#jasoninteraction

[renegadetulis]

a closed starter for @vntageheart

The frosty zephyr nipped at his skin as Jason shoved his hands into his jeans pockets. Shifting his weight as he found a spot to wait for Jess, his gaze darted around, taking in the premises. It wasn't his first time here, nor will it be the last. Jess had told him to meet her here. She had been busy with rehearsals but it never seemed to bother him - that was the advantage of being your own boss. After making sure Jacqueline and his crew had everything they needed, Jason could always come and go whenever he pleases at his club. Minutes ticked by and he saw other dancers from Jess' company trickle past him. He craned his neck to keep a lookout for her.

As soon as his gaze fell on Jess, a slow, languid smile had taken over his lips. There was something about the way her chocolate tresses frame her gentle face coupled with that ever-present sparkle in her hazel-green eyes. Jason raised a hand to wave at Jess, making a move to close the distance between them. "Hey, beautiful. You had a good rehearsal?" He reached out to move a strand of hair swept across her face and tucked it behind her ear. "I hope you're hungry because I am." He half-chuckled, almost embarrassed at how prompt his stomach had growled. Jason laced his fingers with hers, intertwining them. The warmth radiating from her was enough to make him content. "Burger and fries sound good right?"

[renegadetulis]

A languid smirk hooked onto his lips when Jessie demanded him to take everything off. He never thought she has it in her to make such demands in bed but that spurred him on. "Shit, I think I love it when you're demanding," he whispered against her skin before nipping the skin of her inner thigh. Jason moved up to face her again and it was in that moment, he knew he has never seen someone much more beautiful and desirable. Nuzzling her nose, Jason moved his arms around to unclasp her bra and tossed it aside, revealing her hardened peaks to him. Many a times he had found himself dreaming about this moment but having Jessie breathing in the same space as he does, her warm lithe frame beneath him - it was a thousand times better than any reverie.

Jason held her lustful gaze as he peeled back his own shirt off revealing his well-defined torso (which was the home for a litany of scars) for the first time to Jessie. His heart was beating erratically as he leaned in kiss her lips again. He’d never be tired of kissing them. The feel of her hardened peaks against his chest made him press against her. It only left his body burning and aching for more. His hands roamed on her skin to feel every peak and valley of her body – touching and admiring her as if she was the rarest of jewels. His thumbs ghosted over her hardened nipples. Jason pulled away from their kiss to dip down and lave his tongue over them. Grabbing the thin band of her panties with both hands, he pulled them off. He leaned in again his hot breath was on her chest as he pressed an open-mouthed kiss over her breast. Curling his warm tongue over her hardened peak, his hand parted her thighs even further. He brushed his thumb along the creases of her thighs, slid a hand in between. His own excitement was straining against the fabric of his jeans, though Jason ignored it. The taste of her drove him wild, eliciting a groan from him as he flicked his tongue over her nipple, lips wrapped around to suck it. Cupping her core in his palm, Jason could feel the heat of her emitting, the slick arousal welcoming him home. His fingertips found that bundle of nerves and begin to massage it slowly in circles.

It's ironic how Jessie once dreamed of meeting a man who would take every action with her slowly, waiting for the perfect moment to touch her in ways that made her skin warm. Yet, in that brief moment when he hesitated to move past the safe line, she found herself growing impatient. Perhaps it was because he ignited such a bright fire inside her that she no longer knew how to act. Her thoughts were filled with him more often than ballet; no one had ever occupied her mind quite like he did. Both of them carried past traumas that had yet to be discussed, but somehow, it didn't seem necessary at this point in their relationship. This was something Jessie felt profoundly grateful for. She never felt rushed, pressured, or anything but herself whenever she was with him, and that was a rare feeling.

Her mind was spinning, unable to keep up with what he was doing, but the happiness that washed over her when he said he was ready was beyond words. This moment with him was exactly what she had been craving, and she already couldn't get enough. Instead of overthinking the situation, Jessie eagerly captured his lips with her own as their bodies pressed perfectly against each other. "Mhmm," she confirmed to his one-word request, stumbling slightly as she refused to break their kiss while they made their way messily into her bedroom. His mouth, however, had other ideas, trailing kisses over nearly every inch of her skin above her neck, eliciting the smallest whimpers from her lips. She longed to reciprocate his eagerness, her hands itching to explore the soft skin hidden beneath his clothing. Yet, she selfishly enjoyed that he was taking the lead this time. However, that didn't stop her fingers from threading through the dark strands of his hair, twirling and giving gentle tugs every now and then. At least, that was until her arms were lifted above her head, and her clothing was swiftly removed, leaving her a blushing mess. As her head hit the pillow, Jessie took a moment to take in the sight of him above her. She had envisioned this scenario countless times, but nothing compared to the reality of it.

Lifting her hips off the bed, allowing him easier access to remove her pants and feel more of her skin that was definitely on fire at this point. Jessie would normally blush at the thought of being nearly naked in front of someone for the first time but instead, she felt beautiful in a way that couldn't be explained. "I think i have an idea," Jessie responded breathlessly, one hand inching towards the sheets as she gripped them softly and her other hand mirroring the same but within his dark strands. The softest moan made her lips part as his tongue was very carefully but hungerly getting a taste of her for the first time. "Take everything off me," she demanded, the lust clear in her own eyes now as she watched his every movement simply craving more.

[renegadetulis]

a closed starter for @theking-blackheart-muses

His shoes clicked audibly on the floor beneath - a rare sound especially in this constantly packed club. Tonight, however, was the exact opposite. Only a few lingering customers were nursing their drinks at the bar top, some at the booths having quiet dates whilst eating snacks. As per his habit at this hour Jason found himself patrolling around, keeping an eye out for any trouble but there was none. His gaze flicked towards the new bartender, Theo Blakewood as he wiped the bartop counter. Jason nodded when the younger man caught his gaze.

As if on cue, the double doors opened and Logan Blakewood strolled in. A small smile had hooked onto the corners of Jason's lips as his best friend walked in. It was silly to think men in their 40s having best friends - but that's what they are for years now. "Come to see Theo again or just for me or do we have to share?" he called out, chuckling as he chose a stool to sit down. "Theo, my usual whiskey. Neat, please." As he waited for Theo to prepare his drink, Jason turned slightly towards Logan. "You look like you need a drink too hhmm?"

[renegadetulis]

closed starter for @writermuses

The opening of Black Dusk a few weeks ago was a success. Jason had been nervous about the new nightclub maintaining that level of success every night but it seemed as though he was just worried for nothing. As the night progresses, the music came thumping rhythmically even faster. Something caught his eye despite the dim, flashing lights and he moved towards it. "Woah," Jason stopped in his tracks, arms held out. "You okay, there?" His dark gaze scanned their features and his brows furrowed. "Okay, you're obviously scared," he said trying to sound assuring. "I own this club, my name's Jason Romano. There are CCTVs everywhere," he said matter-of-factly, pointing at the cameras above them. "Whoever's harassing you or giving you a hard time, they're not going to get away scot-free okay?" He nodded at them, making sure they're listening to his words despite the loud music thumping against the walls. "Now, tell me who's bothering you and we can throw them out."

[renegadetulis]

As she moved closer to him, Jason had to stop himself from letting his eyes wander on her tight figure. Surprise got caught in his throat when Kas straddled his lap with her core pressed against his. Jason leaned back slightly to accommodate her, not necessarily pulling away. His hands found their way onto her thighs, heart thumping against his chest as she spoke and rocked against him. And at that moment, Jason soon realised how touch-starved he was. His body was reacting quick even though he did his best to quell it. Then she pressed that ice pack against the swell on his forehead, immediately reminding him what had happened just 10 minutes ago. "Kas," her name tumbled from his lips like an urgent whisper, callous fingers tightening their grip on her thighs.

Her scent was intoxicating. It was always easier if he concentrated on the physicality of things. There was nothing to think about in these situations. Only feral instincts and carnal desires. He let her speak, focusing the way her lips move. A distraction. Yes he needed that more than ever now. Damn, she’s a tease. His jaw tensed slightly as lust simmered underneath his skin. It would be an outright lie if he says he didn't want her since she had willingly offered. "If you insist," he gulped, letting his instincts take over. Moving slightly, he removed the ice pack from her deft fingers. His right arm wrapped around her lithe body, pressing her close to him. He breathed, pressing his face against her neck, warm breath playing on her skin. Jason pulled away, holding her dark chocolate gaze. Jason’s tongue darted out to meet her lips, flicking, tasting her. Then he brushed his lips over hers, kissing her gently before deepening the kiss as his left palm, cupped her jaw. 

Kas didn't take Jason's insistence that he didn't want her to repay him or the assumption that people wanted physical favors from her personally. More than that, however, she didn't believe him. Giving his hand a gentle squeeze, she nodded and quietly went to the refrigerator, grabbing two of the ice packs and checking the nearby drawer, finding hand towel close by. She wondered if that was habit from running a bar or thoughtfulness from his sister as well. When she came back, Kasmitha watched him curiously, thinking about how he hadn't pulled away when she'd taken his hand. Wondering where this man would draw the line with her and why she was so inclined to find out when she'd just been in a precarious situation with another man.

Standing between his thighs once more, Kas carefully wrapped each ice pack in a towel. holding one out to him, "For your knuckles." Her voice was soft but unwavering and once he'd taken it she hiked the already short dress just a little bit higher and gracefully climbed onto his lap, straddling him as if this wasn't anything out of the norm and, she was sure he was quickly realizing, it wasn't. Selfishly, she rocked her hips in little circles, getting comfortable but undoubtedly taunting him in a mildly innocent manner. "This one's for your head." She leaned forward, her dark hair curtaining around them as she gently combed her fingers through his until she watched him wince, softly apologizing in her native tongue before placing the ice pack there. "I'm used to a lot of people telling me what they want. I'm very good at countering that with what they need. What I'm not used to is someone stepping in to help me that isn't being paid to do so. So, I think thanking you for that is very much an appropriate exchange under these circumstances. Unfortunately, I've got very little to offer for my gratitude."

[renegadetulis]

Jason knew from the moment his lips pressed against hers the very first time, he'd allow Jessie to be the one to wrap herself around him and make herself at home. And he'd do anything - absolutely anything - to protect her. So when that very spark dissipated from her hazel hues as she spoke on the phone, a tight knot began forming in the pit of his stomach.

Jessie started to fiddle and fidget - a sign of her anxiety manifesting. And when she spoke, it suddenly made sense. She hadn't spoken much about her family and Jason knew it was for a reason. And he knew better than to probe around, judging by the way all her charming, sunshine energy seemed to immediately disappear at the slightest mention or memory of them. "They are?" he parroted, arcing a brow slightly before moving forward to place both of his hands on Jessie's arms.

"Hey." His tone was warm and gentle. Jason brought her closer to him, fingers tucking away some flyaway strands of her chocolate tresses. His palms rested on her cheeks, cupping them, willing her to meet his gaze. "Come what may... I think you're going to be a champ and charge through whatever bullshit they have to offer hhhmmm?" He wrinkled his nose for a moment. "Okay, scratch that. I was being corny and cringey," he tried to joke. That was in bad taste. Jason sighed, pressing his forehead on hers gently. "Jessie," he finally breathed, warm breath playing over her lips. "Talk to me."

closed starter for @renegadetulis ft. jessie

"Okay, yeah, yeah. I have to go, alright? I'll see you then."

The moment Jessie ended the call, frustration flickered across her face, settling into the tight pull of her lips and the tension in her shoulders. The familiar weight of dread crept in—so much for the peaceful bubble she and Jason had crafted. Their little world of quiet understanding, stolen glances, and effortless companionship was about to be disrupted. Her parents were coming into town, and that meant stepping back into an environment where she felt like an outsider in her own life. They had never been her biggest supporters—never truly understood her, never embraced the choices she made.

Jason’s gaze lingered on her, watchful, waiting. He could always tell when something was wrong before she even said a word. She swallowed, her fingers finding the loose string on her dress, absentmindedly twirling it between her fingertips in a feeble attempt to steady herself. The familiar motion grounded her, yet did nothing to ease the uneasy flutter in her chest.

"So, uh," she murmured, voice softer now, uncertain. "My parents are coming here this weekend." The words felt heavy, like a fragile truth she wasn’t sure she wanted to voice. The quiet between them stretched, charged with an unspoken plea—for reassurance, for understanding, for anything that might soften the inevitable storm.

[renegadetulis]

As soon as Jessie finished her burger, so did he. Jason was one to mirror his eating companions - never one to stay too long with his food either. He hated eating dishes gone cold. He quirked up a brow when Jessie mentioned Asher. She had mentioned him several times and Jason knew they were close - just as tight knit as with him and Jac. "Ah, I finally get to meet the person you're always excited about other than me," he teased, winking at her. "I'd love to meet Asher before the show." Between them, Jessie had been reluctant to indulge him with family anecdotes although she didn't seem to hesitate when it comes to her brother. It was endearing in a way.

The moment his eyes landed on the photos, Jason leaned forward. The smile etched on his lips grew wider as he took them into his own hands. “It’s you,” he said softly. There was a playful, almost childlike awe to his voice. He hadn’t expected Jessie to gift him these. He looked through the photos, looking carefully at the level of detail in each and every one of them. Jason noticed the colors, the certain eloquence she had in each pose. The lighting made her look ethereal, glowing - like an angel dancing in the highest of heavens. He could see her soul in the shades and poses captured. He couldn’t say anything, let alone formulate a coherent thought. It took a couple of moments for him to regain the ability to speak, but when he did, he was still only able to say a couple of words. "These are... beautiful, Jessie..." A smile spread through his features. He momentarily tore his gaze away from the photos, meeting Jessie's excited hues. "I get to keep these?" he asked, almost in disbelief. "They're the perfect size for my wallet."

One thing was for certain: whatever they decided to do, she would love it. Not necessarily because of the activity itself, but because she would be with him. Anything they did together was always enjoyable. "I have no doubt about that," Jessie said, taking a few more bites of the burger in her hands. She didn't realize how quickly she was eating, but her recent practices had left her ravenous. As much as she loved her work, she had to admit that she despised performance season. It added pressure, and her instructors were often more demanding than usual, especially since they were only a few weeks away from the big show. "Oh, I forgot to tell you. My brother, Asher, is going to be at the performance. I'd really like it if you met him, if you're ready for that." She didn't want to apply any pressure, but if he was okay with it, it would certainly be a positive sign for their relationship's progression. Asher was really important to her, so her merging the two worlds reflected on how she felt about Jason.

She laughed softly, reaching into her bag with clean hands as she pulled out a few wallet-sized photos. She had a photo shoot done a couple of weeks ago for her dance and had ordered a few extra copies just for him. "I ordered you some of these. I thought you might like them," she said softly, her voice tinged with nervousness. She was worried that he might find them too corny, but she handed them over with a smile on her face. The pictures captured her in various poses, showcasing her grace and talent, and she hoped they would remind him of her passion and dedication. Despite her nerves, she felt a flutter of excitement as she watched him take the photos, eager to see his reaction.

[renegadetulis]

The thought of Jessie in his arms as they navigate the wilderness and sitting by the edge of the river brought about a warmth to his chest. Jason couldn't explain it but it's been something he had chased after for years. And when Jessie reflected the same enthusiasm, Jason couldn't help but flash her his famous crooked grin. "You'll love it, I'm sure." Of course there was a risk of finding out another side of her - if she hates outdoors and hiking it would throw off everything he had in mind. Jason decided to quell the negative thoughts though, trusting his instincts here.

Jessie does have her way of pulling out genuine smiles from him. "I guess my hand is honoured," he chuckled. He sipped more of his drink before setting it down. Jason clasped his hands together, ever curious as to what Jessie might have gotten him. "You have something for me? I think Christmas came early, isn't it?" He hadn't expected her to get him a gift although he was sure whatever that may be, she would have put in a lot of thought to it and he'd love it.

Speaking of a date that wouldn't carry on overnight, Jessie's mind wandered momentarily, even though she was listening to every word pouring from his lips. She wondered why, at this stage, neither of them had stayed over at each other's houses. She certainly wanted to. She wished to experience what it was like lying next to him all night, waking up with him the following morning, and cuddling under the blanket until one of them insisted they had to get up and start the day. She wanted that, but she also refused to pry or pressure him into a scenario he might not be ready for. The touch of his hand on hers brought her out of her thoughts, a smile returning to her lips as her fingers played with his. "You know I am the world's biggest sucker for surprises. I can't wait to find out what it is," she said, her excitement palpable. Even based on the attire he suggested for the event, Jessie couldn't think of what it might be. It must be outdoors if he was suggesting appropriate footwear, but either way, she was thrilled to find out.

"Comfortable. I can do that," she confirmed, slowly pulling her hand away from his so she could wrap it around her burger instead. "You certainly do not, but at the moment, I do enjoy holding your hand more than this burger," she laughed softly, taking another bite of the burger before diving into her fries. "Speaking of surprises," she said after wiping her mouth and hands clean of any burger mess and taking a sip of her lemonade, "I have something for you."

[renegadetulis]

He put his burger down, wiping his hands briefly on a napkin enarby. "You're a mind reader," Jason teased, languid smirk etched on his crooked lips. Chuckling lightly, Jason nodded. "Actually, yeah. I do..." Jason reached across the table again, lacing his fingers through hers. "I wanna take you somewhere but it won't be an overnight thing." The place he wanted to bring her was beyond special. He had never brought anyone there before - save for Jac. But their parents had brought them there during their childhood days to "get away from the city noise". Jason figured it could be somewhere just the two of them could relish in, be in each other's presence set against nature.

"But it's a surprise. But also wear comfortable sneakers and clothes. Nothing too dressy. I want you comfortable." He wasn't sure if that second statement would give her ideas but Jason didn't want her to be dressed to the nines and cursing the terrains with aching feet. If all things go well, it could be their special place - one where they could go to escape city life and its hustle and bustle. Jason gave her hand a squeeze, gaze lingering on their joined hands. "I'll let you get to your burger now," he teased, winking at her and releasing her hand at the same time. "Don't wanna keep a hangry ballerina from her burger and fries, do we now?"

Jessie had a feeling that sharing her childhood photos with Jason, exposing him to a world she had yet to reveal, would start to heal parts of her inner child that were in desperate need of it. At times, she felt guilty for being so secretive and dismissive when the topic of her family and past journey came up in conversation. It wasn't that she didn't trust him with the information or feared his reaction; it was more that she herself struggled to accept her past. Speaking about it always brought back memories she was deeply trying to forget. It wasn't a healthy coping mechanism, but it was what she had resorted to her entire life. Dance was her escape, allowing her to vanish into an entirely separate universe, one filled with zero trauma, issues, and pure bliss.

Still holding the burger in her hands as juices dripped down her fingers, Jessie took another bite, her eyes marveling at how good everything tasted. Not that she expected anything less—Jason's word was never disappointing or untruthful. When he asked about her availability, she thought about her week. With performance day approaching, she did have practice more frequently, but her instructors were serious about giving them time off to recover and rest as well. "Actually, yeah. I'm free on Thursday," she replied, her voice brimming with excitement. She always looked forward to any day she got to see him; it was the best part of her week. "Did you have something in mind? Plan on taking me to a romantic getaway?" she teased softly, her eyes twinkling with anticipation.

[renegadetulis]

His eyes fluttered close when Jessie caressed his cheek - such an innocent touch of concern. I want this—I want everything with you. A soft relieved sigh left him as soon as her words hit home. He moved slow - slower than ever before with anyone else. Why? How many outings had they gone on before he dared to go in for that first kiss? And with every kiss since then he would always pause for a moment, quietly wondering if any move of his was acceptable. Perhaps it was because he felt like Jessie was a dream he was doomed to wake up from, or maybe he was just aware that there were pieces of her that were fragile, just like he does. At the current rate they’re going, he would have already told him of his past, the night terrors that haunt his nights from time to time and the survivor’s guilt he carries hidden in the secret recesses of his heart. Yet, Jason didn’t feel the need to open himself wide open for her. Not just yet. At this very moment, he just wanted to relish the feel of her lips against his. And the second she pulled away from him - that felt like temporary hell.

God, he missed her. How could you actually miss someone even more when they’re right in front of you just mere inches away? Her words were soft, reassuring as if she was promising to protect him. It felt strange - shouldn't it be the other way around? He had felt this freefall into a deeper sea of affection before. With Jessie, however, there was an addition - a tenderness so immense that sometimes he just wanted to do nothing more than hold her for hours, for days. Everything in him felt in focus when she was near. "I've kept you waiting for long enough," he whispered back against her lips, pressing his forehead against hers. Through the dim lighting, he could see the flecks of hazel in her irises, the worry colouring those beautiful hues he had memorised for sometime now.

His lips were on Jessie’s again in a second, low groan catching in his throat. Hands gently cupped her face as he kissed her over and over again. He pulled away for a brief moment, eyes hooded, heavy with lust. "Bedroom," he breathed against her lips before kissing her again, pulling her along, backtracking his steps. He was giddy now – with the carnal desire to please her swirling in his thoughts and her very presence. Fighting against his thoughts on pushing her against the wall or just end up at the couch, Jason let Jessie navigate through her own home. Dipping down, his lips worshipped her jawline, down the slope of her neck, and he paused to suck along her pulse point as his hand dropped to her side, fingers brushing along her ribcage and then further down to the hem of her blouse. Now he was nibbling along her collarbone, pacing his way back to her neck as his hands pushed her blouse up along her torso. In one liquid movement, he pulled her blouse off her head and tossed it over his shoulder. Jason gulped. She looked so beautiful like this, flushed with desire and lust colouring her eyes. Jason only spent a few seconds drinking in her beauty before edging her against the foot of the bed. His hands wrapped themselves tight around her as they fell on the bed together. This time his hands roamed against her soft skin, brushing against her bra as he went. He pulled away reluctantly away from her perfect lips, trailing down her neck to her collarbone, then to the soft mounds of her breasts – nipping at the flesh. Travelling further down, Jason pressed open-mouthed kisses to her middle, tongue darting out just above the hem of her pants before moving to pull them down too, leaving her clad only in her undergarments. "You have no idea how much I want you,” he murmured against her lips, before his tongue darted out, tasting her. 

She could feel herself holding on, desperate to hear what his words would be and whether she needed to brace for painful impact or if she was simply overthinking the entire situation. As she listened to his explanation, Jessie couldn't help but raise her eyebrow slightly, knowing Jason well enough to see there was more to what was troubling him than what he was revealing on the surface.Jessie sighed softly, guilt gnawing at her as she never wanted him to feel any guilt for taking things at his own pace. She found herself lost in her own insecurities, worried that her feelings were far deeper than his own. But she realized how foolish that was, especially with how often he showed her how he felt. Her eyes shut briefly, the tears from earlier drying up as she relaxed underneath the soft kiss he pressed to her fingers. The ease of all her concerns washed over her when he reaffirmed that wanting her was never the problem. Lifting her free hand, she brushed it along his cheek, her thumb gently caressing his skin.

"There's sincerely nothing that you could do that would scare me off. I want this—I want everything with you." Jessie didn't think twice about her words; she let them flow out naturally, wanting him to fully understand how much she cared for him. The room seemed to grow quieter, the weight of her confession settling between them. She hoped that her honesty would bridge the gap that had formed in her mind. As she gazed into his eyes, she saw a reflection of her own fears and hopes, and in that moment, she knew they were on the same page. Dropping her hand from his cheek, she set it down in his lap, resting it against his thigh. Her fingers lightly danced along the fabric of his jeans, her best attempt at providing comfort as her own words struggled to catch up with the whirlwind of emotions. Before she could fully process his apology or how quickly everything had turned back around to where they originally left off, she felt the familiar effect he had on her. He had the uncanny ability to turn her brain and body into pure mush, and she adored him for it. With much hesitation, Jessie pulled her lips away from his briefly, whispering against them with her forehead pressed against his own. Her eyes got lost in his dark brown ones, searching for reassurance. "Are you sure? It's okay if you're not ready. I don't mind waiting," she murmured, wanting to ensure he was doing this on his own terms and not because she had voiced her concerns.

[renegadetulis]

The mention of Jessie's old photo albums caused a languid beam carving across his face. They'd have to make a day out of it - perhaps with his own photo albums his own mother had been hoarding in the old Romano townhouse. In that brief reverie, Jason realised he has never shared those momentos of the past to anyone outside his own family. No one was worth it. Jessie is, however, worth every single thing. Jason's smile seemed to have cemented itself on his countenance as she agreed with him. Jessie had seemed apprehensive sharing about her childhood, her background and ultimately her family. He had noticed that since the beginning but Jason didn't want to probe too much. Testing the boundaries and delving deeper required time and Jason didn't mind that they were skimming the edges, dipping in further as they moved along. He himself was reluctant to share about his previous career - the one which left him paralysed waist down, struggling with night terrors and PTSD and not one shiny medal pinned to his chest was enough to erase any of those wounds. The both of you don't owe your pasts to each other. Only your present and the future. That was the ultimate piece of advice Jac had given him.

"Right? If you think the smell is amazing, wait till it occupies your taste buds." He chuckled at her response, shrugging his shoulders as he took another big bite of his burger. "Glad to be of service, madame." The teasing lilt in his voice was apparent as he mirrored her actions, chewing more of his own food. Washing it down with his drink, Jason cleared his throat. "Hey, what's your schedule like this week?" He already had some plans in ideation but there was no way he could disturb her practices especially with the performance date being so close. "D'you think you could spare one night off?"

"You might be in luck," she said, her voice promising as she visualized the photo albums she had at her place that definitely had to contain a few photos from her childhood. Her parents weren't big on capturing many moments in Jessie's life—she always assumed it was because her parents were still learning their way around being actively involved. Yet, it's not like much changed once her brother was born. That's why she took him under her wing and ensured he didn't have a childhood remotely similar to what she experienced. Pulling herself out of those memories, she focused back on the conversation. "I think I have a couple of albums at home that are filled with the proof for you." It was convenient that his fingers happened to be fiddling with her own, keeping her grounded and her mind distracted from the memories of her past that kept trying to creep back in. The touch was soothing, a gentle reminder of the present moment.

Thinking of ballet was another way to find her center; it was always a safe space for her. "It absolutely is! I really wouldn't be who I am without ballet or my brother. I owe the world to those two things," she quickly allowed that piece of information out, making sure to avoid mentioning anything about her parents as she wasn't ready for them to be the topic of any conversations anytime soon. She very slowly pulled her fingers away from his, already missing the warmth it provided as their food was dropped off on the table. "It smells amazing! This was such a good choice," she exclaimed, genuinely excited about the meal. Just as she went to unfold her napkin that contained the utensils she would need, she paused, placing the napkin across her lap. Laughing softly at his suggestion to use her hands instead of a fork for the burger, she teased, "Excuse me—is that really what you think of me? I know how to eat with my hands."

Her tone was playful and rather amused at the fact that he viewed her as someone who might not eat with her hands. However, she couldn't exactly blame him for that assumption since she did act rather prim and proper whenever they went out to dinner. Picking up the burger with her hands and taking a bite, she was amazed by how delicious the food was. It was exactly what she needed after a long practice. "Satisfied?" she mumbled through her food, laughing for a quick second before taking another bite of her burger.

[renegadetulis]

"Jessie, it's..." A sigh escaped him as his right hand moved to the back of his head. A deep, exasperated sign reverberated through his chest as his olive hues fluttered close. "It's nothing to do with you." His words came out soft, almost meek and embarrassed. That admission was true - but not the whole truth. "It's just me. I... don't want to miss a step with you." He had hoped she wouldn't notice but who was he trying to fool? Not with Jessie. He had been a total open book with her - let this woman see vulnerable parts of him - well mostly. And she had gotten to know him too well that he couldn't possibly think lying to her was the right option. Yet... Jason found himself gathering his own inherent insecurities and stuffed it into a tight box to put away. Maybe it won't happen with her. Maybe he was thinking too much. You spend too much time in your head. He was hurting her - the pained expression of hers was obvious and Jason hated himself for causing that. Hands reached out to clasp around hers. "Of course I want you," he reaffirmed, squeezing her fingers in between his before bringing them close to his lips. He pressed them against her digit tenderly, looking up, searching for her hazel hues.

"I... I don't know, Jessie..." He took a moment to take a breath. "I'm just... I lo- I don't want to move too fast and scare you off." Those words rang true despite the split second falter. Jason was already in the trenches as he did his darndest to keep his own fucked up state of mind locked away. "....Or am I just...too slow?" Offering a small, apologetic smile, he sighed against her digits. His question was weighed with weariness, frayed at the edges. "Yeah, Jac was right," he concluded, looking up to Jessie again. With his free hand, Jason brushed against her forehead, caressing her cheek with his knuckles. "I'm sorry.... Shit, I'm so sorry for making you doubt yourself, Jessie. Because I can't imagine who would be mad enough to not want you." A mirthless snort left him as he pulled her close again, pecking the tip of her nose. "I mean.. have you seen... you?" Releasing her hand, Jason reached forward, cupping her face. His worried gaze trailed from her beautiful hazel eyes, down to the gentle curve of her button nose to those alluring lips he had fallen in love kissing over and over. "Now, I am just talking too much." His voice came out in a breathless whisper. "Let's start over." His hands fell to her side, gathering her frame against him again, lips parting only to press against hers without hesitation.

It felt like a dream, so vivid and surreal, and she was confident she would wake up from it any minute—although she never wanted to. With every pull closer to his frame, she found it increasingly difficult to maintain a steady breath. As her feet lifted off the ground, carried to a different destination in her place, nerves started to bubble up once more. Her mind raced with thoughts and questions, wondering if this was the pivotal moment they had been building towards; if this was when they would finally cross the physical barrier and discover if they were compatible in every aspect of their relationship. His presence was both reassuring and electrifying, making her acutely aware of every touch and glance. The way he held her, the strength and tenderness in his embrace, made her feel simultaneously safe and exhilarated.

The softest moans of pure ecstasy and pleasure were escaping her partly open mouth as his lips explored new parts of her skin, eyes shutting as she fell into pure bliss of how he was making her feel. Hands eager to explore parts of him in a new light; running down from the strands of his dark hair to the back of his neck, fingernails very lightly dancing against his skin to where she could feel the goosebumps rising. Then suddenly, as her body relaxed underneath his touch, the nerves from earlier vanishing, and she could feel herself fully surrendering to this experience, he abruptly pulled away from her. The softest gasp escaped her lips, so quiet she wasn't sure he even heard it. His words fell harshly on her ears, leaving her confused and hurt by his sudden desire to make a quick exit. It stung even more because this wasn't the first time such a scenario had played out between them.

Her eyebrows furrowed in distress as she tried to piece together the puzzle in her mind, searching for an explanation for his abrupt change in behavior. It felt like she was experiencing never-ending whiplash. Perhaps it was something about her; maybe he wasn't ready to take their relationship to the next level and was having doubts about where he stood with her. Her lips unintentionally formed into a small pout, and her hands slowly dropped away from his body as she voiced the first words that came to her mind. "I don't get it. Am I doing something wrong? Do you not actually want me? You've got my head spinning right now, Jason," she said, her voice tinged with frustration and hurt. The emotions she had been holding back finally spilled over, her patience worn thin.

[renegadetulis]

Jason couldn't help but chuckle when she insisted of how she looked like when she was little. "I need receipts," he teased, "And not some blurry childhood photos taken secondhand by a phone. Like actual photos hidden in a dusty family album." It might have been a light attempt to tease and jest but Jason genuinely wanted to know all of Jessie - even the embarrassing parts. He had noticed she didn't speak much about her family and whilst Jason had been respectful, it didn't mean he wasn't curious. His own fingers brushed against hers, intertwining them. Listening to Jessie talk about dance, Jason couldn't help but quirk up a smile. It was the way she was slightly hesitant, the gentle shyness lacing her tone as she spoke, the bright sparkle glinting in her hazel eyes as she recounted her childhood. And Jason knew Jessie had just shared a huge part of herself - something that had resonated deep within the pearls of her soul, not open to anyone else.

"Ballet's your anchor," Jason maintained holding her gaze, giving her a warm smile. "Not many people have an anchor from childhood," he remarked. "I know, I don't." When the burgers and their drinks finally came, Jason straightened in his seat. The aroma from both of their choices was alluring and he couldn't wait to dig in although nothing was more alluring than the woman in front of him. Unwillingly, he released her fingers to let Jessie pick up her burger. "Hhmm? What did I tell you?" he spoke, pointing to the burgers and fries in front of them. "Don't they just smell divine?" Jason rubbed his palms together - almost childlike and hungry. "Wait," he suddenly sounded, shooting her a stern look despite the teasing crooked smile on his lips. "Don't you dare use the fork and knife for a burger." He picked his burger up, shooting Jessie a look so she'd do the same. "You gotta use both hands and just..." Jason's lips parted. "And then sink your teeth in, like this." He then proceeded to take a big bite, not caring if there was mayo on his chin and fingers. "That's the way," he mumbled whilst chewing.

"You know how people usually look completely different from when they were a kid? I look exactly the same. So, it's very easy to picture a little me." Her laughter made her nose crinkle slightly, and she immediately shook her head at the mention of the lip gloss. "I had the worst sense of makeup skills at that age. It's a miracle I didn't shave off my eyebrows." Her mind wandered to the image of a younger him, perhaps more brash and unrefined, a stark contrast to the man sitting before her now. She wondered what experiences had shaped him, what moments had softened his edges and brought out the tenderness she had come to cherish. The thought of him evolving over the years, growing into the person he was now, made her heart swell with a mix of admiration and affection. Interlacing her fingers with his own, she reveled in the warmth it brought. His touch had a way of always making that feeling appear, a comforting and grounding presence.

Most people would love to talk about their journey to achieving their dream, but Jessie's background in ballet wasn't the happiest of stories. Still, that wouldn't stop her from sharing it with him. She took a deep breath, her thumb brushing against the back of his hand as she began. "I was really young, yeah. My parents enrolled me in dance when I was five, I think? I've been doing it ever since," she cleared her throat softly, her eyes drifting to a distant memory. "I did start off in ballet, tap, and jazz classes though. So it did take a minute to find my true calling of ballet," she continued, her voice steady but tinged with a hint of nostalgia. She could almost hear the encouraging words of her first ballet teacher, the person who had seen her potential and nurtured her passion for dance. "It wasn't always easy," she admitted, "but ballet has always been my escape, my way of expressing myself. Even when things were tough at home, dance was my constant."

[renegadetulis]

He did his best not to wince at her touch - every bruise, sting or ache he had gotten from this terrible habit of his... nothing could be compared to the shrapnel plunged deep into his spine several years ago. It still hurts nonetheless. Jason didn't back away from her touch. Instead he remained motionless, olive hues searching for her dark ones when she questioned about the ice. "There should be some ice pack in the fridge," he replied, gesturing with his shoulders. "My sister keeps some in every single fridge in this place," Jason explained with a slight, pained chuckle. Kas surprised him by lacing her fingers around his, pulling him to sit down.

He settled in, head leaning back into the couch. She could have left, but Kas stayed and Jason had no complaints. His brows knitted for a moment, lips parted, slightly confused at Kas' words. "Payment?" he parroted, arcing a brow at Kas. It dawned on him what she meant and Jason shook his head, looking away. "I didn't do any of that... for any kind of payment," he muttered, meeting her dark gaze once again. "I have an unresolved saviour complex. It's not healthy, I know." Jason knew the whole tit for tat decorum but he had done so because of his own inane need to fight. "I'm guessing you're used to people telling you what you owe them after a favour huh?"

"I..." Kasmitha was going to tell him to not make a promise he couldn't keep, but there was something about the way the man looked at her when he told her that it wasn't going to happen, that Kas simply knew he meant what he'd said. "Thank you." With practiced obedience, she brought the drink to her lips, relaxing as the liquid smoothed out her nerves. Still, she watched him with a studied eye, aware of his anxiety building. Of course, her experience with men on edge had been for entirely different reasons. Swallowing she looked silently between him and the remote, nodding in understanding as Jason shrugged on the jacket. While she wasn't certain she would look, she knew that she should for peace of mind.

When the door snicked closed behind him, she wished she'd been able to string together more than a few shaken words, to reach out and tell him he didn't have to protect her from this man. In the end she was just glad someone was finally putting a stop to the terror. Kas paced, her eyes flitting to the screen and away as her heart raced and the indecision to look melted away and then bubbled back to the surface. It was obvious there was some talking and Kas flinched at the hit to Jason's face. While she couldn't look away from that moment on, she knew it was taken care of, that she was safe, and there was no telling how long she'd been alone in that room waiting for the reality of that to settle in.It wasn't until he was there in front of her, those olive eyes locking on her with that anchoring intensity that she felt her shoulders lower from her ears and her arms unwrapped from her middle. Cautiously, she raised a soft hand to his face. "You're hurt." Her thumb traced the blush of color on his skin. "Is there ice I could put on it for you?"

While Kasmitha was used to being the one smacked around and the one treated to some sort of aftercare, she'd had some clients that preferred it the other way around or left her to clean up the mess they made. Slipping her other into his, she pulled him gently to the couch she'd been sitting on. "You did keep it and I never doubted that you would." Kas made sure he was seated, her slight form instinctively moving between his legs as she wisp of a smile found her lips. "You should tell me how I should thank you." The tip of her tongue traced her painted lips as she thought about all of the ways a man may ask for payment. Even if he wanted nothing from her, Kas knew the least she could do was get him some ice.

[renegadetulis]

Ice skating was something Jason and Jac had done together when they were still kids under the watchful eyes of their parents. As they grew older, the simple joy of being on ice, while watching others was lost. He hadn't been on ice for years now but thought it'd be a simple, winter date with Jess. Upon hearing she had never been... Jason was all the more determine to let her try. She has the grace of a ballerina, probably more coordinated than he was and Jason wanted to associate ice skating with happier moments than one of melancholic nature.

Balancing himself on the skates, it came naturally to him - it was like riding a bike. Jason made sure Jessie was close, slowly guiding her around the rink. He chuckled when she expressed how good he was. Jason shrugged at her. "You're doing better than you give yourself credit, babe," Jason whispered against her ear as he slid an arm around her waist, steadying her. Pulling her closer by the waist, Jason skated backwards so that she'd be moving forwards since they're pressed together. When Jessie's eyes fluttered closed, Jason couldn't help but smile, entranced by her peaceful expression of contentment. Perhaps it was too early to feel this way, perhaps she didn't have to know the darker parts of him to feel the same way. As soon as she leaned forward to capture his tiers in a gentle kiss, all those thoughts weighing on his mind dissipated. She washed them away with ease, like a giant wave washing the dirty seashore clean. A hand left her waist, and slid upwards to cup her jaw as they kissed, bringing her closer to him… always closer. He could never get enough. The taste of her, her scent, Jason was already addicted to Jessie without much effort.

⛸ for Jess x Jason (NEED IT LIKE AIR)

⛸  ─  go ice skating

If anyone else had asked her to ice skate, it would have been an immediate no. However, Jason had a way of convincing Jessie to step out of her comfort zone that she would always be grateful for. Despite her grace on the ballet floor, her performance on the ice was another story entirely. She blamed it on her parents never properly teaching her how to rollerblade, which carried over to her current inability to glide across the ice as effortlessly as Jason. He would probably be shocked to learn that her parents weren't heavily involved in her childhood, especially since she hadn’t yet shared how lonely those years had been for her. Many nights, she spent alone in the house with her childhood dog, reading books to escape the solitude. These were experiences she hadn’t found the courage to tell him about yet.

Laughter filled the crisp, cold air around them as she held onto his hands, allowing him to guide her across the ice while other skaters practically flew past them. "No, seriously, babe. How are you so good at this? I'm impressed," she said, her words tumbling out with genuine admiration. Her expression beamed as she couldn’t contain her smile, her eyes reflecting the joy she felt in this shared moment. Her body leaned forward into him, not caring who was around or who might be watching her legs tremble as she skated across the ice. She shut her eyes softly, letting the world around them fade away. Her lips found his in a tender kiss, a moment of pure warmth amidst the cold, bustling rink. The sensation of his lips against hers was both grounding and exhilarating, making her forget the unsteady ice beneath her feet.

[renegadetulis]

The mingling of adoration, nipping lust and passion swirled within his glass shaped soul and Jason was suddenly drunk off it, off of needing her. Touch, taste, sound, scent, he needed to savor her with detail, to wrap her up in the things he felt for only her. When her lips parted against his, Jason let out a low groan, the invitation accepted and his tongue lightly tracing her lower lip. One hand tangled in Jessie’s hair, the other following the well known curve of her waist, pulling her closer.  God help him. No, scratch that thought, because he didn’t want anyone to help him out of the undertow of these waters; not now or ever. Her own hands were in his hair as well, as if she didn't want to let him go.

Savouring the way she responded to him, Jason pulled her tighter against him. Each roll of her frame against his, each contented sigh of Jessie's had to be reveled in. Jason let his hands wrap around her waist, lifting her off the floor and onto the couch nearby where he could worship her properly. Fingertips traced around her knees, up her thighs and skimming up her sides to push the hem of her blouse upwards. Once they made contact with the warmth of her supple flesh, Jason groaned, feeling the undeniable stirring of his own desire. His lips trailed to the sides of her jaw, peppering feverish kisses as he reached the shell of her ear. His tongue had darted out to curl against the tip of her earlobe. There was no doubt he had ached, longed and yearned for Jessie. But something at the back of his head snapped at him again, causing his initial lusty haze to evaporate.

Jason pulled himself back, hating himself for denying her pleasure. In his own selfishness, his own justifications rang true, as clear as bell. He didn't want to risk Jessie being hurt if his night terrors do come. Shit. And this wouldn't be the first time he had reeled himself in, making some excuse not to spend the night in the throes of passion with her. Jason sighed against the crook of her neck, squeezing his eyes shut as if the absence of physically worshipping her was hurting him literally. "Jessie," he rasped against her skin. He could make out her thundering heartbeat mirroring his. "Uh... It's getting a little too late right?" Jason continued, pulling himself away from her, sitting up awkwardly by her side. "Erm... I think I should get going."

It was as if she was standing on pins and needles waiting for his response, her nerves stirring up in her core. The request for a drink felt like music to her ears, providing her hands with a task and temporarily distracting her mind from where she actually wished her hands were. As she thought back to the ice rink where everything heated up between them, practically in front of an audience, she could feel the heat rise to her cheeks. She tried her best to prevent the blush, but it was too late. She poured water into a glass from the cabinet and turned around to hand it to him, trying her best to hide the shakiness of her hands. She couldn't quite understand why she was so nervous about slipping between the sheets with him; it wasn't her first time being intimate with someone, but it felt different with Jason. Everything with him always felt different.

The sound of his voice immediately brought a wave of calmness over her, and she relaxed into his touch. Her hand caressed his cheek, feeling the stubble of his beard underneath her fingertips as she leaned herself into his frame. The warmth of his body against hers was comforting, grounding her in the moment. Without speaking a word, as it didn't feel necessary, she used her lips to crash against his own. Her other hand came up to capture his hair, softly tugging on the ends as she deepened the kiss between them. Her body ached for more of his touch, the desire building with each passing second. The room seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them in their own world. The soft glow of the livingroom lamp cast a warm light over their entwined figures, highlighting the intensity of their connection. She could feel his heartbeat against her chest, strong and steady, syncing with her own. The sensation of his hands roaming over her back sent shivers down her spine, heightening her senses.