Handle with Care (Jackson)

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Gabe was sick. That line kept running through Kiara’s mind after she had ended the phone call with Jackson. He had called her that morning and by the tone of his voice, the girl could tell that he was worried and quite lost at that moment. That combined with her own concerns over the little toddler led to the blonde grabbing a quick refreshing shower to decently wake up before she was on her way to where the two of them lived. It wasn’t too much of a difference, and Kiara was lucky enough that busses were already driving at this time of the day and that one just happened to stop just when she arrived.

Not having taken the time to grab something to eat, Ki could tell that she lacked energy. And despite the shower, it still proved to be difficult to keep herself awake on the bus. In an attempt to avoid missing her stop, the college student made sure to text Jackson to say she would be there within three minutes. Him texting back kept her awake, and eventually she successfully got off the public transportation. The fresh morning air gave her a small boost. Only having gotten out of bed about half an hour ago also made her experience it as chilly, which in turn made her walk up to the building at a slightly faster pace.

Once inside, a chill ran down her back, making the girl shuddered over her entire body. It was why she opted to take the staircase, regaining some warmth before arriving at Jackson’s door. He seemed to have put it ajar (quite probably having kept an eye on the clock to predict once she were to arrive – and since hardly anyone would be up at this hour anyway), so Ki could effortlessly enter and then made sure to lock it again behind her.

“Jackson,” she called out to him while shedding her coat. “I’m here.” Then again, it was not that hard to locate him, based on Gabriel’s fussing.

[Jackson Haynes]

This didn't happen often to Jackson, but every time it did he wished Google had all the answers. But even his helpful baby books couldn't help him when he was dealing with an upset child, the number one focus killer. And he was starting to feel bad for always relying on Kiara to come to the rescue, no matter how much she didn't seem to mind. Jackson had stayed up all evening, and then all morning, checking and rechecking Gabe's temperature, unable to decide if he should bring him to the doctor or not.

A pot of hot coffee was dripping steadily, filling the flat with the aromatic scent. They were going to need something to keep them going. Jackson was pacing the apartment with Gabe in his arms, trying his best to console him. At least when he took out his phone to periodically text Kiara, the tot was distracted by the lights of the device.

Jackson had the door open and waiting a few moments before Kiara actually arrived. There were many things that could describe her, and reliable was definitely one of them.

Walking through the hallway and into the living area, Jackson made somewhat of a smile. Gabriel had noticed Kia, but was curling even closer into Jackson's chest. Apparently if he couldn't make him feel better, then nobody could.

"I'm not sure if he's being colicky, but I'm pretty sure he's sick. He's running a pretty high fever." Jackson wasn't much for small talk to begin with, and the slight panic he was feeling over Gabe's health wasn't going to help with social interactions. The usually quiet boy was switching between moaning and wailing.

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In case Jackson’s concern had not been contagious yet, Kiara did feel worries stir the second blue eyes lacked finding the toddler’s usual happy face. She put down her bag and peeled off the jacket, draping it over a nearby chair before stepping over to the man, yet her attention immediately settled on Gabe. “Hey sweetie,” the blonde cooed as fingers reached out to lovingly caress soft chubby cheeks. After having smoothed away a tear with her thumb, the hand got retrieved.

“I thought he might be teething again, but he shouldn’t have a high fever then.” When those words were spoken, Ki was stepping away from the pair and into the room of which she knew it was Gabriel’s. There she plucked the little one’s stuffed frog from the crib and brought it over to the wailing one. She playfully wiggled the toy gently against the side of Gabe’s face, knowing he would most probably wrap an arm around it in response. And inwardly she was hoping for a little smile or laugh as well.

Technically there was not a lot the young woman could do, yet that had clearly not kept her from coming over. “Maybe he has an ear infection?” Pursing lips lightly, Kia gave Jackson a thoughtful look and then refocused on the cutie. Hands patted together in a wordless gesture and then she held them out to Gabe – the motion to be taken into someone’s arms or to be picked up. Kiara wasn’t sure if Gabriel would want to switch to her though, but she figured it was worth the attempt to give his daddy a break.

[Jackson Haynes]

As Kiara walked through the flat, Jackson continued to hold Gabe gently. "I don't think it's teething," Jackson said in agreement. Unless Gabe was teething and sick. Poor kid, today was just not going to be his day. When Kiara returned with Gabe's frog, Jackson smiled to himself. She was so good with the toddler, and it just made Jackson miss her in a way he knew he probably wouldn't be forgiven for.

"Maybe, but he won't stay still long enough for me to look." Doctor bills were expensive, but Jackson didn't want this to go on for much longer. Not hesitating, Gabriel put his own arms out for Kiara to take him. Jackson was happy to let the tot go for now, already wandering down the hall. "I think I have some baby Tylenol somewhere..." He mused out loud, opening up the bathroom mirror.

Gabe offered a distraction, as parenting came before one's own needs. But Jackson was hoping that maybe Kiara hadn't just come by to make sure Gabe was okay. All they could do for Gabe, was ease the pain. Jackson fumbled through some pill bottles, dropping a couple in the sink before finding the one he wanted.

Coming back to Kiara and Gabe, Jackson was shaking the medicine, trying to stir up the liquid. In no time at all, he was sure that Gabe would come to hate the taste of engineered grapes as much as he did.

"Thanks for coming by," he said, glancing at Kiara for a moment before focusing on Gabe. "Okay baby, open up." He eyedropper hovered over Gabe's mouth, and Jackson prayed he could get at least a little bit in.

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When Gabriel expressed no objection to end up in Kiara’s arms, she couldn’t suppress the smile that soon graced her face. A hand lovingly settled on his back, gently bouncing him a tad bit while going up and down through her knees (as lightly as possible). A kiss got pressed to the toddler’s sleep and soon enough soft humming flowed past the blonde’s lips as they still lingered. He was tired, she could tell, and this was an attempt at soothing him.

When his daddy returned, Ki gave a shrug in response to his gratitude. “Don’t mention it,” she mused while carefully shifting Gabe some. The tot had rested his head on the girl’s shoulder while sobbing into the frog plush which he held close, suspiciously eyeing the eyedropper. Kiara did bet, however, that the kid might like it. There should be a sweetened taste. “It’s yummy,” she assured the little one.

She then looked back at Jackson. “Pretend to taste it,” Kia whispered. It was doubtful Gabe would understand the request. All that matter was that the toddler would want it as well, if only because his dad might eat it otherwise and it was a typical reaction of little children. So when Jackson did as asked, the girl faked a gasp and looked down at Gabe. She didn’t even need to say anything. A grabby hand (the one not holding the frog) already reached out to the eyedropper, and when Jackson brought it to his son’s mouth, the tot put up no fight.

“Easy, right?” The blonde chuckled as her hand lovingly stroked up and down Gabriel’s back as his head came to squeeze the plush against Kiara’s shoulder. Perhaps it would not be as easy later on though.

[Jackson Haynes]

Taking Kiara’s advice, Jackson mimed taking the medicine, a bright smile on his face. “Mmmm,” he said, licking his lips for added effect. Gabe seemed a lot more interested in trying the stuff now, and Jackson had to hold back his laughter as Kiara went along with the whole charade. “Good idea,” he said, giving Gave his turn with the dropper. The little guy didn’t seem to mind it, but he didn’t seem to want more either. Jackson gave a sigh of relief – he didn’t want the medicine to become candy either.

“Yeah right, when I have four arms and hands maybe.” He smirked at Kiara, lowering the medicine. Jackson’s gaze remained on Kiara for a few more moments, before he shook his head to clear it. “I uh, I’ll be back.” He trotted back to the washroom and replaced the medicine. Hopefully it would do as the bottle said and work in the next half hour.

Returning to the living room, Jackson wasn’t sure what to do with himself or what to say. “Do you um, need anything, or…?” Eventually, Gabe wasn’t going to be a good excuse for her to come by. But at the same time, Jackson didn’t want to force anything, assuming there was something to force…

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Eyes lingered on Jackson’s back when he went to put the medicine back where it belonged. They then fell to the toddler as the softest of sighs slipped past her lips. “I wish my life was still as carefree as yours,” a hand lovingly rubbing up and down the child’s back. Gabe most probably didn’t understand, but at the same time it felt nice to make that statement to someone who didn’t judge. It felt nice to have him in her arms again, despite the fact that it wasn’t the same as it used to be.

When the man returned, Kiara gave him a lighthearted chuckle. “Some more sleep would be great.” A slightly joking tone supported her voice, aware that Jackson would need that more than she did. During the few seconds that her gaze lingered, a soft smile curled at her lips. She still cared for him, a lot, but she also knew that wasn’t much to base herself upon. Eight months was a long time and people changed.

“He’s almost turning two.” The blonde eventually broke the silence upon dragging blue optics away from him. She finally moved again as well, stepping over to the couch to take a seat there. Gabriel wasn’t that small anymore; he was starting to get heavy on her arm. All Ki had to hope was that the movement and shifting wouldn’t get him to fuss again.

“Will you be doing something for his birthday? I... could bake a cake if you want?”

[Jackson Haynes]

It wasn't the same as before. Things were tense, and Jackson wasn't sure how to get past it, if that was even a possibility. He wanted it to be, but he wasn't winning any medals in terms of being a good boyfriend. He didn't expect any forgiveness, it had been an extremely stupid thing to do.

Running his hands through his hair and messing it up, Jackson did the same with his eyes. He was tired, and he looked like hell. "That obvious huh?" He teased, smiling in spite of the bags under his eyes. Yes he was exhausted, and yes he had a lot to do, but he was happy with his life. Well, sort of. His eyes drifted over Gabe, the most important person in his life. The man would forgo sleep for the sake of his son any night.

"Yeah, it's getting hard to keep up with him." Jackson grinned a bit, following Kiara to the couch quite naturally. He bit his lip and wondered if what he would say next would break Kiara's heart at all. "He took his first shaky steps the other day." Jackson was proud, but he was sad, sad that Kiara hadn't been there for the moment. He always thought she would've been. But there were so many more moments to be had...

"That sounds like a better idea than the one I had." Jackson readily admitted. He smirked to himself and then sighed. She was going to ask anyways, so... "I was just going to make his favorite mac and cheese meal and let him have as much as he wanted." He gave a chuckle and shook his head, his hand landing casually on Kiara's knee. "You're the ones with the brains in this room."

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Kiara felt incredibly relieved when Gabe didn’t fuss. The crying and whining quite possibly had drained some energy from the little guy, along with the fact that his amount of sleep had been limited that night. Having him in her arms like this stirred the motherly feelings again, and in turn also made her softer and more gentle towards Jackson.

What the man said, however, made the girl sad. While a weak smile did curl her lips, it was hardly a happy one and mostly filled with the realization that the effect of his disappearance would keep dragging on like this. “I wish I could have seen that…” Kiara wasn’t going to lie about that, even if those words might sting Jackson. Chuckling softly, her free hand lovingly smoothed some of Gabriel’s fluffy hair from his forehead before planting a loving kiss on there. “I’m glad he’s doing so well though.”

The toddler seemed to be comfy, hugging his frog plush close as Kiara’s hand lovingly stroked up and down his small back while blue eyes focused on Jackson. “He could have both,” she mused. “Mac and cheese, and a cake. I doubt this little cutie would mind.” The last word might have been dragged out a tad bit when the man made physical contact though, along with inflicting some tension. For a brief moment the girl’s gaze lingered on her knee, only to drift back up at Jackson.

She didn’t push him away though. It actually made her relax again after a second. Kiara’s smile was more gentle now, and the hand that had brushed over his son’s forehead slowly reached forward to have fingertips briefly run over his fingers, eventually stopping near the last knuckles. With Gabe in her lap, leaning into her, the blonde was slightly slumped – her shoulder resting into the back of the couch.

“I wouldn’t say that,” Kiara smirked for a second. “My decisions haven’t really been the smartest ones lately.” With a tiny sigh, her hand finally budged before she rested the arm on the back of the couch, supporting her head in the hand. “I… kind of still can’t believe that you’re back.” Possibly because the college student had no idea how to handle it. “Do… you regret it?” Coming back, she meant. Perhaps his life in New York had been more pleasant and better.

[Jackson Haynes]

First steps were usually something to celebrate, but Jackson wasn’t so dense that he couldn’t tell that she was disappointed. But at what? Did she even want to know about it? He too forced a smile and gave a little nod. “Me too…” He wasn’t going to hide Gabe’s milestones from her. The more people who could be proud of the little man the better.

“Maybe,” Jackson said, giving the tot a weary look. Not the affectionate type, Jackson was surprised in himself, but more surprised that a physical gesture had been returned. But he wasn’t going to apologize for it. He was relieved to know she didn’t hate him as much as she once had. To know she had hated him at all… Well, that was something he wouldn’t forget for a long time. “But only if you promise to stick around for the after party mess.” He chortled and shook his head, trying to ease his way back into reality. One could only guess which end would be worse at the end of such a fun birthday party.

Jackson laughed at the statement. “Can’t be worse than what I’ve done.” But he also believed that good people made stupid decisions every day. It was just life and he wasn’t going to kick himself for it every day. Missing the contact already, Jackson found himself leaning forward into the conversation. He searched her eyes, his eyebrows scrunching trying to decipher what she meant. He shook his head. “No, probably one of the best things I’ve done in a while.” He smiled softly. He glanced at her bravely – God he had missed her. Her honesty and gentleness… There was more, but he couldn’t dwell or stare right now. “Are you? I mean, are you okay with it?”

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Kiara definitely wanted to know about Gabe’s milestones. It just kind of hurt to know that she was missing them because of a broken heart. That didn’t take away that she was proud though – so incredibly proud. She did hope to be around for others in the future, but at the same time the blonde was capable of acknowledging the slim chance at this. Potty training quite possibly was the next step. It was surreal to be there every single time the tot gave that a try.

With a soft laugh, Kiara nodded her head. “I’ll stick around for the after party mess. No promise that I’ll help you clean though.” Surely Jackson knew her well enough to be aware that this was merely a joke. She was too kind to let him deal with that himself. Random teasing like this helped lighten the mood, and at the same time it was an indication that the young woman was kind of warming up to him again. Admitting her own mistakes, even though he didn’t know any details, was part of that as well. Perhaps it wasn’t worse than what the man had done, but some did seem to label it as wrong – in turn making her judge it just the same.

When Jackson leaned into the conversation, Kiara had struggled to not do the same. Having Gabe in her lap helped, forming somewhat of an obstacle to mirror the motion. What she did as well, however, was smile and maintain eye contact. “I can live with that,” followed by a soft chuckle. After that, a brief silence seemed to creep between them, and the blonde had to tear her gaze away from staring into his too long, not wanting to make it awkward. Focusing on toddler Gabe was the next best thing.

“Maybe we should try to put him to bed? He seems to be asleep.” While stating that, Ki already shifted some to slowly rise. If Jackson wanted, he could sleep as well. She wouldn’t want him to feel obligated to stay awake. “And catch up on sleep ourselves.” Another smile.

[Jackson Haynes]

Watching the disappoint spread across her face, Jackson turned his head around, looking for something. “I’ve got this hilarious video of him trying a pickle for the first time…” Now he just had to remember where he put it. Naturally, Jackson had video footage, or photos (sometimes both) of most of the moments of Gabe’s life. Photos were of course, important to Jackson. They could colour a memory better than the actual memory itself.

“Oh I get it, you just want to laugh at me while I try to clean.” A bemused smile cropped onto Jackson’s face. He wasn’t going to promise that he wouldn’t somehow make Kiara dirty in the process if she refused to help. But he got the sense she was joking, as she normally did. Jackson’s leaving hadn’t been spiteful, he wasn’t capable of thinking like that.

Jackson smiled. This wasn’t going to be like a fairy tale or anything, but he was going to try his damndest to do his best. Even if that meant Kiara just wanted to be friends. He could model anywhere, and when that ran out, well, he would cross that bridge when he got there. Act maybe? Haha.

Standing with Kiara, Jackson scratched the back of his head and lead the way to Gabe’s bedroom. Watching Kia put the tot to bed made Jackson smile, and he left the room before Kiara could see and confirm that yes, he had been watching her. “Thanks again for coming, you’re a life saver,” Jackson said, waiting by the door for Kiara. He didn’t want her to leave, but he did sense a natural pause in how the night was going. If she stayed, he was bound to fall asleep mid conversation.

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Gabe made funny faces without needing a pickle, so trying to imagine him eating that kind of food automatically tugged a chuckle over her lips. “We should do a movie night.” With only videos in which the toddler played the leading role. “Maybe after his birthday party, after you tried to clean.” The smile rather effortlessly matched Jackson’s, gently shifting the child in her lap to be able to rise without completely waking him up. Then again, even if she had been a tad bit more abrupt, it was doubtful Gabriel would have woken up to begin with.

A gentle kiss was placed on the tot’s forehead before the blonde lovingly placed him down in the bed, tugging his frog blanket just high enough to keep him warm. The plush still held on tightly by his little hand and tugged to his face upon stirring a bit. That was the only movement made before Kiara left to room, as quietly as possible closing the door behind her.

When near Jackson again… the girl didn’t want to leave. She was at that point in her life that confusion had struck hard. In addition, if Kiara were to head home now, the coldness would have completely woken her up by the time she entered the apartment. No more sleep till the evening then. At least, that was how she was inwardly reasoning to justify the next statement.

“Maybe I should stay a little bit longer? Sleep here? I mean, in case Gabe wakes up…” Sleeping on the couch was an option; an option Ki didn’t voice out loud. It kind of made her feel vulnerable to await his reaction. Giving affection to Gabe had been nice, but she had been missing out on it herself. Maybe being aware that Jackson could provide that at this moment was what drew her in.

“I could go though. I don’t want to be a burden…”