𝗠𝘆 𝗘𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 ⇉ 𝗝𝗝 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗸

Disconnected

Ari was in her room, stepping out of the bathroom after a refreshing shower when she heard a light tapping on her window. She hung up her towel and tossed her dirty clothes into the hamper before moving to investigate.

Pushing the shade aside, she saw JJ standing on her little balcony. He looked exhausted, his cheek was red, and a small cut marred his face. Ari knew exactly who had done it. Without hesitation, she opened the window, letting him in.

"I'm sorry if I disturbed you. I didn't know where else to go." JJ apologized quickly, his voice trembling.

"No, no, JJ. Don't apologize. You're welcome here anytime. I've told you this." Ariella reassured him, gently pulling him into her bathroom and sitting him on the toilet.

"He did it again, Ari. I don't know what to do anymore." JJ's voice broke, filled with pain and hopelessness.

"You can stay here with me, JJ. I'm not sending you back there, not again. Especially when I know he's still doing this." Ari said firmly, taking an alcohol pad and gently cleaning the cut on his cheek. JJ didn't even flinch.

"But he's my father, Ari." JJ sighed, a tear sliding down his cheek. Ariella pulled him into a comforting hug as he silently cried.

"I know, I know, and I can't tell you what to do. But at least stay with me tonight." Ari pleaded softly. He nodded against her shoulder. Once she finished tending to his wound, she let him take a shower to clean himself up.

Ariella lay in her bed, scrolling through her phone as JJ emerged from the bathroom, shirtless. Instinctively, Ariella checked him over, eyes running over him.

"Hey, my eyes are up here." JJ smirked as he caught her gaze wandering.

"Shut up." Ariella blushed, her cheeks turning a rosy hue. JJ set his clothes aside before slipping into bed with her, ensuring the lights were off. It wasn't the first time he had sought refuge in her room, but tonight felt different.

They turned on their sides, their faces inches apart. JJ couldn't help but smile at her. In the dim light, she looked even more beautiful, her features soft and serene.

"Thank you." JJ whispered, gently tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear, his voice heavy with gratitude and emotion.

"You never have to thank me, J." Ariella said softly, her voice filled with warmth. She grabbed his hand and placed it on her cheek, feeling the roughness of his skin against her smooth face.

"I will forever thank you, princess." JJ murmured, his thumb lightly caressing her cheek. His eyes were filled with a mixture of admiration and vulnerability.

Ariella didn't respond with words. Instead, she nestled closer to JJ, her body fitting perfectly against his. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly as if he was afraid to let go.

The comfort of their embrace lulled them into a deep, wonderful sleep, where for a moment, all their worries seemed to fade away.

𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧.𖡼

"They're freaking Pogues, man." Ariella heard Topper's sneering voice as he approached where she and Sarah were about to help a little girl. JJ had left early that morning to meet John B.

"Want to say that louder, Topper? I will beat your ass again if I have to." Ariella shouted back, her voice laced with anger and protectiveness.

"No, um, sorry." Topper muttered, clearly intimidated.

Turning her attention back to the little girl, Ariella softened her tone. "Can you tell me what she looks like, sweetheart?"

"She has a trunk and blue ears." The little girl described, her eyes wide with worry.