/ Remembered this place exists because V*nce joined. I hate it here. Nowhere is safe.

“I reckon y’could, but the optics of that ain’t the best.” (He lets out a chuckle of his own.) “S’pose I’ll let y’be, then. Work ethic, ‘n all that.”

“Mm, alright. I’ll keep flappin’ my gums, then.” (He lifts a brow, his smirk lingering.)

“I’d like to see that.” (He smirks down at her, a devilish glint in his eyes.)

“Or what?”

(This earns a more sincere chuckle from him.) “Oh?”

“Tiny. But I’ve got a great waist, no?” (He winks playfully.)

(He lets out a halfhearted laugh, but a laugh, nonetheless.) “No can do; I wear ‘em well, do I not?”

(He wraps his arms securely around her frame, allowing a soft sigh to escape him.)

(He extends his arms for her, anticipating her embrace.)

“C’mere.”

“‘M a skeptic.”

“Maybe so. Dunno ‘f it’ll always be so easy, though?”

“Easier said than done, y’know.”

(Almost instantly, he feels himself unwinding.) “Not bad; dunno, I assumed the worst.”

(He chats on a bit before at last disconnecting.)

(It doesn’t take him long to fall into natural conversation with the boy. He was pleasantly surprised to find that speaking came with much greater ease than anticipated.)

(Her praise assuages a bit of the tightness in his throat, and the minute he has Jules on the line, voice brimming with excitement, a small smile turns the corners of his lips upward.)

(He nods when he hears her speak and pauses for a moment while he waits for his son to come to the phone. Her touch grounds him - it’s all he’s got keeping him tethered to Earth right now.)

(When he hears the click of the line picking up on the other end, he practically wants to leap out of his skin but persists.) “Hi Cyn. ‘S me. Can I talk to Jules?” (He glances over at May sheepishly, his insecurities once more evident.)

(He lets out a breath he was unknowingly holding and dials Cynthia’s number, his body tense as he hears the line ring.)

(He allows her words to linger for a moment. Something in what she says strikes a chord and a dull ache resonates through his chest. She’s right, he knows it, but it feels so difficult to break the cycle. Nonetheless, he nods slowly.) “Okay.”

“I know that. Y’have to understand where ‘m comin’ from.” (He pauses, brows knitting together.) “My approach to bein’ his father has been a lot like my father’s approach to bein’ mine. I dunno where to begin to fix it all; not like I can just snap my fingers ‘n make it right. He’s ten bloody +

“Wait-…” (He looks at her, almost pleading as he does so.)

“I often dunno what to say to him, Fung Yee. ‘M not the best father.” (He lifts his shoulders in a shrug.)

(He doesn’t answer right away, swallowing thickly.)

“Dunno. I just feel like Jules ‘s gonna grow up to resent me.”

“Where do I begin?”

“I dunno what to tell ya about it…”

“No, Fung Yee, y’have to understand. Things are complicated.”

“Dunno if it *can* be helped.” (He relaxes into her touch.)

“Can’t help that, Fung Yee…” (He rests his chin atop her head.)

(He extends his embrace to her, pulling her into his chest.)

“‘S not that, Fung Yee. ‘S just-…” (His insecurities frequently get the better of him, and now is no exception.)

/ Oh my God?

“Y’mean that, too?”

“I know y’do. Just…really feel like I need ya there.”

“Y’mean it?” (His eyes have softened.)

“What do y’mean? I reckon it’d be all right.” (He’s undeniably got lingering anxieties about making an appearance, that much is evident.)

“Will y’come with me?” (There’s something almost timid in his ask.)

(He huffs out a sigh.) “Fine, fine. Will y’let me know if Jules rings?”

“Was quite busy last night, if y’must know, Fung Yee. Writin’. Was feelin’ inspired. I think now’s as good a time as any to have a break.” (He retorts, mimicking her tone as he does so.)

“Mm, sure. Sounds reasonable to me.” (He teases, lifting a brow.)

(He lets out a content hum, nipping softly on her lower lip before pulling away teasingly.) “Knew you’d give in.” (John murmurs huskily, drawing a steady gaze to her.)

(His pulse ticks up in tempo, but eventually, again, he finds himself relieved when she finally melts into the kiss. Maybe that wouldn’t ever get old.)

(He can’t help himself - he swiftly strides in her direction, leaning down and reaching out to take her chin into his grasp before pressing a hungry kiss to her lips.)

(Cue an antsy groan.)

“Fung Yee.”

“Let’s not be hasty…”