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| Jessica Crowley | John Crowley | Adam Crowley |
Jessica: …John…
John: …Yes, Jessica?
Jessica: Do you think your parents would mind keeping Adam for awhile?
John: I don't think they would mind… They would probably love to have him. It would be hard to explain, though…
Jessica: Nods. That was my biggest worry… I just think Adam needs to get out of Atlantis for awhile. He'd probably be safer, too.
John: I agree… Do you think he'd rather be with Eric and Bridget, though?
Jessica: I don't know… He's closer with your parents… Curls her hair around a finger nervously. But I don't want to burden them and I don't know how we could explain his emotional state.
John: I think they would take good care of him… but explaining why he's that way is the most difficult part, I think.
Jessica: Nods and thinks.
John: …And I think maybe we should ask him. I think your idea is a good one, Jessica… but we should make sure he's comfortable or at least not against the idea before we go through with it…
Jessica: Nods. Of course.
John: …I hope it does him some good.
Jessica: Nods. I think he's associated a lot of stress and responsibility with being here lately. School work, practice, working with me… Sighs. I'd like him to go somewhere where that's not hanging over his head and he can just relax and recover.
John: That would be for the best… I'm sure Mom and Dad would love to have him. I'll ask them soon.
Jessica: Nods. Thank you, John… Smiles a bit.
John: Smiles a little as well. It's no problem…
Jessica: Sighs a little. I don't really know what to tell them except that he's been ill and depressed. Which isn't that far from the truth.
John: Don't worry about that, Jessica… I'll take care of it.
Jessica: Smiles at him lovingly. You usually do take care of things.
John: I do my best… Smiles a little more, hearing her words. Now's about as good as it's going to get. …Jessica.
Jessica: Cocks her head to the side a bit. Yes?
John: Takes her left hand into both of his. The years I've spent with you have been the happiest of my life, even amidst all problems we've faced as parents… There is only one thing out of our entire time together that… if I could, I would go back and change… Withdraws a small, black box from a pocket and gets down on one knee.
Jessica: Reddens and tears up, smiling.
John: …I would have proposed to you with a ring. I can't change the past… but I can propose to you properly now…
Jessica: …John… Sniffs. Tears.
John: …Jessica, will you marry me? Smiling up at her, only releasing her hand so he could open the box and show her the diamond ring inside of it.
Jessica: Fingers over her mouth. Can only nod and blink back tears and smile, she's so touched.
John: You've made me the happiest man in the world, Jessica. Gingerly takes the ring out of the box, holding out his other hand for one of hers, intent on even going so far as to slide it onto her ring finger.
Jessica: Quite happily lets him to so, unable to hold back the tears. Sniffs.
John: His eyes are wet, but he's trying not to let tears go down his face. One of the few times he shed tears was when he'd first proposed to her and even though they've been married for so long, he feels the same joy he'd experienced when he asked her all those years ago.
Jessica: Once the ring is on her finger, into his arms she goes, holding him tightly.
John: Hugs her tightly as well. Tears do start to roll down his cheeks, despite what he had to say about it.
Jessica: …Y…You've made me the happiest woman… I-I just… Love you so much.
John: …I love you too, Jessica… and I never want to be apart from you…
Jessica: Y-You're not going away, are you?
John: Shakes his head. …I'm not going anywhere.
Jessica: O-Oh… Laughs a little, burying her face just under his neck. Sniffs.
John: Not yet, anyway. Strokes her back lovingly, still holding her tightly and hopes she doesn't mind an occasional tear falling on her.
Jessica: Kisses him.
John: Kisses her back.
Jessica: Strokes his cheek and lets the kiss linger a bit, then parts their lips and looks up at him, wiping her tears away and smiling.
John: Looks into her eyes, the smile still on his face. His cheeks have small streaks where tears trailed down, but at least they are no longer falling.
Jessica: Smiles and wipes his tears away affectionately, standing up.
John: Closed his eyes, just for a moment, while she was wiping away the tears. Opens them and stands up as she does.
Jessica: Strokes his cheek a bit. If you could bring Adam a piece of cake and I'll meet you back in our room? Smiles.
John: Of course… I'll see you there, honey.
Jessica: Smiles and stands on her tiptoes to give him a kiss on the cheek. Smiles at him lovingly and off she goes.
John: Smiles back at her, wondering why he had any doubt what he had planned for their special day. And when she's on her way, he gets on his way, a piece of cake in tow, to see Adam.
Adam: Curled up in bed, staring at the wall. Breathe in. Breathe out. Exhale. Inhale.
John: Soon knocks on Adam's door. Adam?
Adam: Jolts. …Yes?
John: Enters, bearing cake. Just thought you might want some cake, is all…
Adam: Sits up, looking blank… Cake?
John: Carrying a plate with a slice of cake. A fork is next to it, to enable him to eat the meal. Try some, Adam. I think you'll like it.
Adam: Takes some and stares. Oh, it's this sugary confection. Picks up the fork and eats obediently.
John: …How does it taste?
Adam: …Sweet.
John: Do you like it?
Adam: Thinks about this. …Yes.
John: Maybe there will be more tomorrow, then… I wanted to ask you something, Adam.
Adam: Looks up at him and stops automatically shoveling cake into his mouth.
John: How would you like to stay with Grandma and Grandpa for awhile?
Adam: Thinks. Who are Grandma and Grandpa…? Oh, yes… Stay with them…? Grandma and Grandpa… Furrows his brow. Oh. …Why?
John: You don't get to visit with them very often and I thought you might like to stay with them for awhile and get to know them better. I know they'd love to have you.
Adam: Struggling to make the decision. …What would you do?
John: Strange question. …If I were in your place or if you were there?
Adam: …If you were me.
John: I would take this opportunity to visit with them. They really would like to see you… and, I think… maybe you'd like to see them, too?
Adam: After a fairly lengthy silence. …How long?
John: It's up to them and you, Adam.
Adam: Looks around at his room a bit, as though he's never seen it before and it's still strange to him, though he's been staring at his walls for a couple days now. Some new walls to stare at might be fun. …Okay.
John: Leans in and kisses his forehead. They'll be so excited to hear that you're going to be there.
Adam: Liked the kiss. Nods.
John: We can get you packed tomorrow, is that okay?
Adam: …Yes.
John: Alright then. Leans in again and opens his arms for Adam. If he wants a hug, he has to make the rest of the trip.
Adam: Leans forward and hugs, laying his head on his father's shoulder.
John: Hugs him a little tightly, protectively. I love you, Adam.
Adam: This comes easy, doesn't have to think. I love you too, Dad.
John: Keeps him in his arms, smiling a little, since there was no pause when it came to saying that.
Adam: Holds tightly, so glad he can go to sleep now.
John: Just keeps him close, tightening his hug on him just a little bit more, still minding his chest.
Adam: Snuggles up to him, closing his eyes and relaxing.
John: Stays, looking down to his son, thankful that he seems to feel safe in his arms still.
Adam: After a few minutes… falls asleep.
John: Watches him fall asleep and after a few minutes of waiting, lightly moves away from him, trying not to wake him.
Adam: Not quite deeply asleep yet. Eyes open.
John: I didn't mean to wake you, Adam.
Adam: Looks up at him sleepily. …You can go…
John: Just an inkling… but… …Will you go to sleep if I'm gone?
Adam: Shakes his head 'no'.
John: Lightly pulls Adam into his arms again.
Adam: Like a baby, has to be held to go to sleep. …You don't have to stay…
John: Squeezes him gently. Maybe it's cruel, but he's going to stay until he's in a deep enough sleep to not be stirred by his leaving.
Adam: Just so tired… Does indeed fall asleep.
John: Not going to leave just now, until he thinks he's in a deep enough sleep to remain that way.
Adam: Deeply asleep!
John: It takes a litter longer for him to figure that. Does try to move away, albeit even slower than before.
Adam: Stays asleep this time!
John: Kisses his forehead before he leaves.
Adam: Sleeps on.
John: My poor, fragile child. Off to Jessica's it is.
Jessica: In a new sexy thing! They probably do something naughty.
John: I didn't know she'd be so touched by the proposing again thing.
Jessica: Loved it! Lays in his arms after it's over.
John: Hugs her close.
Jessica: Strokes his chest. That was a wonderful anniversary-birthday. Smiles.
John: Smiles as well, caressing her shoulder lightly. I'm glad you enjoyed it, love…
Jessica: I enjoy every day I spend with you.
John: As do I… I just wanted to make this an special day for you.
Jessica: You certainly did… I wasn't expecting that at all… Snuggles into him.
John: Chuckles a little. I can't be boring and predictable all the time.
Jessica: You're never boring… Strokes his hair. …How's Adam? Question was nagging at her.
John: Actually has some stubble now, since he's growing his facial hair back. He's… like he has been… He won't go to sleep if he's alone…
Jessica: …Really? Did you ask him about staying at your parents?
John: Nods. He said 'yes' to going… I'm not sure if he wants to go though or if he's just agreeing with me to agree.
Jessica: …I think it'd be good for him… Though I don't know, if he can't sleep alone…
John: Nods. …I'd like for him to go soon… Maybe not tomorrow… but soon. I'm going to try and get him to help pack a little bit tomorrow.
Jessica: Nods. That would be good. I don't think he's gotten out of bed since he got back. Is he talking more?
John: A little more.
Jessica: Is he still… acting like that?
John: …Yes, he is.
Jessica: Sighs. Well I hope you know what you're going to tell your parents, unless you can get him to come out of it.
John: I do know what I'm going to tell them.
Jessica: What's that? Strokes his stubble a bit. Must be channeling Adam.
John: …As much of the truth as I can, without delving into Atlantis territory.
Jessica: …You mean… everything? You think your parents… can handle that? Your mother's emotional enough as it is.
John: I trust they can… I know it's a lot to hear, but it's not going to make them think any differently of Adam… Except maybe treat him a little more delicately.
Jessica: Nods. I trust you know your parents better than I do… What about his bleeding?
John: …Just explain to them that his blood has trouble clotting.
Jessica: So, you're just going to say he was kidnapped by… What, the mafia?
John: No. That he was abducted by an awful person.
Jessica: Are you sure your mom will be okay? She's pretty sensitive.
John: …I know she's sensitive. She's much stronger than she appears, though… It would have helped me much if I had let her in when I lost my lung.
Jessica: Nods and strokes his cheek, since she knows that's a difficult subject for him.
John: It still is, too. I have faith that my parents can help Adam through this… and I agree that being away from Atlantis will help… What's more, maybe Adam can see Eric more often while he's there.
Jessica: Nods. That'll be good. And it will be good for him to get up and around tomorrow… Do you think your father will be okay with it?
John: Father loves Adam… but I am going to talk to them before Adam leaves. Like I said… he doesn't have to leave today or tomorrow or the day after… For now, I'm seeing if he'll get out of his bed and help me pack some of his things… From there, we can judge how long it'll be before he goes.
Jessica: Nods. You always have all of the good ideas.
John: I wouldn't say that… You're the one that came up with taking Adam to my parents' in the first place.
Jessica: Smiles. Well, you worked it out coherently… Sighs. Funny how after all that's happened, his bleeding has become the last thing we worry about.
John: …It's a shame that it has. It's unfortunate, but he's likely to live with that problem for years to come… For now, all we can do is try and focus on the things we can help him with.
Jessica: Nods and sighs. Adam'll be leaving and Feemy too… My little boys…
John: …It'll be a little different with them gone… Going to miss both of them greatly.
Jessica: Nods and sighs. …You know Elijah still sleeps in the same room as Bara?
John: It doesn't surprise me. I just hope he doesn't hate me for what I'm going to do.
Jessica: I told him that Bara might end up in jail and Elijah said, if that was the case, he'd sleep with her in the dungeon.
John: …I don't think we can allow that. Not because of the nature of the crime in question… but because it's just not allowed. Perhaps he'll see that I'm being kinder to Bara than Katen was planning to be.
Jessica: Nods. Well, at the moment, she's pretty ill.
John: Then maybe she should be brought to the infirmary…
Jessica: Elijah already called for the doctor… Who's afraid she'll have a miscarriage.
John: …I was worried about that as well. She should be moved to the infirmary, if that is the case.
Jessica: I think Elijah's taking care of it… Sighs, frowning.
John: Maybe so, but I don't think Elijah is a doctor.
Jessica: I meant that Elijah will probably bring her to the infirmary if he gets permission from Katen.
John: Nods. Alright, then.
Jessica: …Are you angry with him?
John: Not in the least, really.
Jessica: I thought you might be, since he wants to stay with Bara.
John: I can't fault him for that. I can't expect him to feel the same way I do about what happened… Though I didn't think he would be like this, I'm not going to force or expect him to agree with me.
Jessica: I guess he really loves her… Though I can't say why, if she lied and told him that he was Lonan's son and everything.
John: I can't say either. His love isn't going to change how I handle the situation regardless.
Jessica: Nods. I know it won't.
John: …I probably sound like some kind of monster.
Jessica: You don't, John. I can understand how you're feeling… What happened to Adam was… horrible…
John: It was… and she should pay… but Katen's suggestion is not only far too cruel, it's a little foolish.
Jessica: Nods. You'll need to talk to Katen, then. At this point, I think if Katen kicked her out, Elijah would go with her.
John: I should, then. Hopefully, he'll see my points.
Jessica: Nods. Katen's a reasonable man.
John: Sighs and relaxes a bit more into the bed, gently pulling her closer to him for cuddling purposes.
Jessica: Cuddles. My handsome Captain of the Guards.
John: Chuckles a little… and does look somewhat proud. I didn't think I'd see the day.
Jessica: Well, you may have had no faith in yourself but I knew you would someday… You're smart and you work hard and you're not a bad guard at all.
John: Cuddles up to her lovingly. It means the world to know that you've had faith in me all this time.
Jessica: I've always had faith in you. Kisses him on the cheek.
John: I know. Sometimes I'm just too thick-headed to see that, though.
Jessica: That's because your head is thick with brains… Bursts into giggles.
John: A little surprised to hear that and chuckles, just because he wasn't expecting it.
Jessica: Stops giggling and just feels embarrassed.
John: Just smiling fondly at her.
Jessica: Sooorry.
John: Nothing to be sorry for, honey. A lot of times, there's a certain security that can come with being professional and serious, but around Jessica he feels like he doesn't need to be!
Jessica: Giggles a little. Usually doesn't act weird around John… Would with Daniel, though. Maybe since he didn't react with horror and disgust, she'll do it more often.