It was raining. Big, fat, moist raindrops fell from the sky. It had been for the past days, matching Jason's mood. Ever since Florencia passed away—or should he say, got killed—he felt awful. The guilt was bordering on oppressive, and he spent his days sulking and grieving over it. After all, it was his fault and anyone who said otherwise was blind. If Florencia hadn't decided to help him, would Damian have done what he did? The answer was no.

Jason was to blame, and he suffered greatly. It seemed that whoever got close to him, whoever tried to help him, Damian executed. First Bumper, Jason was convinced that he'd slipped up and accidentally told him about Damian trying to assassinate him, and just days later Bumper ended up dead. After that there was Alexia's mom, who'd gone out of her way to visit him in freaking Boston, just to make up a plan, and where was she now?

Six feet under the ground.

Jason had seen how terribly Alexia had coped with her mom's passing. He, as the best, knew that their relationship was lacerated and purely civil, but it was still her mother. How can she not feel notoriously guilty, especially after the way she'd treated her mother over the past few years?

Now that he thought of it, what about her other siblings? Her brothers? Cat? Little Freddie? Especially him, poor guy. Five years old and already lost his mother.

What about her husband?

Remorse rushed through his body and he puffed out a tired breath. He couldn't imagine the pain he'd feel if Alexia was dead, it would tear him to pieces. Maybe he wouldn't even survive.

Seeing Alexia in so much pain was the final straw. He would not let her get hurt again, not on his watch. If it meant that he had to distance himself from her in order for her to remain safe, he would do so. Though it internally hurt him to be away from her, he knew that the further he stayed away, the safer she was. He would deal with it all if it meant that she was not going to die on his behalf.

He just wanted her life to go back to normal. Perhaps it was already impossible for his life to go back to the way it was, but that didn't mean that Alexia had to deteriorate as well. As she was puking all of her insides out days ago, Jason promised himself that he would do whatever it would take to stay away from her.

His clothes were entirely soaked, he was entirely soaked. His hair was plastered flat against his forehead, raindrops streaming down his face. Jason was shuddering, but not only because of the wetness seeping into his skin. It was mainly because of what he was about to do.

The house in front of him brought back so many nostalgic feelings he felt like he had to sit down to process it all. Despite the fact that it has only been a month since he's been home, it felt like ages.

He listened, but the house was noiseless. Which seemed weird—considering the fact that there was a five and a seven years old inside.

The thought of seeing his little brother and sister again excited him in spite of everything that had been going on. Although his stomach rolled into a tight, painful knot and his pulse fastened, he still knocked on the door. Without even as much as a warning, the door directly opened.

Seeing his father ripped the air completely from Jason's lungs and he fought the urge to both laugh and cry uncontrollably. Jeremy looked... okay. He looked tired, exhausted even, but the gratified expression on his face overpowered all of that.

"Jason," he breathed, his eyes wide but his smile wider. Jason nodded restlessly, his heart thumping against his chest rapidly. It had been a month.

"What are you waiting for, son? Come here!" Jeremy proclaimed, impatiently, opening his arms. Jason exhaled deeply, stepping inside the house. The recognizable smell of fresh baked pie and just home in general prickled him, and he couldn't suppress the smile on his face as he pulled his father into the long expected embrace.

Jeremy kept his arms around his son tightly, and Jason, as grown-up as he was, hoped his father wouldn't let him go anytime soon.

After a few moments, Jeremy let Jason go and he quickly walked past him to close the door. "The floor here is getting wet from the rain," he explained, never losing the genuine beam on his face.

Jason nodded in understanding.

He had thought about what he would do if he'd see his parents again. Truth to be told, every idea he'd had over the course of the past days flew out of the window now that he was actually here.

"So," Jeremy put a hand on Jason's shoulder, "you're soaked. How about you go upstairs, change into something dry, maybe shower?"

Jason nodded again, unable to speak.

"Your mother is asleep. The kids are both playing at their friends' houses, but they will be back soon." Jeremy seemed to be incapable of keeping his eyes off Jason, and Jason almost thought he'd spotted a tear in the corners of his eyes.

He took another deep breath, and Jeremy's smile fell. "You scared us, kid." His voice sounded distressed and pained, and Jason felt his heart sting culpably. He knew that his dad was not a man of words, nor was he a man that liked to show his emotions, so hearing him say this meant that, much to Jason's dismay, Jeremy and his wife had spent the month in fear for their son. Something Jason had prayed wasn't happening.

"I won't be long." Jason stressed, his throat closing. Jeremy simpered again and nodded, "Take your time."

Jason raced up the stairs. He was eager to leave the hallway, impotent to deal with his dad. He wasn't blaming him, but Jason simply didn't know how to act. He had imagined that he'd hurt his parents—but he didn't know they were that worried that even his dad failed to hide it.

He took his time looking at every photo on the wall. There were many, and up till now he had never bothered to really look at them. He used to see them on a daily basis after all, and by the time he'd gone to college, they were imprinted in his head.

But now, he had only been gone for a month and he was already hankering for the photo's. Of course he still remembered every single detail, but the photo's meant home, and that's what he was after.

The familiar picture of him, Jaxon and Jazmyn posing in front of the house send chills running up his spine, somehow longing for Jax and Jazmyn more than he had over the past weeks. The photo next to that one was one of his parents; both lovingly staring each other in the eyes. The one above the one of his parents was one of Jason, Chaz and Ryan, all three of them in graduation gowns, wide smiles and sparkly eyes overtaking their faces. It was from when they graduated high school, and it was the first time in a while that Jason had finally felt sincerely happy again.

Brackish, Jason continued making his way up the stairs. The all too known corridor leading to everyone's rooms caused him to abruptly halt. Most of the doors were opened, aside from two. The first one was his parent's room, and he guessed that the door was closed because his mom was asleep.

For a split second he contemplated going in there and waking her up, but he then pushed that thought aside and sped to the bathroom, ignoring the second closed door, which was his room.

It felt incredible to finally shower somewhere where he felt comfortable. His toothbrush was still on the sink, his shampoo was still in the same rack as everyone else's and his clothes were, along the other clothes, in the laundry basket as if he had never left. He showered for nearly twenty minutes, calming himself down completely before he escorted himself out of the bathroom, a towel hanging low on his hips.

He noticed that the door to his parents' room was now fully open, which meant that his mom was supposedly downstairs.

Jason gulped, walking in his own room.

Everything was practically the same as he left it. Dirty clothes in the corner, books spread on his desk and his bed unmade.

Without giving it a second thought, he quickly put on some clothes and scurried down the stairs, taking two steps at the time.

"Did my pie burn?"

"No, honey, listen—"

"Jeremy, nothing is more important than my pie. Did it burn, yes or no?"

Jason's heart sunk to his stomach as he heard his mother's voice. She sounded cheerless, fatigued and ultimately worn. It was exceptional to see Pattie unhappy, he (and everyone else) thought of her as the most joyful woman ever. Knowing that he was the reason for her melancholy, caused him to grit his teeth and lock his jaw. What kind of son was he?

"It didn't burn, Pattie."

There was a silence, followed by a loud exhale. "I'm sorry—I'm just so..."

"Shhh, I know sweetheart."

"Where is he?" the cry was enough to send Jason into overdrive. His heart shattered and he put a hand on the wall, leaning against it.

"That's what I've been trying to tell you.." Jeremy voiced blissfully, and Jason took that as his cue to open the door and walk in.

Pattie gasped, and it seemed like all the oxygen got sucked out of the room. In haze of raw, undeniable pain, she turned around upon hearing the sound of someone walking in, and when she saw it was Jason, her eyes widened. Panic set in Jason's body, filling his veins with fear-induced adrenaline. Albeit he'd just walked through the living room a few moments ago, he was now seeing it differently. Flashes of the fire shot through his head, making his knees shake as Alexia's distant cries for help entered his ears.

The living room was... empty. It had all the necessities; a couch, chairs, a television, a coffee table, but other than that there was no such thing proving that there were people living here. The walls and the ground seemed clean though, not like it was burned down just weeks ago.

Dread built in his chest and Jason heaved a sigh, forcing himself to knock it off.

"Oh my God, Jason?" Pattie had stumbled closer to him, a hand covering her mouth in disbelief. Warm tears rolled down her cheeks, her eyebrows furrowing together. Once again, Jason felt his heart shatter and he nodded reluctantly, mimicking his mother's actions by knitting his eyebrows together as well.

This was his mother, for God's sake, how can he not feel penance?

"Ma'," he murmured, wrapping his arms around his mother tightly. She leant her head against his chest, weeping against his shirt. She was tiny compared to him, not even reaching his shoulders.

Pattie sobbed, and Jason kept holding her. He was the reason for her sorrows.

"Where were you?" She cried, never unclasping her arms from around him. Jason gruffly hummed, kissing her on top of her head. "It doesn't matter now, ma'. I'll explain everything later."

"How can you just take off like that without telling anyone where you'd gone? I understand that you're an adult and all that, but you didn't come back for your birthday, you just disappeared."

"I know."

"And the fire! We were told you were in here! You must've been, no one else was home and the door was unlocked. Do you know how worried we were?"

Jason kissed her again, wincing as she mentioned the fire. "Calm down, ma'. I'll explain everything, I promise. I'll let you know exactly as much as you should know. For now, please, I'm home and I'm safe,"

Pattie looked up at him and nodded, standing on her toes so she could kiss his forehead. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

Unspoken words lingered in the air, but Jason discarded them all as he just stared at his wonderful mother, trying to compose herself. Her eyes were puffy and bloodshot, but her smile was from ear to ear as she wiped away all of her tears, incapable of hiding her happiness. She murmured a silent, "Thank you, God," before plopping down on the couch. Jason sat down next to her, somewhat feeling kooky towards the new couch.

"I'm going to pick up the kids." Jeremy stated, never changing the grin on his face. Pattie eagerly nodded, "Yeah, go do that. I bet they'll be thrilled to see Jason is back."

After he left, Pattie took a hold of Jason's hands. "What is wrong with you?"

Jason raised his eyebrows, "What?"

"I'm not stupid." Pattie conveyed, "I can see that this is not just some rebellious vacation you took. You look exhausted, you're extremely careful with what you say and you flinched when I touched your back. Show me your back."

"Ma'," Jason hissed, feeling like a total child. Pattie feverishly shook her head and pursed her lips into a straight line. "No, Jason. Show me your back."

So he did. Pattie rolled up his shirt and emitted a low wheeze, putting her fingers on his back carefully. He cowered, an unpleasant strain jolting throughout his back. She hesitated, but then continued touching his back. "Does it hurt?"

"Yes."

"This is huge." She murmured, barely touching his harmed skin. Jason merely nodded, "I know."

"Is it from the fire?"

"Yes." He whispered again, shutting his eyes.

Jason!

Jason!

Jason, please!

"It looks bad. Did you get it checked?"

"No, ma'." He grimly rolled down his shirt, turning around so he could face his mother again. Every time she mentioned the fire, he was reminded of how helpless he was, of how destitute Alexia was and of how close they both were to dying. It was a day he would rather forget, clearly.

Being here, in this living room, wasn't helping. Worry was evident on his mom's face, but he ignored it as he stood up and strolled towards the kitchen, Pattie hot on his heels.

"Where are you going?"

"I just want to sit here." Jason mumbled, taking a seat. Pattie aversely nodded and sat down as well, crossing her arms in front of her chest. There was a short silence, until he decided to speak up. It was unfair of him to keep her in the dark, so a little elaboration wouldn't hurt anybody.

"Mom, I need you to promise something before I tell you anything," he began, nervously fiddling with his fingers. She nodded, "Anything."

"You can't tell anyone I've been here. You, dad and Jax and Jazzy have to make sure that no one knows I've been here—no one should even know I'm alive. You can't say a word, not to Maria, not to anyone."

She frowned, "But, Maria is so worried about you, Jason..."

"I know that," he reasoned, "but you've got to promise me this. This is not only for my own safety, this is for everyone else's good as well." He looked at his mom, hoping she would understand, but when she just stared at him with a confused expression, he quickly added, "Please, ma'. Just trust me, I know what I'm saying."

"Okay," she evasively agreed, "I trust you." She didn't seem convinced, but a promise was all Jason needed.

"Just know that I can't give you the full story." He warned.

"What? Why?" Pattie looked exasperated. Her hands were up in the air, annoyance obviously clouding her mind. Jason swallowed, not wanting to upset his mother. He had to be honest with her, his mom didn't tolerate liars and he was sure that she would find out one way or another if he lied.

"Because," he emphasized, "this may sound stupid, but it's dangerous." His mom looked ready to protest, but Jason sternly held his hand up, "No, ma'. I will not let you or dad or anyone else get involved for that matter. This is my issue, and I will be the one to resolve it."

She sealed her lips, cocking her head, ordering him to talk. Jason did so, taking a deep breath before he started.

"Someone's after me," he said, ignoring the appalled look on her face, "I guess it's kind of my own fault. I knew what I was getting into, though I never expected it to be this bad," his thoughts slowly trailed off to Damian, realizing that if he had known how fucked up the guy was, he may have not gotten involved with Alexia.

Lies. Jason wouldn't have let that stop him.

"I need to hide so he can't harm me. It's just that... so far few people have met up with me, and the ones that did meet up with me ended up dead. I don't want to put you guys in a troublesome situation. You're my family, I can't do that." His voice cracked. Pattie stretched her arms over the table, taking his hands into her own. "Who's doing this to you, Jase?"

"I can't tell you," he muttered, squeezing his mother's hand.

"Why is he after you?" she tried, the shock clear on her face. Jason licked his lips, "That I can't tell you either."

"There's not much you can tell me, huh?"

"No," he croaked, becoming aware of this, "But you already know more than most people."

She nodded, averting her gaze to look through the kitchen window. "This has something to do with Alexia, doesn't it?"

Jason's pulse fastened and he gulped. How did she know? Had anyone told her? Did she find out herself?

Impossible, Jason thought.

"It does, doesn't it?"

He didn't reply, and Pattie didn't push him. They kept sitting in silence, both not wanting to break it. He drowned in his thoughts, dreaming of holding and kissing Alexia without being concerned over his or her safety, and Pattie did the same, longing for that moment where her son could come back without being in danger.

After ten minutes, the front door clicked and rapid footsteps echoed through the house, followed by the kitchen door bursting open and two children jumping Jason.

He smiled, wrapping his arms around Jazmyn and Jaxon.

"Jasieeeee!" Jazmyn yelled, her little arms sheathed tightly around his neck. Jason forgot the irking feeling in his gut as he was flooded with happiness and pure love, kissing his little sister long on her adorable chubby cheeks.

"I want too! Jaxie wants too!" Jaxon interfered, pushing his sister away so he could hug his big brother as well. Jason laughed loudly, burying his nose in Jaxon's neck as he sniffed and then pecked his forehead.

"Ow! Mommy, he pushed me away!" Jazmyn cried, her eyes watering. Pattie sighed, rubbing her daughter's shoulder.

"Come here, Jazzy." Jason chuckled, gathering Jaxon by his left side so he could hug Jazmyn with his right side. Jaxon stuck out his tongue, "Nooo! This is boys only!"

Jazmyn stomp footed back in Jason's arms, leaning her head against his chest. Jason looked at them adoringly. "You have to be nice for your big sister, Jax." He scolded.

Jazmyn grinned. "Yeah, little brother."

"I'm not little!" Jaxon screeched, clinging to Jason's arms.

Jason looked up, beaming. His parents looked back at him, both of them seeming to enjoy the hectic discussion between their two kids. Pattie's smile, however, faltered, and she turned around, exiting the kitchen.

-

"Please, be careful." Jeremy pleaded, his eyes sad.

Jason's eyes flickered from his father to the empty street, fear creeping over him as he anxiously stuffed his fists deep into his pockets. There was no doubt that just seconds ago there was a man hiding behind that bush across the street.

No doubt.

It had caused Jason to jump up, realizing how stupid it was to come here. He thought it would've been safe, that Damian would be clueless, but he should've known all along—Damian never was. Now that he'd endangered his family's life, he vowed to himself that he was not going to leave before he had made sure that they were protected.

What made this all worse was that the man hiding behind the bush was now nowhere to be found. Jason ran out of the house instantly when he noticed movements behind the bush, but it appeared that he'd fled before Jason could do anything.

This left Jason fearful for his parents' and his siblings' lives. His heart raced uncontrollably, not knowing what to do as he paced in front of the house's front door, his mind speeding to find a solution. He'd said good bye to everyone hastily, but his dad persisted on walking him out.

"Aren't I always." Jason feigned, reeling with apprehension. His dad obviously didn't know what to say as he continued standing there, scrutinizing Jason.

Jason took a deep breath. "Look, you lock the door, close all the windows and make sure that there's no way in or out the house. I'll make sure you're safe, don't worry."

"You still haven't told us what it is that you saw outside."

"Just listen to me!" He snapped, "Lock everything! I will not let you get hurt, okay? Just take my word for it."

Jeremy's face hardened. "I will. You know I can defend myself and the rest from any  harm, right?"

It was true that his father was a tall, lean man with broad shoulders and countless biceps, but all of that didn't matter once Damian's guys showed up guns blazing. "No," he retorted impatiently, "not when it comes to these guys. God, just," he ran a hand through his hair in frustration, "Just do what I order you to, yeah?"

His dad narrowed his eyes but nodded. "Okay."

Jason puffed out a breath. "Good. I'm going now, I don't know when I'll be back but don't worry about me." And with that, Jason walked away, his heart lurching in his throat.

The pain he felt as he stepped further away from the house was inadmissible. His heart felt heavy as he opened Felix' car and got in. Peering at the house, he just in time saw the door close.

Please, make sure you've locked it

His begs to keep his family safe were unlimited, revving up the engine and pulling out of the driveway. The second he drove out of the street, he grabbed his phone and dialled Alexia's number. She picked up after two rings, "Hello?"

Her voice pulled at his heart strings, making him dizzy. "It's me."

She was silent before she whispered, "Jason."

"I need your help." He cut to the chase, wanting to ignore the butterflies erupting in his stomach upon hearing her say his name. He knew he promised he would stay away, but for now he had to cheat. Just for now.

"Anything." She responded determined.

Jason sighed.

She was always there—busy or not—Alexia was quick to help him no matter the situation and it was beyond him how she could do that. How he would be able to distance himself from her was a quest he still didn't know how to answer, but it wasn't important.

First, his family had to be kept safe.

-

Alexia held their interlaced fingers protectively on her lap, giving Jason's hand a supportive squeeze. He slightly looked at her with the corners of his eyes and she caught his stare, smiling auxiliary. He ignored her smile and went back to gazing at the phone on top of the coffee table.

Truth to be told, he didn't know where he was. A sweltering, suffocating heat infiltrated his trembling limbs. Sweat begun beading at the back of his neck and he took a deep breath.

"You okay? You're shaking." Alexia shifted to face him, never letting go of his hand. He ran his free hand down his chest, fanning the flames. Wasn't she hot?

She was still dressed in her pyjamas. She looked perfect, as usual, but there was no way she was experiencing the same extreme heat he was.

"I'm fine." He throatily spat, looking away. Alexia mumbled a soft, "Oh.." but then continued holding on to his hand with her dear life as if he hadn't just sneered at her.

He didn't mean to. Jason was just very worried, not knowing what was going on. After he had finished explaining to Alexia what had happened, she'd demanded him to drive to a certain address, one he'd never been to. Once he arrived, she and some blonde he'd never seen took him in. They told him that Teo, Stefano and Dominic were on their way to his parents' house and that they were on it. As soon as they were sure that there was no threat to his family, they'd call.

But now, one and a half hour later, there was still no call. The unknown blonde had disappeared into the kitchen, leaving him and Alexia alone.

His scalp prickled, his entire body scorching from the heat. His throat went dry.

If anything happened to them, he would never forgive himself.

"They'll be fine, Jase. My brothers won't let them get hurt." Alexia whispered, as if she had read his mind. He didn't react, a pounding beginning in his temple, cruel emotions seeping through. Her touch and her reassuring words were soothing, calming even. As abhorrent as he felt, he tried not to give her too much attention. Yes, she was exactly everything he needed to calm down and feel better, but after today, he would disappear out of her life, and it would be simply unfair if he couldn't keep his hands off her before not showing his face anymore.

That didn't mean it was easy though. He knew she felt this, the attending, strangled vibe. Like something was going on. Yet, she acted like nothing was wrong and held his hand, kissed his cheeks and spoke consoling words, all for his sake.

And he loved her for it.

And that was the exact reason he didn't want to get her hurt.

Veins bulged in his neck, trying not to throw her a single glance. Looking at her only made it more difficult.

Jason said nothing, his expression frozen with fury. Alexia noticed and put her other hand on his thigh, doing her best to calm him down. He briefly looked up but looked back at the phone before she could digest their eye contact.

Don't give in now, Jason

Her touch came as a surprise, but he secretly hoped she wouldn't pull away. If she did, he was scared he'd break a lamp or something, and albeit yes, he was going to start being distant from her, that didn't mean that her last memory of him should be one in which he trashes the house.

The tall, unknown blonde walked back in the living room, her face confused. She put down a glass of water in front of Jason and seated herself across the table, looking at the two. "Anything?" she asked.

Jason kept his eyes firmly on the phone. Alexia cleared her throat and shook her head, "No, nothing yet."

"I bet Teo and the others are on it." The girl adduced, her lips curling into what seemed like a sympathetic smile. Alexia nodded. "I don't doubt it."

A shrill, loud ringtone startled them all and Jason grabbed the phone, pulling himself away from Alexia as he accepted the call.

"Jason?"

"I'm here, talk." He hissed impatiently.

Teo didn't say anything for a second, "Um..."

Um?

----

A/N: Hey! Just a heads up; it took me AGES to write this chapter, and I'm still not very satisfied with it. I am aware that it's a little sucky, but bear with me :((

ALSO I am having a little trouble with writing chapter 28 BUT I promise that another chapter will come out before next week friday!