Jim Lake Jr. x reader || Daylight

Ch. 16: It's All About Time --- A Mixture of Life!

I helped Miss Lake with breakfast as I covered for Jim who was gathering information from Blinky, Angor's end being our priority.

"You're not such a bad cook yourself, (Y/n)." I smiled at her as I playfully spun in a circle as I mixed multiple ingredients.

"Courtesy of Jim." I laugh as I started to cook everything, making sure nothing burned as I checked the recipe one more time.

Things between Miss Lake and I had gotten better --- I think! I mean, I'm sure it was a lot for her. Seeing her only baby start to grow distant...then this seemingly random girl just comes and steals him away.

"That's Jim for you. How's he been?"

How's he been? Where do I start? Jim, my poor Jim was tired, drained. He just wanted a day where he could take a breath without being attacked randomly. He was almost being killed every day and at this very moment was trying to figure out how we'd take down an assassin! You couldn't tell that to a mother, no, it'd break her.

I thought about how to safely answer this question... And God was it hard.

"He's-he's doing the best he can." That sounded wrong. Bad. "What I mean is-" Her face grew worried as I searched for words. "He's okay! I'm there for him-I'm making sure he's okay!" I rushed out as I watched her become confused, then, her tired features softening.

"I mean, I know high school's tough, but-" She threw her hands in the air, waiting for me to explain.

I started to set the table, putting the plates down softly.

"I-" I chewed my bottom lip. "I'm not sure what to say..." I honestly reply, watching her help me bring the food to the table.

"Well, how do your parents talk to you about this stuff? Or do they let you handle it on your own?" 

I dropped a plate, it thankfully only hitting the table with a thud, but still caught her attention. I nervously chuckle and fiddled with my fingers as I went to grab cups.

"I've always been an independent kid. My parents don't have to do much..." Lies! I had always craved for their attention, the satisfaction of having their approval...

"Well, surely they gave you advice at some point?" She organized the table as I started setting the food onto the plates neatly.

Advice? Did being yelled at because I wasn't at the top of the class at age 6 count? No...maybe when I forced myself to study for hours on end for their small praise...? Nope. That didn't sound right.

Then, Blinky came to mind.

"I don't think I can think of anything specific right now...but my dad always encourages me to do my best." The thought of the troll made me smile. 

Miss Lake just nodded with a small smile and sat down to start eating.

"Where'd you say Jim was at-"

"I'm here!" Sure enough, he came sprinting in with a bag clutched to his chest. He sprinted to Miss Lake to kiss her on the cheek then sprinted to me, giving me a forehead kiss.

He sat down and looked at the food in front of him. "Sorry for being late! This looks delicious!" He started to scarf down his plate as I started working on my own, Miss Lake smiling at the two of us.

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I sat down on the floor in a meditating pose as I took slow deep breaths. 

"Okay, the random voice of a Destined Partner I heard the other day, please answer my call...?" I peaked opening one eye, seeing Jim was repressing laughter as he sat by my side.