charge of the house." @jeffersontcooper
"Dorito." he repeated as he took a seat next to the other, watching as both dogs shifted closer, though, lay down on the pavement. They likely would get restless again soon, but, for now they seemed to be appreciating the break in activity. As the other's gaze shifted to the dogs, Jet did the same. Smiling as he watched the way they naturally seemed to gravitate towards each other, something that just further confirmed Jet's suspicions that he couldn't separate them now. They were already too attached and it had only been a couple hours of play time. As the brunette admitted that he only had cats, Jet's smile widened. "I had cats growing up. Have never been much for them." he admitted. "I love them, but, I like dogs. They keep me active now that all - well, most - of my kids are grown." he stated. "Is it true what they say? That cats prefer to be in pairs?" @bradleyxkincade
She laughed and shook her head. "I don't think I have to. I can fully believe that you did." And while she hated that he did, part of her also loved it. It felt nice that her adoptive parents felt that way and they had a bond with her just as much as she did with them. Listening to him, she nodded and smiled. "Then it'd be perfect for you two and I'm sure Dad will love it." She couldn't imagine that he wouldn't. "I think so. Maybe when it's closed it'd be better." She suggested. A smile formed as they talked about Emilia and nodded. "I know she does. Though, maybe she just wants me out of the house so she can sneak out." She joked, knowing that it wasn't that. Her daughter really did want her happy. "I'm indifferent, I guess. I don't know how it's going to go. I don't know if speed dating is the route to go, but it'll be a decent experience." @jeffersontcooper
"It's part of being a parent. I'm sure that you've had your fair share of crying over Emilia that you understand." he stated. "And if you haven't made it there yet, I pray you never do. It's tough." he added, though the smile never left his face. Jet loved his family; he would never deny a reason to brag about them if given the opportunity. More often than not he brought them up randomly. "Remind me to plan something." he smiled, looking over at her. "We both get so busy that I know I'll forget if I'm not held accountable to plan something." Not to mention, Tomas had just surprised Jet with a trip earlier this year; it was only fair that he repay him with a planned date of his own. Though at the mention of Emilia just wanting to sneak out, Jet shook his head. "Not my sweet angel, Emilia." he laughed. "She'd never do such a thing." and sure, he knew she wasn't perfect, however, Jet certainly thought she hung the moon, as he did with Luca. "Speed dating is different." he nodded. "But it doesn't have to be bad; I think it's good you're taking it as a good experience. I'm excited to hear how it goes." @martyxrivera
Taking a lunch break in the park had always been Nia's favorite thing to do when the weather allowed. Working downtown, just steps from the beautiful greenery allowed her to spend some time in the fresh air after breathing in the stuffy air of City Hall. "Oh hello there cutie," Nia said as she saw a very eager dog approaching her, putting down her almost finished salad next to her. "Aren't you the sweetest?" She asked as she started to scratch behind the dog's ears, "I absolutely am. I have my own little guy at home, who is gonna be so jealous that I was hanging out with anither doggy today." Her voice had gone up an octave as she spoke to the dog before going back to normal as she spoke to the man. "Just enjoying the sunshine, and how about you? I can go for a walk, stretch these legs after sitting behind a desk for a long time." @jeffersontcooper
"I do love getting to enjoy my lunch outside." Jet nodded, eyes focused on the other. He tried to take at least an hour in each part of the day - morning, afternoon and evening - when he could to walk the dog or at the very least get some time outside - and he were a true believer that it helped his mood tremendously. "It's always such a bummer when the weather is gross." he exhaled. "I don't want you to feel obligated." he spoke with a pause. "But if you want to join us on a walk I'm certainly not going to say no." he smiled. "This little guy -" he spoke, despite the fact his golden retriever was far from small - "loves company and does not care if other people's dogs are offended. He used to try to plop himself in other people's laps but we thankfully broke that habit, didn't we Gus?" he laughed. @niaclairmont
He chucked, "All you need to do is keep looking like that." he winked as he kissed him again. He really loved Jet; it was an amazing feeling. He smirked, "i know what's on your mind," he teased, "But we need to unpack the food," so it didnt go bad, it was already pushing it being in the cooler so long. He got up from the couch with another kiss and smacked Jets, "you just wait, no here but is." he was excited for the weekend away. As much as he loved all the kids, it was going to be nice to have alone time with no worry of someone coming in or calling at the last moment. "Unpack then... " he winked, having to kiss him again. "Warm up before the hike," he teased as he grabbed the bag of food to unpack. @jeffersontcooper
"Yeah, yeah." Jet laughed, though a moment later, hoisted himself off the couch to move towards the cooler, beginning to unpack it. It was only as he began grabbing things that he looked up at his husband. "Did you leave anything for anyone at home?" he laughed, placing an assortment of things on the nearby counter, however, he appreciated that Tomas had literally thought of anything they could need. Two more handfuls, followed by two others, the cooler was unpacked and he stood up a little straighter, just in time to see his husband wink at him. "You know it doesn't take much for me to wa-" he paused. "Wait hiking?" he questioned, almost whining. "We're going hiking?" @tomasxcooper
