OUTBREAK: ZERO is a semi post-apocalyptic pandemic roleplay set in the fictional city of Lethford, USA. Current season: Winter, 20/21.
March 2020. The world is in pandemonium as one month ago, GHNv-20 was confirmed, five months after the beginning of norovirus season. The number of the infected are in the higher hundred thousands, and the death toll is at an estimated 250,000, with about seventy percent of the rest of the population experiencing mild to moderate illnesses connected to the S. pyogenes bacteria.
The fear of the unknown has caused mass hysteria and panic.
In an attempt to provide a semblance of safety and control, military personnel patrol the streets, even here in Lethford City, and the police force is trying to keep up with the rising street violence, assault, and theft.
Welcome to OUTBREAK: zero. Will you survive?
HAYANA
SITE OWNER + HEAD ADMINISTRATOR
Hi! I'm Haya. I'm pretty much your girl for everything! If you have any questions regarding our plot, membergroups, etc. don't hesitate to ask me. I'm also in charge of coding, graphics, anything skin related, and advertising/affiliates.
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ADDI
ADMINISTRATOR
Hey! I'm Addi. Hit me up if you need help with anything. I'm always for plotting so don't be shy. I like coffee, booze, and working out. I'm back from a long hiatus the dead so if you need anything, best ask the others until I get back into the groove of things!
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FINNLEY
GLOBAL MODERATOR
Hi hello! My name is Finnley, or Finn, call whichever and I'll be there for you (yes like the FRIENDS theme song). I am in charge of the claims and helping with miscellaneous things. Let me know if you have any questions!
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outbreak
/ˈaʊtbreɪk/ zero /ˈzɪərəʊ/
a sudden occurrence of something unwelcome, such as war or disease. number, no quantity or number; nought; the figure 0.
Jasper wasn’t exactly thrilled with the second option place beside him. And he would have felt bad for thinking that there was something wrong with the woman sitting next to him, if it weren’t for the fact that something felt wrong with her sitting there. She was attractive, anyone could see that. Legs for days, clearly took care of herself, long brunette hair, and a pretty face that gave him the idea she normally had her drinks paid for by men and got her way by flashing a smile. He should have been fine with this option, and even a glance towards his buddy confirmed it as he got the thumbs up from him.
She was happy to carry on the conversation almost by herself. Chatting away about herself and he was pretty sure she mentioned a small lap dog. He had half of his manners in check to ask the dogs name and catch it before he was zoning out again. Blue eyes glancing towards where Ezra and her new play mate over at the pool table. At the clearing of a throat, he shifted towards Amber, her eyes slightly annoyed but she put on a fake smile and leaned into him, touching his arm as she did so and continuing with her story. He hadn’t really heard half of it when movement caught the corner of his eye.
He shifted in time to see Charles hand pulling on Ezra way too roughly. Which meant two things happened very quickly. Jasper removed the woman’s hand from his arm as he got out of his seat and he was across the bar in a matter of seconds. His long gate had him behind Charles in a few seconds and as he heard the small plea from Ezra, his large hand clamped on the back of the man’s neck as he yoked him back. Putting some distance between his girl and this clearly piece of garbage human being. Charles hand released Ezra as his hands came back to grab Jasper’s wrist in surprise. And then Jasper was a human barrier between the two. His large body blocking Ezra from Charles view.
“You do NOT put your hands on her, do you understand me?” He snarled, deep voice low and deadly. Suddenly, there was a lot of movement happening around him. His friend was shoving himself between Charles and Jasper, trying to put space between them as some bar staff seemed to get it together and put more space between the two. They seemed to be doing it more for Charles than Jasper, judging by the way they were telling Charles that he had to leave. Jasper knew he had done nothing wrong. He came up and removed the problem quickly and even though he wanted to throw the man down on the floor and pummel him, he knew that wouldn’t go over well. “Easy Jas, lets take a breather.” His buddy warned him. Which earned a small rolling of his eyes before he was turning back to the small blonde.
“Are you okay?” He asked her, not reaching out just yet to touch her because he didn’t want to push boundaries with her. Instead he looked down at her, then glanced at the door that Charles had disappeared out of. “You want to get out of here?” He asked her. “The impala is outside.” And he’d gladly take her away from here.
He caught her looking to him occasionally. Though he prided himself in the fact that he had seen the looks from the corner of his eyes, while he was trying very hard to not just stare at the two. To observe every little interaction they had. To see if she was interested in whatever was falling out of that mans mouth. To see if it captured her attention and made her light up like he had done for her before. But from what he could tell, in the corner of his eye looks, she seemed just as disconnected from her company as he was from his. He was glad to see his buddy stalk off after the second beer, his eyes clearly locking onto his target and finding himself a pretty little thing to go sweet talk.
Jasper wasn't offended by any means, and even gave him a clap to the shoulder as his friend left. He was quite content where he was. Watching with a small amused smile as Ezra seemed quite detached from whatever Charles was sending her way. That was, until suddenly her blonde hair whipped to look at the man and they seemed to come to some sort of agreement. Both of them were out of their seats and moving. Which is when Jasper turned his head completely towards them to watch where they were going. Of course, the pool tables. It was like almost asking a girl to go putt putt golfing and 'show' her how to properly hit the ball. He could already picture that line being used or the move happening.
He released the long neck from his hand because he felt his grip tighten and really didn't want to be breaking bottles in the bar. Pretty sure that was an immediate get out. So he watched as the balls were set up on the table and then, as sure as he was six foot seven, the man made a move to pull up behind Ezra. Jasper was half way out of his seat when the pool stick was rammed into Charles stomach and a small chuckle left his lips. 'That's my girl,' he thought to himself. Whether they were an item or not, Jasper liked her. It was clear for all to see. And then the game seemed to be on. And she didn't seem to be hating it. A small jealous monster grew in him. Watching her clearly winning the round of pool. But sometimes was said to her that made her face light up. Her attention clearly grabbed and she seemed to look at him like how she looked at Jasper sometimes. Wide eyes with wonderment.
And that's when someone clearing their throat caught his attention. He twisted in his seat and would you look at that? The leggy brunette from earlier had found her sea legs and had crossed the bar. 'Hi, I'm Amber.' She said, leaning against the bar as if to show off her body just a bit without actually waving a flag for him to look her over. He was a man, of course his gaze flickered down her and then back up. "Jasper." He responded, his blue eyes quickly moved to see Ezra one more time before he reminded himself that they were not together. She owed him nothing. He owed her nothing. "What are you having?" He asked, nodding towards her empty glass in front of her.
She let out a small giggle and smiled brightly at him, slipping into the empty seat that his friend had once sat in. Placing her order with the bartender before she turns her attention back to him. And small, flirty talk started. Amber was quite pretty and she seemed to hold a decent conversation, though Jasper found that he was not really interested in the story she was currently telling. But he kept his attention to her, at least he had some manners to make it seem like he was interested. And she was giving all the signs that she was definitely interested in him. Even asking the general 'how tall are you' questions and wowing him when he answered.
If Ezra could have a flirty date, why couldn't he?
His name leaving her lips made something stir inside of him. Watching her smile grow on her face as she turned towards him and looked up at him. He still towered over her, which wasn’t anything new for anyone near him. Jasper was a mountain. He would be for the rest of his life. So as he stared down at her, he also knew that his friend who had made a home at the other side of the bar, knew exactly where his friend had wondered off to. Even with her little retort back to him, he gave her a ‘oh really’ look. Because lets be honest, which one of them looked like they belonged there more? Little blonde in her pretty teal dress or giant bearded man with a man bun?
“You don’t get to just skip around that question. But if you must know, I came out for a drink with a friend.” He answered her, gesturing to the man at the end of the bar. Who lifted a long neck in reply to the eyes that fell on him. His own hello from a distance. Jasper knew the guy well enough to know he wouldn’t be exactly upset if Jasper had ditched him. A pretty little thing would find the friend soon enough anyway. He was not a bad looking guy. And he had a nice way with words, for an idiot. Jasper watched her start to speak only to hear another voice cut in.
”'He bothering you baby?”
He hadn’t even heard the other man approach. His blue gaze leaving Ezra to turn to the man. The man who Jasper had by a head. Not that it mattered. He did a once over the man, feeling the aggressive ‘tough guy’ act rolling off of him. And suddenly his eyes were back on Ezra. The look that laid in his eyes clearly saying ‘really? This guy?’ Was she really on a date? In a bar like this? With a guy like that? Well color him shocked. He really thought that there was something between the two of them. But she was clearly making sure she had other options. His brows were still raised high on his forehead when she jumped in to awkwardly introduce the two.
“Ah - this is Jasper. Jasper, this is…”
”Charles.”
Even his name was dumb. Charles and Ezra? Sounded awful. But Jasper buried that little green seed of jealousy that seemed to sprout in his stomach. Letting the man put on the tough guy act and he gave him an amused smile. Ezra continued her little explanation here. So they weren’t on a date, but the man was clearly trying to get in good with her. A drink was handed her way and he stuck a hand out towards the other man. “So sorry to interrupt, Charles. The little blonde here is a friend of mine. Thought I’d come say hi. Didn’t realize she was with someone.” His eyes flickering to her for a moment. He’d be watching from afar. And even if he was a little hurt by this, he now knew where they stood.
“Excuse me.” He said, patting the back of Ezra’s chair before he slipped back to where his buddy was. ‘Damn Jasper, even I know you are better looking than that man.’ Which only made him chuckle lightly as he sat down, palming the long neck and taking a long drink. His eyes locked on the two for a moment. He’d be keeping an eye on them. This was not the kind of place that Ezra needed to be in. And not a place to pick up men either. He took another long pull from his drink before he looked away and scanned the rest of the bar himself. His eyes landing on a leggy brunette not too far away. Her dark eyes connected with his and he gave her a small smile before he looked back at his drink.
At least he had some options if he needed to find himself a distraction.
It had been some time since he had actually gotten to see the little firecracker known as Ezra. Even though they had been texting, and she had one stop by the auto shop, it wasn't enough. He would admit it. He wanted to see more of her. And yet he was reserved to just enjoying her wit and banter through the phone. Through technology. It wasn't the same. He wanted to hear her laugh or her scoff at him. Even her short trip to pick up her now fixed bike had been way too short. And both seemed to control themselves from making any moves.
Jasper had truly thought about breaking something else in her bike so she would have an excuse to come around. To be around longer. But that would just make him look like a damn idiot and he chose pride over pathetic. And then that was it. She road off and ever since then, its been texting here and there. Nothing grand. It put a major damper on his mood for a few days. And one of his friends had decided that enough was enough. 'Let's go get some drinks'. That was the text that had him pulling up to Lux. One of the only places that was actually still open and allowing outsiders in.
He sat out front, waiting for his friend to pull up before the two made their way into the bar. Jasper was not someone to miss. Standing at six foot seven inches in height and built like a damn fridge, he drew attention when he entered a place. But he was used to it. The looks and stares were not anything new. So he moved through the place with ease, not far behind his friend who seemed to already know where he was bringing the two of them.
However, on his way to the open two seats, blonde curls caught his attention. His own dirty blonde hair was pulled back in a high, messy bun. He caught her profile and immediately knew who it was. Ezra. A small smile fell to his lips as he changed direction, giving his friend a 'one moment' hand gesture as he walked up behind her seat and grabbed the back of it. "Fancy seeing you here." He started, his voice deep as he stood directly behind her seat. Even though she wasn't facing him, he knew that the teal dress was flattering on her.
And then it actually set in his mind, where exactly they were. His brows furrowed lightly and he glanced around them. No one else seemed to be with her. "What are you doing here?"
Jasper was thoroughly entertained by Ezra for the rest of their breakfast sharing. Between the rest of the food, to the ride back to his shop. He slammed the pedal to the metal when they hit the flat road again. Wanting to watch her light up once more as they flew down the blacktop. He even made sure to bring her home, though stayed within his car upon her being insistent that he didn't come up. He gave her a light shrug but listened to her anyway. He had to get back to the shop and start work once again.
They did talk about her motorcycle and he promised to text her as soon as he finished up the repairs. So that way she could actually have a functioning fun vehicle once more. He wanted to drag out their time together a bit more, but found that life needed to move on for them both. At least for the time being. So he made a promise to bother her until he saw her next with text messages and meme's and perhaps a phone call or two.
“Easy to forget they exist when your main mode of transportation is a motorcycle.”
The look that fell across his face said ‘I’m not convinced’. Because there were huge differences. And one doesn’t just simply forget. At least, thats not how he saw it. But he also didn’t drive a motorcycle on the regular so maybe it was easy to forget. “Well a lesson learned for next time. Unless you need an excuse to come press yourself against me.” He further teased. She had yet to tell him to back off. So here he was, shamelessly flirting with her.
“We’ll see.”
Jasper knew what he needed to do after this. When he was home by himself and didn’t have to worry about her peaking over his shoulder. He already had to make it up to her for being an ass the first time they had met and he shot down the idea of the car. Now, it was a light tease. But he still felt that tug of guilt that he had possibly made her feel bad. And that was not what he wanted to do to her. So he had a plan already in his mind. And if she didn’t want it, it would still be a good project for himself. Especially with some of the free time he found himself having lately due to the pandemic.
The blush was worth every second that he was in her personal space. Every. Single. Second. A smug smirk fell to him as he exited the car as quickly as he could without being clumsy or looking a fool. He felt the smugness growing in him as he laid the food out and he felt himself laughing lightly as she slid out of his car. Her face was humorous to him and he watched her in amusement. He knew he was in trouble in a way. Could tell from the way she was biting back that smile that was threatening to come out. But it was worth it.
“I’m getting out because you took the food, not because you told me to.”
“Whatever helps you sleep better at night, princess.” He retorted, busying himself still with laying out the spread he had gotten them. He shot her a grin as she asked where his food was. If she wanted more, he would gladly go get more once they polished this off. He didn’t mind. He was a eater himself, always able to somehow put more food away at any given time. He reached over and snagged a pancake off the top of the stack and viciously bit into it. Giving her a small wink as he did so.
He was glad that she seemed somewhat pleased with the spread. And honestly, he wasn’t much of a syrup guy. So the already buttered pancakes were going to make good finger food in his opinion. Jasper smiled over at her. “If this isn’t enough, we can go get more. But I have a feeling you will be more filled up if you have some pancakes,” He paused then and snagged a breakfast sausage and plopped it into his mouth. He chewed and pointed at the box with the bacon and sausage. “And some of that too. Unless you are a vegetarian?” Honestly he had never eaten with her before. So that could be a possibility that he hadn’t really considered.
"Criminal. But of course you’d be the guy you feel safe with holding your drink.”
Jasper chuckled lightly. He was a big man. Had shot up as a teenager. He was the gentle giant that most of the girls felt comfortable around. And that was quite okay with him. “Not a lot of guys mess with girls when they stand next to me. Not quite sure why. I am not that intimidating, am I?” He joked before she continued on. Oh, so she was the one making plans for the future now? A pleased look spread over his face as he glanced at her from the side. He would not disappoint her. If that’s what she wanted to do when this was all over, he would gladly take her to a concert that had a mosh pit. Though he’d probably do what he had always done. Stand behind her and look intimidating to anyone who thought about getting rough with her.
“Flattery will get you nowhere, Casanova.”
Well that name has come up a few times. And he laughed a bit as he shot out an idea to her. “Normally people just go with Fabio because of the luscious locks.” A wink followed that. But he had to laugh for a moment. “Besides, the flattery has gotten me this far with you...” his voice was a bit more quiet on this statement, but it was still true. He had made it this far. She had yet to ask him to bring her home or tell him to cool it and draw a line for him. Ezra had met him every step of the way, head on. Her flirting right there with him, and she kissed him like she wanted him to do it a while ago.
His hand laid between them on the seat casually, and he took no offense to her not taking it. It was for her to decide anyway, and he wasn’t pushing it. Though as he drove fast, and took the turn a bit too fast, he grinned at the fact that she slid into him. He reached out the hand that had been between them and grasped her knee on instinct, wanting to help steady her as she laughed. He gave her a small squeeze above the knee before he took his hand away from her just as she slid back into the space she should have been. Though he might have noticed she chose to stick a little closer than she had been. “And that, little one, is why we were seat belts.” He teased. Jasper’s blue eyes shinning with mischief as he looked over at her.
Only for her her pop up and look behind him. Whoops. He had forgotten all about the food back there. The moment she challenged him and wanted him to hit the gas, he couldn’t help but forget about everything else that wasn’t her. So he was glad when she seemed pleased with whatever she found back there. He hoped nothing fell out. Syrup in carpet would be a pain in the rear to clean out of the back of his car. Not that it really mattered. Her smile had been worth it all.
“Alright, fine. She's both gorgeous and fast as hell.”
Jasper was slowing them down to pull off to the side of the road when that comment came out, the engine slowing down its purring. A chuckle left him as he slipped the car into park and he looked over at her. “Not quite as gorgeous as you, but she’s a close contender.” He teased her, twisting over the seat and snagging the bag of food to pull forward. And then she said she could still beat him in a race. “Little one, there is no way in hell you would beat this girl in a race. Challenger or no.” He said confidently as he killed the engine.
He had a flash of her face when he had gone for the mask in the glovebox and suddenly really wanted to see her face look at him like that again. So he scooted slightly towards her and leaned over, so his face was really close to hers as his long arm reached around her and opened her door. “Now, be a good girl and get out so we can get your stomach to stop growling.” He said in a low deep voice, a smirk on him as he leaned back and snagged the bag of food, quickly getting out of the car so she wouldn’t have a chance to yell at him from the seat. He put the food on the hood and started laying out the spread he had grabbed.
A container that held a large stack of pancakes, another one that had freshly cut up fruit, another one with a good mix of bacon and sausage and hash browns inside. While the last one held packets of syrup, sugar, and the cutlery. “Bon appetit!” He said proudly, gesturing largely to the hearty spread. Proud of himself.
"I mean, that hair? If you haven’t been in at least one mosh pit, it’s practically criminal."
Jasper looked over at her and burst into laughter. After all the years of having long hair and all the things that had been said to him, this one, he had not heard before. And of course it would come from his little blonde firecracker. He shook his head, laughing at the comment still. "Sorry to disappoint you, but I have not been in a mosh pit." Which wasn't a lie. He had not gone into one. Didn't mean he wasn't around one. "I was more the intimidating mountain that stood behind the girls in our friend group so that way they were safe to enjoy the music." He commented. When ones shoulders are at the tops of heads, people think twice about messing with the people around them.
"But if you are asking about my taste in music, I enjoy almost all rock from the 80's to the mid-2000's. After there, it got really questionable." He said, still chuckling lightly at the criminal idea. He was a rebel after all, so it was fitting for him really. He was in and out of the restaurant before he prompted her with the options that he had laid out for her. Three was a good amount of choices. She picked mountain side, and the moment she did he put the car into gear and got them moving towards the state road that would lead them there.
"Though I have to admit I’m surprised you’d let someone on the hood of your car."
He raised both shoulders as he drove, both hands lightly gripping the steering wheel as he did. "Only special girls get to do that. Besides, perk of working in a shop? If you mess up my lady," his right hand reached forward and ran across the top of the dashboard, "I know how to fix her back up." He dropped the hand onto the seat between them. He wanted to reach out and place it on her knee. Touch her somehow. But instead, he let it lay between them. If she wanted, she could reach out to him. But he had a feeling she would not.
As they drove and the next song popped through, he found himself also nodding along to it. Enjoying the lightness of the music and feeling the engine rumbling the car as they drove along. His eyes glanced over at her as she was enjoying the music. Right before she turned her question onto him.
"Weren’t you the one talking about how this girl’s supposedly very fast?"
Jasper sent over an impish grin. It was there for only two seconds before he pressed the pedal down and let the Impala open up. Roaring to life and propelling them faster down the straight road. He kept his eyes on the road, though at one point, he did find himself looking over to her to see her reaction. He assumed he would find a large grin on her face. She drove a motorcycle for a reason. And it wasn't because it was the safest vehicle to get her from point A to point B. No, it was built for speed. Just like the Impala was.
He slowed down as they neared their turn off, just enough that he wouldn't flip the car but the momentum could send Ezra sliding across the seat to be closer to him. Maybe he did that on purpose. Maybe he didn't, but he wouldn't say anything as he sent a smirk her way.
Jasper sat in his car patiently. He wasn’t in a rush for her clothes to get dry, or her to ready herself. No, this time with some distance between him would be used to remind himself to keep his hands in check. His hands and lips apparently. And his feet for bringing him down those stairs to her as quick as they did. Though she had laughed about laundry and how she’d most likely do it more if she got that kind of reward, he still was pushing it. She had just gone through something traumatic, the bruises that laid on her skin were a harsh reminder. It should have stopped him in his tracks when he saw them. Should have been the ‘stop’ sign that reminded him to relax.
But instead, all he could picture was the way she folded into him the night before. When she cried into his chest and he carried her up to his room. The way that she let him care for her, which reminded him he really needed to check on her hand. That was a deep gash and his little field patch job might not have been the best thing for it. Though his might then again went to the way she curled around him when he woke her up from the nightmare she had. And the way that she silently asked him to not leave her, the way her hand lingered on his. And then the way she fell asleep in his arms. There was something there. Clearly. And meanwhile he was trying to get his mind to stop. Thinking. About. Her. Like. That.
He was snapped out of his mental lecturing of himself when she slid into the passenger side of the car. He glanced over at her, unable to help himself as she admired the inside of the car. Her statement on the car had him smile a little, placing his arm across the back of the seats so he could twist and back them out of the garage. “Glad we can agree on that.” He said with a deep chuckle. He stopped just outside the garage to get out and close it back up before he was back in the drivers seat and they were headed down the road. They drove in silence for a few moments, just the purr of the engine filling the space in the car. He wasn’t sure what to say to her after kissing her. Because he wanted to ask her if she’d let him do it again, not now, but eventually. And that wasn’t a topic he wanted to talk on currently.
He saw her go for his aux cord from the corner of his blue eyes. Part of him wanted to protest. This was never a good idea. Music was a touchy subject. And he didn’t want his image of her ruined so quickly. Most would be throwing on some random top 100’s hits that he just couldn’t wrap his mind around. It wasn’t all bad. But it was questionable now a days. But she seemed thrilled with herself as he peaked at her. She relaxed into her seat, as if she had been holding her breath since they left his shop. Okay, maybe it wasn’t so bad to have her pick the music. Especially when it was an old hit that, while overplayed, he still found himself enjoying.
“Tell me you play music while you work.”
He found himself smirking lightly as he made a turn. They weren’t too far now from their pick up destination. “What kind of shop doesn’t play music?” He teased lightly, giving her a wink before his eyes were back on the road. “And as of lately, the music has improved if anything in the shop. Less opinions.” Of course, he was referring to the fact that he was the only one who worked now. So he didn’t have to deal with the bickering of who had control over what station or playlist they listened to that hour. That had been a nice thing of the empty shop that Jasper got to appreciate. Though, he would take all the bad music to see his adoptive family. He truly missed them.
As they pulled more into city streets, he finally pulled the car to the side of the road. He flashed a toothy grin to the woman beside him as he leaned over, invading her space as he reached for the glovebox. He popped it open, and snagged a mask from inside before he closed it and secured it over his ears. “Hang here, I’ll go get the food.” He told her softly before getting out of the car. He was a sight to be seen as he entered the front of the restaurant. And easily recognizable to those who knew him. He was definitely a head above the others and his wild mane of blonde hair, even when pulled back, was another give away for Jasper. Which is why he was a rebel that offered sanctuary, and was not fighting with the masses.
As he entered, he greeted the familiar family who ran the place. They already had everything packaged up for him, and as he took the bags, they offered up disposable cutlery. He hesitated for a moment. He had stuff back at the garage, but this just gave him another idea. He smiled, though it was hidden by his mask as he nodded his head. Once the plastic plates and cutlery were in the bag with the several different containers of food, he looked more like he was feeding a small army over just himself and the blonde waiting for him in his car. As he approached, he put the food in the back of the car on the floor, so it wouldn’t slide as much. “Back to the garage? Or should I bring you home and we can eat there?” He offered. At least if he brought her home, she could be at ease and get out of her still damp clothes. He knew they didn’t go through the dryer for them to be completely dry.
“Or option three, we can go park on the mountain side and eat on the hood.” He turned his face towards her, slipping the mask off his face.
Jasper felt relief wash over him when she moved into the kiss with him. He wasn’t sure how he would have reacted if she responded negatively. But as she wrapped her arms around him and leaned up, he was glad. He didn’t want to over do it, he wanted just enough of her to ease the desire to kiss her. Because honestly it would have probably made his skin tight by the end of their breakfast run. And that was the last thing either of them needed. As she pulled back, he slowly let her go. That blush bright on her cheeks made him chuckle lightly, but it deepened more so at her words.
“That’s a great way to get a girl to do more laundry.”
He nodded his head. “I’ll keep that in mind for next time.” he joked. Though he almost wondered why he said those exact words. Next time? Why would he think there was a next time to even be talked about? He didn’t linger on it too much. Because if he let the silence space out after that, he was sure that she’d probably pick up on his awkwardness. And the last thing he wanted was for her to think he was feeling awkward after he kissed her. No way. That was incredible. “Now, about that breakfast.” He teased. “I’ll get the car started, you finish up with your clothes, and then we can go.” He stated, taking a few steps backward while still facing her while he spoke.
He was gone shortly after that, making his way into the actual garage and pulling the cover off the Impala. He ran a hand over the hood, almost greeting the car in a way. It was his first true love. The woman of his dreams. Well, almost. He got into the drivers seat shortly after and got the car up and purring, the sound echoing almost loudly off the walls of the garage as she rumbled. He jumped out to open the garage door, unlocking the few locks that held it in place and blinked hard as the morning light was bright. Almost blinding.
Once his eyes adjusted, he would find his way back into the car to wait on Ezra. She wouldn’t be driving, not now. He was saving that for another time. His eyes flashed over to her bike. He was waiting on one last part before he could potentially have hit ready for her to take back home. He wondered briefly if once she had it back in her possession, would that be the end of seeing her? He hoped not. Not after last night. Not after him showing her the safe space, something that he tried very hard to keep secret from people like her. Someone who could easily write a little piece on him and everything be ruined.
A slow grin spread on his face as she almost defensive told him she had not drooled on him. If she had, he hadn’t noticed. But he was enjoying the idea of having some kind of upper hand on her. Though the way her head tilted as she pressed further on the human torch comment, and the way her eyes narrowed in on his mouth had something stir inside him. Yeah, easy boy. No need to get overly excited on this. She was teasing him. And he needed to get a hold on himself.
At her comment on him being too nice, he laughed. He doubted that. He was caring but too nice? He didn’t let anyone walk all over him. She also didn’t know the aggressive side of him. He truly hoped she never had to see that side of him, but the more he saw of those bruises on her skin, he could only pray that never happened again. The moment anyone lay a hand on her in any sort of aggressive way and he was there? It’d be ugly. And he would break their hands to the point that they wouldn’t ever be able to use them properly again. And that was if someone pulled him off in time.
Then she had him stuttering. Casanova. He almost rolled his eyes at that. A chuckle sounding in his chest. “A ladies man through and through.” He joked back. The fleeting look of flirtation that she sent to him, had his heart jump to his throat. God, why was she so beautiful? And her words ran through his head several times before he could even think of some sort of a comeback, but she was already inside the bathroom. He blew out a breath, taking time to collect himself.
He found himself wanting to reach out to her as she fumbled with the edge of the shirt she was wearing. He wanted to drag her to him and kiss her. He felt like she was dropping signs left and right that she wouldn’t be offended if he did. And he wanted to. That was obvious to both parties, at least in his mind. But instead, she found the calendar. Embarrassing enough but he somehow had recovered and said what he did. He meant every word, and he loved the way she reacted. She was frozen for a moment as she held the calendar as if she was trying to place anything he was saying with the woman on that particular month. He couldn’t see it, but he bet that it didn’t match her at all.
And then away the calendar went. And her response was one that made his smirk grow. He liked that he was back to having the upper hand in this situation. Watching that blush creep across her skin though she seemed to be having an internal battle at the same time. In his mind, he encouraged her to come forward. And yet the buzzer went off and seemed to break the spell the two had between them. He glanced back towards the door where she’d eventually find her escape from the tense air. Jasper letting out a juicy curse after she disappeared. His hands running over his face as he tried to snap himself out of it. Could he?
His body was moving before he could even get it together in his mind what was happening. He was out the door she had hurried out of and took the steps two at a time. Which wasn’t a great deal considering his stride was longer than most. He spotted her leaning against the machines. His stride had him move fast, and he was behind her in an instant. His hands would reach out to gently turn her, and if she allowed him, he would move his hands into her hair and pull her in for a kiss. Something he wanted to do for a while now.
He found a true laugh leave him at her first little quip of the morning. Ah, she must be awake now. Ready to kick ass and take names already, and her sights seemed set on a man by the name of Jasper Covington. He shook his head. “The human torch. I rather like that. And you seemed to rather like the human torch last night, all snuggled in close and drooling on my chest.” He raised a brow at her, the faintest of smile on his face. Was he joking about that? Hm, guess he’d have to let her figure that out on her own. He wasn’t going to fill in the blank.
Jasper wasn’t going to fight her on swapping out her clothes. She seemed more like the Ezra he had known before. Like the crying and him holding her last night had recharged her normal self somehow. He gave her a small nod, though he couldn’t help but add on, “I don’t mind.” Just in case. It was an added thing to say because he didn’t want her to thing that he looked at her like she was some burden to him. That was starting to feel like the furthest from the truth.
As he started his blubbering mess, he didn’t fail to see her trying to hold back a laugh at his expense. A chuckle escaped her but at least it wasn’t an outright laugh. He was glad for the small reprieve that the trip to the bathroom had given him, but Ezra clearly had other plans once he emerged. No matter how nice his gesture was. “Maybe I do.” He tossed back at the female visitors comment. Now, he definitely saw more rebel females come to his place for shelter than the heat of his bed. Actually a lot more. But that was a small detail that he didn’t want to even dive into with Ezra. He might have been a flirt at times, but he was also a bit of a gentleman, if she hadn’t noticed. “But I don’t kiss and tell.”
“Do they also get to go on rides?”
Now she was pushing it. That trip into the bathroom had thankfully given him time to slap himself. No more redness was to bubble up under his skin. He leaned forward, his elbows pressing into his knees as he tilted his head at her with a look of amusement. “Only if they ask nicely. So you are lucky I offered it first.” He commented back, noting the flush of heat that exploded under his skin and in his lungs as she smiled largely at him. ‘Take you up on the ride’. As the door was shutting, he murmured out a comment that he had told her before: “Be careful little one.” Because now she was treading into dangerous territory. For them both.
As she went about her business, he stood up and busied himself with getting socks and his boots on. Casually checking through his phone though there wasn’t much to see. Lots of political arguments on social media, he did look up the article on the water bottles as a caution. He hadn’t heard about it, but it was good stuff to know. It was a popular brand and he actually had a few cases stocked up. And he just hoped to god that it wasn’t any of the ones people during the raids had drank. He did not want to be the cause of that. Though judging by the date, he couldn’t have known that either. As it was announced after it anyway.
When the door reopened, and she waltzed out of it, his eyes traveled over her. His shirt came to about mid thigh on her. Covering her well yet giving him plenty of leg to look over. He was back to sitting on the end of his bed, though he had made it since she had last seen it. “I like you in that shirt.” His deep voice commented, maybe he would tell her the dryer was broken just to see her run around in it for a bit longer. She didn’t have to get out of the car when they went to pick up the food, so he wouldn’t have to take away from their... drive. Just she could wait for him until they got back to the shop. But he also knew that wasn’t right of him either.
He wasn’t exactly sure what had caught her eye at first, watching as she crossed his room. He sat up a little bit and his blue gaze stayed on her. Only widening lightly as he realized what she was pulling free. Well then, he had truly forgotten about that thing. Clearly from the way it was half fallen behind things.
“Any comment on this one, sir?”
“Gag gift.” He said quickly, which wasn’t a lie. It was something he had been given as a gift last holiday. Something about helping him find the right woman or something. Which clearly, that wasn’t quite his type. “They weren’t my type though. So I actually forgot that was there.” He tried to sound casual as he watched her. It was even was on the wrong month, which he was damn glad for. “I like my woman with an attitude,” He started, watching her extremely closely at this point as he leaned back a little on his bed. “Blonde hair, lots of it. Tough as nails. Legs for days...” He let his eyes run down her legs before he moved back to her face. “And isn’t afraid to put me in my place.” AKA; her.
Jasper had rounded the top of the stairs when movement caught his eye. He looked up in time to see Ezra, in all the glory of her morning wake up. She looked so small in his bed, he knew it was larger than normal, but so was he. But she looked comfortable, small, and dear lord it hurt his head how good she looked in his shirt. Her hair a blonde little mess, messy from sleep and yet somehow she looked as beautiful as she did the first day he saw her. Except, he really didn't like the look of those bruises now that hte lights were on. It didn't take away from her, but it certainly made an angry stir back up inside of him knowing someone had wrapped their hands around her delicate throat.
"Morning."
That was enough to snap him out of it, a gentle smile falling onto his bearded face. "Good mornin'," He returned, walking over to his dresser and pulling out some fresh clothes for himself. A simple pair of jeans and a navy henley that fit him well, as well as a fresh pair of underwear. He folded it up under his arm as he turned to face her once more. She asked how he had slept, and he gave a light shrug of his shoulder. "Well enough. You are quite the blanket hog." He teased. She hadn't hogged the covers at all. No, she seemed rather content with the warmth he gave off as it was, and laid in his arms. But it would still be fun to tease her more than anything else.
He pointed a finger over his shoulder towards where the washer would be if it was upstairs and in sight. "I have your stuff on quick wash, should be done soon and I can switch it to the dryer." He explained, his blue eyes still glued to her. Why did she look so good in his bed? He tried not to think about that thought as his feet slowly brought him over to his bathroom. He tossed down his clothes on the sink and then turned back to her, his shoulders filling the doorway and he had to duck his head slightly to not hit the top of the door frame. "I ordered us some breakfast to pick up. I figured I'd take you for a ride."
Suddenly, his face dropped as he realized that could have sounded wrong. "No, you could take a ride... in my impala... like you sit in the passenger side and I'll drive us to pick up the food. Or you can stay here while I go get it. That's up to you." What the hell just fell out of his mouth? Before he further embarrassed himself, he ducked back into the bathroom and shut the door. Dear lord, that was embarrassing. And as he looked up in the mirror, he saw the lightest red blooming under his beard. Oh great. That was just fantastic. He changed into his clothes and washed his face and did his usual morning routine. Deodorant, brush teeth, brush hair to only pull it back into a messy bun. He ducked down and looked under his sink for the usual supplies he kept in there.
By the time he opened the door again, his face was no longer red. He gestured to the bathroom with a nod of his head. "There is a fresh toothbrush on the counter there for you, if you'd like. And a small travel size ladies supplies." He had to be prepared for whoever came to his safe place. If she chose to go into the bathroom, she'd find a packaged toothbrush unopened, with a small bag of floss, lady supplies, and even a travel-sized mouthwash and deodorant. He went and sat on his bed, turning eyes to her once more.
He laughed at her little remark back to him. Military brat. Maybe that’s why he liked her so much. She was sharp and quick to put him in his place, like a stern officer to his squad. It made him want to stand up straighter and say ‘yes ma’am’ and salute her. Though, all in good fun that is. “Easy tiger. Let’s get your hand healed up and then maybe I’ll take you up on those moves. I’d love to see you try and move me around.” He laughed. Of course that was a taunt at how small she was compared to him.
Many guys sought him out when they wanted to fight. They wanted the biggest, meanest looking guy. And what better than a man who stood six foot seven, weighed over two hundred pounds of solid strength, and had long hair that made him look like a lumberjack? Yeah his sheer size got him a lot of attention. Good. Bad. Ugly. Sometimes nice attention from the ladies as well.
As he settled back into the bed, watching as she went for the water. Sure, she didn’t want water. Though it took him a moment to realize she wasn’t drinking it, she was looking at it. The bottle making soft sounds as she turned it over in her hand. And he swore he watched the color drain from her face as she said his name. His brows pulled together in confusion as she looked at him. Blue eyes looking between the bottle of water and her. What was the big deal? Did that brand offend her in some way?
Her tone was what really caught him off guard. She sounded serious, as if he just told her that he was sick with the virus and hadn’t bothered to warn her. She kept examining the bottle which is where his voice finally sounded. “Why are you so serious about it? It’s just a bottle of water... if you don’t like that brand I can get you a glass of tap water...” He offered, almost sounding as if he thought she was crazy. Or just super picky.
As she mentioned it wasn’t from the same batch, that had his brows pull together more in confusion. The same batch? What in the world did that mean? “Batch? What are you talking about?” He sat up as she got herself out of his bed and made her way over to the fridge. He watched as she started dumping the water into the trash and he made a small groan of annoyance. Though she offered to buy him more water. “Besides the point...” But he didn’t linger on it much as she crawled back into the bed with him.
Ezra scooted in close to him and he instinctively shifted as she settled against him, his arm tucking her closer. Letting her head rest against the soft spot between his shoulder and peck. As she murmured goodnight to him, he ran a hand up and down her arm lightly, lulling her to sleep. “Good night little one.” He said softly as he waited until her breathing evened out and her body relaxed. He took a few moments to just soak up the way she felt against him and might have felt how nicely she fit against him. But soon, the heaviness of his own lids would coax him to close his eyes and fall asleep beside her.
Jasper woke when he heard his overhead fan start back up, and the very faint noise of the washing machine starting up. He was warm, which wasn’t anything new. But what was a new feeling was the fact that he was wrapped around that warmth. He opened his eyes to get lost in blonde hair and tightened his arms lightly, pulling the figure slightly more to him. Ezra. Her back to his chest, sure that they had shifted at some point at night. He yawned lightly, and took a few moments to just enjoy the moment before he slowly slipped out of bed. Trying his best to escape without waking her. She needed rest.
He made his way down to the office, checking the cameras that they were all back up and running and checking his phone. He got an idea, and after checking the time, he went through an app and made an order for a local place that wasn’t too far away. Breakfast was always a good idea. With an array of options, he chose a couple different things and set the pick up time for about an hour later, which would give plenty of time for her clothes in the quick wash and dryer. He slowly made his way back up the stairs to his room as he finished the check out process for the order.
He laughed lightly, his fingers lightly poking her in the ribs as he did so. He liked that she seemed to ease up. He was glad that his light joke was taken he right way and she wasn’t offended by him saying that. “I’ll hold you to that, little one. Or else I’ll be forced to show you how to pack a proper punch.” He pushed further. This was easy territory. At least for now. He wasn’t going to play therapist and force her to talk to him. Not while they were somehow building a strange trust between them.
He watched her for a moment when she sternly told him she was going to be inspecting him when she could see again. He nodded lightly and then shrugged his shoulders at her. “If that’ll put your mind at ease, then you can do that first thing when you wake up.” It was kind of cute that she was worried over him. That she had caused some major damage that was going to be nonreversible.
As he asked her about the water, and looked down at her from his side, he studied her for a moment in silence. Several emotions seemed to run through her eyes as she reached out and grasped his hand. It was small and warm, but it almost sent a bolt of lightening through him at the connection. She had a strong grip on him, as if she was going to be torn out of the bed by some unforeseen beast the moment he left the pillow top. It was enough to still his movements as he waited for her to say something. To say anything to him. His eyes flickered to her lips as he saw a small movement, her tongue. He briefly felt the urge to lean forward and kiss her, but he beat that back quickly as she finally seemed to find some words for him.
“I don’t want water.”
Fair enough, but her grip tightened on him. She wasn’t going to actually ask him to stay. He could see that now. But she wanted him to. All the signs were flickering around her in bright neon lights, ‘please stay’, ‘don’t leave’, ‘come back’. His hair was loose around his shoulders and he dragged his free hand through the blonde locks. Well, he really didn’t like the idea of returning to that couch either. He’d be too far from her if she did have another nightmare. Not to mention he was sure that his back or hips would be messed up come morning if he continued down there.
“I’ll be right back.” He told her lightly, his voice deep in his chest. Jasper squeezed her hand for a moment, then got up, disappearing to the corner of his room and grabbing two water bottles from a mini fridge that was under a lap. He went over to the bathroom and shut the door, using the bathroom quickly and washing his hands before he took a deep breath and re-entered the room. He paused briefly to turn on the battery operated fan, knowing that the moment he got under the covers with her, he’d probably turn into a furnace when he fell asleep. He came back to the bed, lifting the sheet and slipping back under.
“Come here, let’s get some sleep.” He offered her the same spot against his side where he held her before. If she even wanted him to hold her until she fell asleep.
