Once the lunch was finished, you decided to walk around with Jason to show him the places you knew well, turning your head and pointing your finger just at anything and he couldn't help but smile all the time, without interrupting you in any way.

Two months had passed since he had listened to your voice and now could tell he missed it so much, just like he had noticed that your hair had grown slightly longer than last time and it was simply enchanting to see the wind caressed them gently...

Of course, Jason was thinking of doing it with his own hands, until you turned in his direction with a worried expression.

《I think it's better to go back, you must be tired after that long flight...》  You said meeting his gaze under the cap, but getting a short snort from the other.

《Well I think I've gotten used to all this jet lag so I'm just fine Y/n...》  Right there, Jason wrapped his arm around your small shoulders  《And there's no way I can be tired when I'm with you sweetheart, swear you're better than that fuckin' drink I just had!》

You didn't hold back a giggle at that but decided to kept your word and, hand in hand, you headed home with him. During that, Jason wondered what kind of house you lived in and judging by your personality, you were definitely the type of girl who owned a penthouse just in one of those modern buildings...

But the reality was very different from how he had thought and soon, when he reached a quiet and simple neighborhood, away from all that urban noise.

《I bought one of these houses when I moved to the academy. My real home is in Madison, but after my father's death...》  Of course, you didn't add anything else and just kept walking on a driveway a few meters ahead, where there was a white and stone house.

《I see, it must've been tough for ya, growin' alone...》  Kolchek replied without stopping to look around and waiting for you to retrieve the keys  《But I'd have preferred that anyway, for me at least...everything's better than those fuckin' assholes.》

You were looking for the house key when Jason said that words, no doubt he was referring to his own family, the same one he had never told you about before...

《Home Sweet Home!》  Anyway, you sighed happily as you inhaled that nostalgic air in the hall and that you had left the last time to go to Iraq; there, Jason said nothing and just looked around, noting how neat and welcoming the place was.

《You can say it loud. Damn Y/n I can't believe this is all your size, how'd fuck small are you!?》  The cap boy laughed when his attention fell on a piece of furniture on the wall, just at his shoulder height, sure he wouldn't stop teasing you about that for the rest of the evening and you tried your best to hold back the frown on your face.

But then, you saw him there, staring in your direction as a smile adorned his gaunt cheeks and barely discovered by the cap; he was about to make another joke, you thought desperately, until you saw him scratching his nape nervously, no idea what he should say or do...after all, Jason was the guest to cuddle, no?

So, you thought going straight to the kitchen and prepare something when realized there wasn't much left in the fridge.

What the— nice crap Y/n! What I supposed to do now!?

Jason slowly walked over to notice your face, now red with embarrassment and couldn't help but chuckle to himself when he realized what the problem was, causing further panic in you.

《Actually, I really need to take a shower. But I'll just go elsewhere if that's a prob–》

《Please don't even think about it Jason!》  You interrupted him, grabbing his left forearm gently and letting him follow you to where the bathroom was.  《Don't be afraid to ask me, okay? I'm the one who invited you here, so you're allowed to annoy me with that!》

You received no response behind your back other than a simple grunt. Of course, Jason was flattered to hear that, but at the same time he felt compelled not to be a nuisance, which was very difficult for someone like him, but he would've tried for you...

Well, just for now at least.

《Do you want to join me? Maybe you can put the soap on my back this time...》  Suddenly, the cap boy lifted up the hem of his shirt with both hands and just above his navel, with a slow movement of the biceps.

His grin widened when noticed that you were standing there, without saying a word, while your brain kept repeating how sexy he was in that stripper's position; however, when you heard the sound of his jeans' belt unfastening, you quickly slammed the door in his face.

《Y-you can do it yourself idiot!!》  You answered loudly as you headed to the kitchen again to drink some fresh water; damn, you thought, one more second there and you would've ended up taking his cheeky request for real...sure, you would've loved to smear the fucking soap on his goddamn tanned skin!

• • •

Just later, it was your turn to take a nice shower after showing Jason where he could rest and after that, you closed the door behind you to start undressing, trying to ignore the new presence in your home and the familiar turmoil inside you for a few minutes.

Gosh, I can't believe Jason took a shower in my bathroom and I haven't even spied on him...idiot.

Instead, it felt like you were being watched, even though the door was closed...anyway, when you just opened the opaque glass of the shower, you were relieved and at the same time disappointed that you didn't find anyone there. Seriously, you were wondering why the hell you were even thinking about that.

It wasn't long before you slipped into your home clothes and reached where you left Jason, which was on the sofa; there, you stood still as you watched him doze so quietly, with his head tilted slightly to one side, legs apart and arms crossed over his chest, a sign that he was waiting for you before sleep took over. For fear of waking him, you approached the sofa slowly, staring at every feature of his relaxed face until you focused on the thin line of his reddish lips.

You wondered, what if you tried to kiss him while he was still asleep? Would he wake up or not? All that remained was to find out and so you leaned below, above his face.

Well, just one...

Without further ado, your lips gently rested on his, leading the kiss as if it were a dance on them and tasting the fleshy one with a short, but delicate suck. Of course, you didn't want to stop right away and let your fingers run over his scalp, just through the short hair.

Unexpectedly, Jason groaned deeply every time his breathing was compromised by that pleasant pressure on him, sending shocks throughout his relaxed body...whatever was causing him this feeling, he wasn't going to last much longer.

Not surprisingly, his eyes snapped open as the kiss stopped, catching you by surprise.

《I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean...!》  You tried to justify yourself, until your wrists were forced to stay in place from his own hands on yours.

《Oh I know what you mean sweetheart and you gotta do that while someone's fuckin' sleeping, huh? That's no good, Y/n...》  Finally, Kolchek's mocking smile just returned to adorn his face once awake  《...not when I'm trying to be nice to you.》

It was useless how much you wanted to deny it, the marine missed nothing and just then, you let out a muffled cry when he suddenly pulled you towards him, ignoring the fact that you were on the other side of the sofa to make you fall into his embrace. Jason was half-lying under you without stopping smiling, as you put your hands on his torso to try in vain to get up.

《What— let me go Jason, I'm heavy...》  You sighed as you looked away, but the other just crossed his arms better, not at all bored with your smaller body pressed on top of his.

《You're not. And then, I like this smell you have, so fuckin' tempting...》  There, the dark-haired boy whispered by placing his nose on the skin of your neck, in the same way his hands stroked your back over the shirt, wavering dangerously as they reached the edge of it with the intention of sticking them inside the fabric.

《But it's the same one you have right now, how could it be that—》

Suddenly, his lips started to kiss you. At first, on your right cheek, then along your neck, making you wince softly from that pleasant and almost nostalgic feeling. Your legs were crossed with his, as your fingers tickled around his collarbones, so prominent even from under the shirt.

《Yours is much sweeter. Can't get enough of it, just like I can't get enough of ya.》  His brown eyes were tired, but definitely intoxicated by the sight of yours and Jason took the opportunity to rest his head again, just against your chest...this time, he hadn't done it accidentally like had happened in the temple and you hadn't rejected him, as you placed a hand behind his head to stroke those short and vulnerable hair.

《Awh, why you always hide them under a cap if they're so cute and soft~》  You asked in that moment, as you tried to snuggle between him and the couch, but Jason didn't think in the least about opening his arms to let you go. On the contrary, the pressure on your chest increased dramatically with every move you made against him...

《'Cause if there's something really soft right now, that's the pillow just under here...》  Well, the first lieutenant seemed quite confident about it, since he had been able to resist the temptation to sink his own face between your breasts.  《Fuck, I'd stay like this for the rest of my life!》

But there, Jason looked up when he heard you were laughing silently, definitely you weren't displeased by that weird prospect of life, as long as it was with him.

And only him.

《I warn you Y/n, stop makin' fun of me.》  Jason said in an aroused voice and, with a quick snap, his stiff arm wrapped around your waist.  《You better not wake the sleepin' dog, you know...》

Right there, his fingers felt the bare skin of your belly and you stopped breathing when his large palm caressed over and around your navel area. It was so fucking smooth and the young man couldn't help but remember all the times he had kissed and felt that little tummy against him, during the best night of his life...all that time, Jason had wondered if you would've give him the chance to hold you again, to feel your heart beating in unison with his as he repeated over and over how much he loved you.

But his thoughts became concrete as he turned towards you, so that his body could be partially above yours and at the same time fight the tight space the sofa allowed him. Of course, you didn't stop staring at him deeply as you leaned on his tattooed forearm, so terribly tense.

《Jason...》  Your thin voice said in front of his new serious expression  《I...I missed you very much Jason, and I'd be lying if I told you I don't want this, but you're very tired now and resting would be the right thing to do.》

But once you finished explaining that, Jason's eyes narrowed further as his dimples marked his cheeks, it was clear there was something bothering his thoughts...

《I don't give a fuck 'bout that. Right now Y/n, you're all I fuckin' want.》

Although your heart had been pounding for a couple of hours, since Jason had broken into your house to be precise, you just thought the same thing, because you wanted as much as him. There, he began to stroke your cheek to remove the hair had settled on it, before placing his other hand under your chin. Whatever he intended to do, his gentle, but restrained touches just made you wait for something, but that strangely didn't come...

Until you grew impatient and said something first.

《For the past months, I've often thought about what my goal could be after the academy and about the work I'd choose to do...》  You started explaining, putting your arms around his neck.

《But despite all of this, I'm sure my life won't be as full as I hoped if you aren't there to fill it, definitely I'd like to see your sleepy face every single morning.》

During all that time listening to you, Jason's eyes hadn't blinked at all and when you finally smiled, the tension in his muscles eased a little. He couldn't believe what you just said, not only you wanted him to become part of your life, which he already knew, but also that both of you could live under the same roof, just like a real couple! In that moment, the only thought that was buzzing in his head was to take all the love you were offering him with a passionate kiss, before giving you his answer.

《And you're the most beautiful thing that could've happened to me in these damned thirty years— swear to God I want nothing more but spend every fuckin' moment of my life with you!》  He said in the middle of it, grumbling every time against your wet mouth, awakening everything that had been dormant until that goddamn moment.

You giggled in return, sure you couldn't expect a different reaction than this one and so you captured his lips again, letting your bodies cling more and more onto that uncomfortable sofa. Jason followed you with great pleasure and his touch made you jump.

《W-wait a moment Jason, I think we have to...》  You tried to say when you felt his rough fingers already on you, getting another deep rumbling from Jason's throat.

《Shit Y/n you know I can't stop! I want you here and now–》

《That's the point! I don't want to do it here, on a small sofa...》  Just then, you stood up as you tried to get out of the marine's clutches to get back on your feet  《I mean, my bed is bigger so, uhm, we can go upstairs...that's where my bedroom is.》

This time, Jason said nothing and stared at your cute blush on your cheeks when you proposed to go to your room, before following you patiently towards some steps, which led to the first floor of your house...seriously, that sudden shyness of yours had turned him on so much and now he couldn't stop staring at your back with a predatory, hungry gaze.

With a casual gesture of the head, Jason also noticed the room next to yours, where the guest room was supposed to be, but he was sure as hell he would never have set foot inside there...

• • •

Gosh, I lost my mind...again!

This was your last thought before turning the handle and when you opened the door, you let Jason go inside your bedroom after you. Although it was very simple and tidy, Jason couldn't help but notice that it had the same scent as you. Anyway, the thing that caught his attention was the large wardrobe on the wall, just in front of the bed.

《So fuckin' big. This is where you keep your panties right?》  Jason asked casually and you rushed there before he allowed himself to open it.

《Yeah— I mean, NO! What the heck Jason!》  You shook your head in embarrassment, why did he always have to be an idiot??

Jason started to chuckle as he took a few steps towards you, trapping your body between him and the closet.

《Hey don't be so tense, just relax a little.》  To your surprise, his hands caressed your arms with extreme sweetness, although his expression said something else and that was what didn't make you relax completely.

Right now, he was more like a beast. Well, a puppy-eyed beast, to be exact.

《So, can I?》  Of course, Jason wanted to keep cuddling you on the bed but this time, it was you who brought him there, making him sit on the edge.

As he had promised, Jason couldn't keep his hands off and ran his fingers over your curves, teasing the elastic of the pants around your waist with his thumbs; meanwhile, his hazel eyes stared at your rosy face and the full chest a few inches from him, definitely he had a pleasant view from there and in his head, he began to think about how many ways he could taste every bit of you...and although you agreed with that, you didn't want to speed things up like the last time and so, you pushed him onto his shoulders to make him fall on the mattress, catching the marine off guard.

《Oh, I see how things stand now.》  Jason smirked so badly when you made that wrong move with him  《Well? Should I wait or do something on my own, mmh?》

Right there, you could see his T-shirt slightly raised above his abdomen, letting you admire a piece of his perfect abs...you didn't want to admit it, but you liked when he looked at you with that dirty look...

Well, you also liked to tease him and after that, you placed a hand on his bare stomach, just above his belt. The first lieutenant hadn't stopped smiling the whole time, so eager to feel your sweet and provocative touch on him...hell, you had no idea how many times he had jerked off while thinking of you and now, he had literally screwed up his brain to see your hand finally reach his aching crotch.

But at the same time, you didn't let go of that suffering expression on his excited face.

《Damn you're not well, and your eyes are freaking red! I'm serious Jason, you must seriously go to sleep.》  You raised your voice interrupting the erotic game that was breaking out right there, unleashing discontent in the man lying beneath you...until he was forced to admit it.

《Shit Y/n, I've been through worse times than this, you really think I can't take a fuckin' headache? I'm a marine, you know—》

《And you also know you're not in a fucking war anymore, so you better drop some excuses, because that's utterly ridiculous!》  Just then, you crossed your arms in front of your chest annoyed in the same time he raised an eyebrow in bewilderment, definitely it wasn't his intention to upset you.

Jason sighed heavily and, in order to make your cute pout go away, he wrapped his arm around you to make you lie down next to him.

《I'm sorry, but just don't want to waste any more time while I'm with you. Hope you're not mad at me now...》  He said turning to your side with a slight smile and you softened the frown on your forehead, not that you were really mad at him anyway, especially when he told you it was just a shit headache...but you didn't like it anyway.

《Well, you're lucky that I love you more than that, or I'd have kicked your ass out of my house just now...》  You stated cupping his cheeks ironically, sure you would never have done such a thing to him.

But before he could say or do anything else, you suddenly rose from the bed.

《Wait here, I'll bring you something to make you feel better, okay?》

Although you intended to bring him some medicine, Jason had no intention of being left there and stopped you grabbing your wrist quickly.

《You know I'll feel better just with you Y/n.》

This time, you decided not to fall for one of his tricks and without saying anything, you left your bedroom to go get some medicines as you promised, ignoring the faint groans of the marine you left behind, it wasn't that would take you all day!

Firstly, you made your way to the bathroom and looked inside the shelf near the mirror, luckily there were some pills that you used to fight the headache and so you took one to bring it back with a glass of water.

But before going back up, you gave yourself a fix on your hair and makeup, maybe Jason would've recovered quickly, you thought and just in time to turn the evening into a more passionate way...

Yeah, you never know...no?

《Here I am—》

But you suddenly froze when you saw him motionless and with arms and legs stretched out on your bed. Right there, a clear, loud snore came out of his half-open mouth and you couldn't help but smile internally in front of that funny and tender vision.

Without interrupting his sleep for no reason, you went to give him another warm kiss on the forehead before taking the other side of the bed next to him, not giving a damn about the fact that you didn't eat, because you preferred a thousand times to stay next to this man, so capable of as much confidence as of sweetness. And you absolutely loved all of it, definitely no one else had made you think so much about a person as Jason Kolchek did.

Have a good night, my lovely jarhead.

You whispered beside him before slowly closing your eyes, definitely it had been a tough day for you too, but so full of nice surprises.

And so damn full of anticipation.

• • •

The sound of the bullets was exploding in his head and with them, there was a frightening picture of you standing in front of the entrance to the Sumerian temple...he didn't wonder why he was still there, as Jason thought of running in your direction and when he reached you, all his fears suddenly emerged...

He saw you there, with a stunned, emotionless expression and your own hand pressed to your stomach...

《Jason...》

The marine froze when he saw some red patches extending right there, grabbing you before your body fell onto the stone steps; behind you, he noticed the darkened faces of the enemy who had caused this and although he wanted to chase them, he chose to stay beside you instead.
The lieutenant's face went white as he saw the blood didn't stop and your eyes were finding it harder and harder to stay open...why, he thought, why had he hesitated to fire at an Iraqi enemy just now??

And why hadn't he done the same thing with that woman...?

"What's wrong Lieutenant, did that girl make you lose sight of your own duty?"

Suddenly, Colonel King's words echoed in his mind as if they were about to burst...

"I saw what happened to Rachel and she didn't make it, how can you think an academy girl like her could have survived alone?"

Then, his own words came back to haunt him after he returned to see your fearless face...

"...why you followed me here, risking your own life for someone like me?"

Now Kolchek was sure what that meant, as now he was seeing it with his own eyes...again, he had made the same mistake that had done at the checkpoint...

《I-I'm sorry, Jason...I hope you can forgive me, one day...》

You said in a trembling voice, and although it was stained with blood, he brought it to his face. Jason wanted to scream desperately but his voice couldn't get out and just watched you, as you died in his arms, ignoring everything else around him.

The worst nightmare was happening right before his eyes and he could do nothing to change it, just crying as he had never done in his whole fucking existence. By now, it was all over and if he died down there too, well, it would certainly have been better than thinking about a day without you...

...until he opened his eyes.

The dawn light hit Jason's face as he turned to it and instinctively placed a palm in front of his eyes, noticing them strangely wet with sweat and tears. He was on his stomach and just when he got up, he realized that was under the sheets. Alone.

His heart beat wildly when he realized that you were no longer present in the room. Obviously, that was just a shitty nightmare, but he needed to see you and right fucking now.

Without worrying about being barefoot, Jason Kolchek left your bedroom hastily and before he could call your name, he heard noises coming from downstairs...together with an inviting scent.

The marine followed that new track, this time at a slower, more steady pace and when he stopped, he saw your little figure whistling happily in front of the kitchen. At that discovery, his heartbeats began to return steady.

《Oh! Good morning Jason, did you sleep well?》  You said with a surprised expression when you casually turned to him, unaware of his presence  《Sorry I didn't wake you up. I went to buy something, hope you like some omelettes with bacons!》

You added by turning back to the counter in front of you, intent on observing the cooked eggs inside the pot with a clear languor in your stomach; meanwhile, Jason moved behind you and wrapped his arms around your body, catching you by surprise.

《B-be careful or you will end up—》

《Damn Y/n, you don't know how fuckin' happy I'm right now!》  You raised an eyebrow when he said that, not understanding the reason for his frustration, as if something had troubled him.

《Don't tell me you had a bad dream...aren't you too big for that?》  Of course, you tried to joke, but the only answer you got was Jason's grip tightening more and you took it as a yes, without knowing that, until a few minutes ago, he still remembered you dying in his arms...

《...a sort of, but nothin' serious. It's not my first time since I escaped from the ashes things or whatever you call it.》

There, you felt his breath go straight to your ear. With all honesty, Jason wasn't the only one who had been suffering from nightmares lately...but the more time passed, the more those scary memories became more and more distant and you could finally breathe a sigh of freedom.

Just then, you turned in his direction to look into his brown eyes, no longer tired as earlier, and gave him a smug chuckle.

《So, this cocky marine is afraid of something huh?》  You scoffed as you laid your hands on his broad shoulders, trying hard not to look at his messy hair.  《I wonder what it is...》

But before you could go back to making breakfast, Jason brought his palms to your cheeks as he looked at you with the most vulnerable expression you had ever seen on him.

《You, Y/n. I was afraid of losin' you.》

At that moment, you were so distracted that you didn't smell the burnt eggs, but surely noticed that Jason was leading you to the side of the kitchen table, maybe with the intention of using it in another way...seriously, you were wondering where the hell he got all that energy so early!

《You still have to eat, don't think you're fine with just a nap!》  You grinned as you ducked away from the other and make your way towards the kitchen, snorting when you saw the omelette was gone.

《How much longer do you want to make me wait again, hell you're gonna fuckin' freak me out someday!》  Jason protested and put his mouth to your ear  《You know sweetheart, that's not the way to treat your boyfriend.》

When you heard that, you turned to see Jason just leaning against the edge of the table with his crossed biceps and tattoos in plain sight, along with that half-satisfied smirk.

The smirk of an asshole, you thought with no doubt.

《Oh and since when would you be that?》  You asked curiously by placing a fist on your hip and making him walk towards you with a narrow and intense gaze.

《From the day I kissed ya at Camp Slayer.》  Jason continued to speak in a deep, serious voice  《Yeah I know, everything was going to hell that day...the raid, the ambush...and then that. I was kind of stoned but I never lost hope, neither to get out alive, nor with you. I felt you'd be mine Y/n and now that I've the chance, I want to start a life with you.》

You were listening in silence to those words and slowly realized that your mind had been thinking the exact same thing. Jason was a man who had become more and more important in your life and that from the beginning, he had always been yours, even when you had thought you hated him to death...he had always managed to surprise you, both with words and deeds, as well as in the most difficult moments.

Well, also the toughest story can have its happy ending, or not?

《I see, can't wait to see how this turns out, my Lieutenant Boy.》  Jason chuckled badly at that, before seeing you go back to your work and in that moment, he understood he didn't give a shit about breakfast anymore.

That's why you suddenly yelled when Jason picked you up quickly and easily and although his grip was firm on your back and thighs, you instinctively wrapped your arms around his neck to keep your balance, a move the marine didn't mind at all.

《P-put me down Jason, I have–》

《I'm sick of waiting! You better take a full break my darlin', because you won't be able to stand properly for so damn time...you're in my care now.》

Kolchek ruled as he walked firmly out of the kitchen with you, now tired of your interruptions and of that sexual stress; in the meantime, you remained speechless and unable to protest, swallowing a quick and embarrassing gulp at the thought of what he wanted to do with you...

By now, you had understood what trouble you were getting yourself into, especially one thing...your heart was overloaded and didn't stop beating against Jason's one, as if it were a gun pointed in the chest. And if were, it was the only bullet worth dying for, or this was the First Lieutenant of the Marine Corps had thought when you accidentally broke into him for the first time.

《Uhm you look so thoughtful Jason, are you alright?》  Suddenly, your voice and your hand on his cheekbone woke him from that daydream, much better than the one he had with his eyes closed.

《And you can let me go—》

《I'm just fine and don't try to screw me with that, you won't be able to stop me even if you beg me.》  Jason's mischievous smile made you sigh heavily before you decided to give him a sweet kiss on the cheek.

《Then, think of it as an apology for keeping you waiting.》  You genuinely smiled into his arms, still getting a piercing look from him, sure it wasn't enough to forgive you.

《Oh but you still have to pay me back for the desert ride. Did you think I forgot, little girl?》  Right there, Jason was about to go up the stairs when noticed your face darkened immediately after.

As expected, he didn't allow himself to ask because he already knew the reason behind that.

《...》

《Holy fuck— 'kay I get it, I'm takin' you out for a date so stop makin' that face!》

When Kolchek announced that in a frustrated and so drawled tone, your eyes soon lit up with happiness and your arms just squeezed him harder.

《Really!? Aaah thank you so much honey, I'm sure everyone would like a boyfriend as loving as you are! You're the best.》

You didn't stop laughing and Jason couldn't help but roll his eyes in defeat, without however depriving himself of a soft smile on his own lips. Hell you could count on that, not surprisingly he was the best of the best in everything...and also the best at messing up his first day as a boyfriend, of course, just like he was the luckiest man in the world to have met a gorgeous girl like you.

Right now, no kind of dream would've been better than this one and Jason Kolchek was damn sure about it, in the same way when he had faced the House of Ashes with you, coming out stronger and more united than ever.

A new dawn was waiting right in front of you.

• • •

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