𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍 || 𝘈 𝘞𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥

AS JASON HAD EXPECTED, MOST OF THE NIGHT HAD BEEN KATE'S NOT SO SUBTLE THREATENING COMMENTS. It was rather amusing for him to watch and listen. Deciding to help Eleanor with whatever she needed around the apartment. Thankfully, Eleanor understood the silent plea in his eyes and avoided bringing up Felix. It hadn't taken long for her and everyone else in the city to hear about the tragedy.

But unlike everyone else in the city, Eleanor knew the man. She'd talked to him on multiple occasions throughout the year's Kate and Jason were joined to the hip. Sharing drinks while Jason and Kate explore the Samson mansion, talk about their work and everything else going on in their lives.

So, thankfully, she didn't try and throw the topic of the man onto Jason. She knew his way of grieving hadn't been the best compared to others. But having seen Felix die in front of him was enough to handle for one person.

"You're zoning out again." Jason glanced over his shoulder to find Kate. A small shy smile on her face as she stood beside him. He turned his attention back to the window. The city lights of New York are shining particularly bright tonight. It was a beautiful sight and with enough concentration, between all those skyscrapers, the Samson Enterprise building could be spotted.

"What are you thinking about?" Kate mused, looking up at the boy who glanced at her.

He took a moment before sighing. "Felix," he replied softly. "I just wish he was here, you know? Able to maybe beat some sense into me."

Kate didn't know to respond. Not used to this side of her best friend, especially the sight of him crying, she was desperately trying to find the right thing to say. Put his mind at ease, just something besides standing in this awkward silence.

But, sadly, Jason beat her to the punch with a smile pressing itself against his lips. "You know, my mom and Felix thought we should've gotten together."

A laugh bounced through the air when Jason heard the girl let out a meek and quiet hum. Along with her nearly choking on her drink. Unable to hide the blush that swarmed her cheeks as Jason stared down at her. Soaking in the fact that, in some way, he affected her, much as she did him.

It hadn't been the first time someone had suggested that to either of them. Kate's mom had always said it since they were teenagers. Not outright saying it, but hinting at it subtly. Now thinking about it, Kate wondered how neither she nor Jason had picked up on it. Just the thought of it made her cheeks grow brighter.

"But look at how our lives have turned out, huh?" He sighed. "You are talented in many fields, while I am a guy who kills others as a job. Ain't much there to salvage into a relationship."

Some part of Kate wished to think that to be true. She wanted to believe that they were two completely different people. One broken and the other with some much ahead of her that the idea of a relationship was at the back of her mind. But she knew she'd be lying to herself if she agreed.

She did believe her mother's words, "Jason is the best you are going to get," she would say. "He knows you better than any other guy will. He won't treat you like a money machine like your past boyfriends." That was all true. Kate hadn't dated a guy in a whole year and for good reason. She could barely remember his name, but what she does remember is him asking constantly to get him things or bail on her when he wanted to go out with friends to parties.

It was true. She would never get anyone better than Jason and she was thrilled about that. The sad part of it all was her not seeing how it would do any good for either of them. Not just because of their current situation, but because of what they've already built over the years. Kate wasn't prepared or ready for the possibility of him rejecting her.

Jason watched as the girl took a sip of her drink before turning and walking away. Not hearing the quiet whisper that left her as she disappeared into the kitchen. Likely to go continue to question Jack, as she had been doing for the past 30 minutes. Forsaking Jason by the living room window to stand and watch out on the city. Jaw clenched as he shook his head slightly.

"Great going, shithead."

"That was delicious, Jack." Kate placed her napkin down. "Thank you."

Dabbing the corners of his mouth, Jason nodded. "A lot better than what I have at home," Jason agreed. "Thank you for this, Jack."

The man smiled at the pair. "I'm so glad you two liked it," he said. "The secret to a good risotto is to agitate it. Just enough. And then it's just down to patience and attention."

"Wow." Upon that simple word leaving her lips, Jason tapped her foot as a signal of warning. But Kate being stubborn as hell, ignored him. "You cook, you're attentive, you're wealthy."

"You're almost too good to be true." Jason sighed as he grabbed his glass of wine and took a sip. Surprisingly, Jack didn't notice the undertones of the girl's comment. Hell, he hadn't taken notice of the clear signs of anger coming from half her words. But then again, Jack knew how the girl felt. He just didn't pay it any mind and, Jason knew this.

Jack let out a chuckle as he placed his glass down. "I assure you, I am not."

She hummed in response. "So, it seems you're quite the sword aficionado, Jack," Kate pointed out. "Do you fence?"

"I dabble." Jack smiled.

"Would you say you're more an épée, foil, or sabre man?" Her question earned a soft chuckle from the man. "Oh. You know your stuff, little lady."

"I was a two-time state champion."

"Was." Jason butted in with a smirk as the girl glared at him and then her mother, who wore an amused grin at the boy's comment.

Hitting her heel to his shin, Kate continued. "Good with all the outdated weapons," she said. "I would say they made me aware of when someone is trying to stab you in the back."

Eleanor sighed. "Okay, I think you've both proven that you know what swords are," she told them. "Can we move on now?"

"Oh, but, dear, I think a common interest is a very fertile ground for bonding," Jack replied, looking back to Kate.

"That's exactly what I was thinking," Kate said. "Bonding."

"No, it wasn't." Again, Jason was hit in the shin by Kate. A low growl stirred in his chest as he sipped at his wine.

"What do you say we break out a couple of these bad boys?" She asked.

"Please, let's not, okay?" Eleanor exclaimed. "We've already had enough drama this week."

"Yeah," Jack agreed. "You know, perhaps... perhaps your mother is right. We have a guest with us as well."

"Oh, please," Jason waved. "I would be entertained by watching Kate fail miserably- I swear if you do that shit one more..."

Before he could growl out the words, Kate cut him off. "Oh, come on, why not?" She asked. "You've got some spare fencing gear."

It didn't take much for Jack to shrug with a smile, glancing at Eleanor. "I'm convinced."

"Okay, all she said was, "Why not?" Eleanor stated. "That's not a convincing argument. That's not an argument at all."

"And yet..." Kate muttered as Jack grinned and cleaned his hands. "I'm going to go get my stuff."

As soon as he was gone, Eleanor turned to Kate with a look of disapproval. And as expected, was Kate who fainted innocent as she sipped at her wine. "What?" She asked. "This'll be fun."

Only a few minutes passed before Jack and Kate moved the marble table in the front foyer to the side. Their fencing gear on with their foil's in hand.

Meanwhile, Jason and Eleanor stood by the door of the dining room. Drinks in hand with the anxiety of what might occur. "Honey, be careful," Eleanor spoke up.

Kate sighed. "When am I not careful?"

"That's a good question." Jason sent a wink in the girl's direction as she bit the inside of her cheek. She pulled her mask down as Jack twirled his sword, loosening up his arm.

"And I was talking to Jack." The spectators had shared a fist bump that had Kate clenching her jaw.

Jason didn't know much about fencing if he was being honest. The only exposure he had of it was from the matches he watched on youtube of Kate.

So, he wasn't surprised to see her parry all his advances and win easily. "Wow," Jack laughed. "You are good."

"Don't let me win, Jack," Kate replied. That building of anger in her tone was very noticeable by Jason, who raised a perfectly arched brow.

"I wouldn't," he assured. "Go again?"

Once again, they went, and Jason noticed Kate's movements were angrier. The anxiety in his gut was building as he stood up from his position against the wall.

And once again, Kate won. "Oh!" Jack exclaimed. "Caught me again. Wow, you are good."

"Kate, I prefer my fiance with four limbs, please," Eleanor spoke up.

"Stop letting me win," Kate spat at the man as he frowned.

"I... I'm not," he told her. "Honest, I mean, two-time state champ, right?"

She scoffed at his comment just as there was a moment of silence that washed over them. And as soon as it came, it left with Kate's quick jabs of the foil towards Jack. Her grunts filled the air as he dodged each attack, pushing him further and further away.

And in a matter of seconds, she won, again. Jack groaned in defeat as he pulled the mask off.

"What are you hiding, Jack?" Kate exclaimed suddenly.

"Nothing," he replied. "I'm an open book. Right, Darling?"

With his eyes off her, Kate attempted to attack Jack. Expertly, Jack parried and knocked her foil out of her hands. Before it could go flying at the wall, Jason's reflex's kicked in, and he caught it out of the air.

"Kate!" Eleanor yelled. "What is wrong with you?"

"He's lying."

Jack sighed as he nodded. "To be fair, I did downplay my skill and repeatedly lie about it."

"She tried to stab you in the face."

"No, I knew he would parry," Kate told her mother. "What I was trying to do was prove that he was lying, which I successfully did."

Awkward silence washed over the group, with Jason scratching at his brow. "I'm gonna go change," Jack muttered. Walking upstairs as Jason sighed deeply. "I'm going to go."

"No, Jason, stay," Eleanor told him. "I'm sorry you had to see this."

He shook his head with a reassuring smile. "It's all right, Eleanor," he assured. "Either way, I've got things I have to deal with currently. Thank you for having me. Thank you, Jack!"

"No problem, Jason!"

Jason smiled with a slight chuckle. "Such a nice guy," he said. "I'll see you guys soon."

As soon as he was freed from that intense apartment, he released sighed in relief. Entering the elevator where he opened up a call with his computer. What surprised him was his mother's face appearing on the small holographic screen.

"Where's Carlton?" He asked. "And why aren't you in bed?"

The woman let out a soft chuckle. "What a way to greet your mother," she teased. "Your Uncle is currently attending to Felix's funeral plans. We chose a spot beside your father's grave."

If he was being honest, he'd completely forgotten about everything going on back home. He still believed that Felix had been at the back of his mind. But he'd managed to allow himself to be in relaxation with others. And somehow, he was conflicted on whether to feel shameful or thankful for it.

He was putting all this pressure on his family members to deal with, and he knew it wasn't fair. Jason wouldn't just admit that simple fact. "That's good," Jason muttered. "It's where Dad would want him."

Lilian smiled sadly at the boy and sighed. "How was dinner at Kate's?" She mused. "How is Eleanor? She doing alright after the whole explosion at the Gala?"

Jason chuckled. "Well, she's same ol' Eleanor," he stated. "Screamed at Kate for nearly taking Jack's head off. I had to leave as soon as I could."

"I would've done the same," Lilian laughed. "So, what is that you need?"

"I need you to track something for me," he said. "Last night, I placed a tracker on Clint Barton. It should still be active."

Lilian typed feverishly across the keyboard and scanned the screens. "All right, I got him here," she mused. "He's located at a warehouse a few dozen blocks from where you are."

"Send me the location." The screen pulled up an overview map and GPS to the location. One thing that had been nagging at him in the back of his mind was that he hadn't reached out to Kate. He made her promise when the problem was dealt with, but nothing's come up. So, he's decided to make his first move and help with anything he can.

"Why do you need him?" Lilian asked, her tone on a line between utter confusion and incredulous.

But Jason shrugged it off. "He's dealing with the Kate problem," Jason replied. "There have been no calls from him, so I'm deciding to go see what the progress is."

His mother sighed deeply. "Okay, but be careful," she told him. "I've dealt with enough as it is today."

Jason smiled warmly. "I'll be fine, mom," he reassured. "Love you. I'll see you soon."

When the phone call ended, the elevator doors opened and Jason exited the building. Taking a sharp turn down an alley, he pressed the box to his chest. His suit appeared where he grabbed his grapple hook and went to the roof of the nearest building. Traversing along the rooftops until he got to the warehouse.

Hearing the muffled voices from within, Jason stepped inside and was greeted by darkness. His infrared activating as he walked quietly through. Grabbing his pistol from his holster and walking up the steps leading into the warehouse. As he reached the top, the voice grew louder in volume and clearer for him to hear. And by the time he realized the situation he saw Clint in, it had been too late.

Someone had come up behind him, hitting him the back of the head with something. His body hit the ground with a groan. Trying to get back up, but only being met by two kicks to the stomach. "I found one!" A voice yelled. "I frickin' caught him, bro!"

As Jason tried to rise from the ground, he earned a swift kick in the face. Pain erupted across his temple with arms hooking under his biceps and dragging him. When he thrashed himself free, someone stomped on his face. A blaring in his ears muted his senses as he felt the bitter taste of crimson on his tongue. Lifting his head to find a man with curly hair staring down at him.

"Bring him to me!"

A voice boomed throughout the office, gaining most of the Tracksuit's attention. Without another word, the curly-haired man nodded for his men to take Jason wherever he needed to go.

Jason couldn't tell where he was at first, but his body was shoved to the ground harshly. Another groan slipped past his lips as he slowly got himself up. "I've been waiting to meet you, Precursor."

That voice. That voice was indistinguishable for Jason. Like a piece of trauma that would bring it all back. That voice had been in his mind for years. He'd just hoped that it would be him with a gun in the man's face. But that damn face hadn't changed. He still had scars across his forehead and those wrinkles showcasing his age.

"Well," Jason grunted. "I wish I could reciprocate those feelings, but I can't. So, here we are."

Joseph let out a chortle in his chair as he shook his head. "I thought you were just some heartless bastard fucking with my operation," he stated. "But you're a funny motherfucker."

"I wasn't trying to be funny," Jason replied, groaning as he held his stomach. "But thanks for the compliment."

They were silent as Joseph poured himself a cup of Whiskey. Sighing as he placed the bottle down. "I must say, you've been a bit of a pain in my ass," he admitted. "I mean, you killed all my men. Halted my weapons. You're a real asshole."

"I was hoping I portrayed that."

Again, Joseph let out a laugh at the comment. "Like, I said, you are a funny guy," he said. "So, what do you want? Money, power, guns? Tell me and I'll give it to you."

Jason let out a humourless laugh at the offer as he stood to his feet. It amused Jason that Joseph thought he would accept any amount of money. Especially considering half the shit he's done to not only Jason's family but many others. But it also intrigued him that Joseph was so willing to brush this to the side despite everything he's done.

"If you think that I would take that," he said, "then I think that guy that shot you should've shot twice."

The comment had the two guards ready to lurch forward and hit him, but Joseph raised his hand. They took a step back as Joseph laid a heavy glare on Jason. Slowly pointing at him with a tilt of his head.

"I would watch what you say next, kid," he warned. "Or else I'm going to bust your skull open and hang your body in Times Square."

Jason smirked under the mask. "What's stopping me from killing you, Joseph?" He asked. "Because if you think all your guys are going to stop me then you're as delusional as you look."

Joseph sighed as he leaned forward in his chair. "Let me tell you something, kid," he said. "You've stepped in a whole new world with half the shit you've done. I'm giving you a chance to step away peacefully. This is between me and the Samson's."

Hearing that made Jason tilt his head upward's. This is what Felix had trained him to become. The line that divided the innocent from the predatory. And he'd be damned if he would let Joseph take any more people away from him.

"That gives me more of reason to kill you."

That earned a laugh from Joseph who looked at one of his men and waved to Jason. "You believe this guy?" He asked. "I shouldn't be surprised though. Jason Samson."

Goosebumps ran up Jason's spine as he stared at Joseph emotionlessly. His shoulder's tense as Joseph leaned forward in his chair. Eyes focused solely on the vigilante standing in front of him. "Jason Samson."

He dragged it out at a painful length. Under the mask, Jaxon could feel sweat dripping down from his hairline. Does he know? Oh, fuck, does it he know? What do I do?

Joseph leaned back in his chair and sighed. "That little shit hired you, didn't he?" Jason refrained from letting his muscles relax. The leather of his gloves audibly squeaked under the squeeze Jason's hands had.

The man shook his head. "I never had a problem with him," Joseph stated. "If anything, I expected it from Raph. That night, it was only between me and his father. But that dumb bitch, Lilian-" the man sighed, "she just got in the way. I thought I held back the headbutt, but clearly, she couldn't handle it."

He laughed. He fucking laughed and Jason nearly lost control of himself. I'm going to kill him. I'm going to kill him and his entire fucking family. There won't be a place he can hide when I am done, is all that Jaxon could think about.

An unhinged side of him slowly came out as he stepped towards the desk. Hands slowly bracing against the edge of it. "I told you already," Jason said. "I'm going to kill you."

His eerie tone and bloodlust aura had Joseph humming in response. "I'm going to break your jaw, make you swallow your teeth," Jason explained. "I'll make you watch as I put each one of your men through the worst things imaginable. Kill their wives, husbands, kids- everything!"

And then, surprisingly, Jason laughed as he stared deep into Joseph's eyes. Able to see that spark of what could be misconstrued as anger. But, no, Jason knew better. He's done this a million times over and has put the fear of the devil into people. Made their worst nightmares come true. Joseph was not immune to that fear. He was a man. A normal human being and Jason planned on taking full advantage of that.

"Then, oh," he chuckled, "and then..." Jason leaned in closer. A sick and twisted grin formed on his lips. "I'm going dig up your wife's carcass and put it on the Empire State building. Let the birds eat away at what's left of her."

Joseph shot up from his chair and Jason was quick enough to evade the hand that tried to grab him. Getting two good punches in before slicing the mobster's shoulder with the metal fins on his wrist.

But that amounted to nothing as Joseph finally got a hold of him. Lifting him into the air with a yell before slamming him through the desk. The sound was being heard by Clint who now had the brand-new addition of Kate Bishop. Panic rose in their blood as they glanced at one another. Hearing another yell with a loud bang following soon after.

That source was Jason getting kicked so hard he went flying into the far wall. The wall caved in as the Precursor fell to the ground with a choked breath. Holding his stomach as he gasped for air. Before he finally regained oxygen, coughing at the blood that coated his tongue bitterly.

Silence filled the room as Joseph stared at him for a few moments. On the verge of grabbing the vigilante by the head and popping his skull like a watermelon. But he didn't. Instead, with a wave of his hand, a man came up behind Jason and smashed the butt of his pistol over his head.

"Take him to a room," Joseph ordered. "Beat him to death, I don't care. I've got things to do."