Darkest Shadows

16) The Scorpion

"The scorpion always strikes deep."

♡

September 3rd, 2983

"Happy birthday Rei."

Jaxin leans back in Ambrose's arms as his boyfriend cages around him and peppers his face with kisses until he is laughing and squirming. "You're tickling me," he complains with little conviction.

"You're old now."

"Twenty-six is not that old Amby."

"Hey, when we met you were nineteen so yeah, you are old. Damn, that was seven years ago."

He turns around in Ambrose's arms and pecks his lips. "Best seven years of my life."

Ambrose tightens his arms around Jax and runs his fingers through his hair knowing how much Jax likes it, there is nothing as relaxing as being in Ambrose's arms against his strong, warm chest with his fingers delicately running along his scalp. "What do you want to do today?"

"For now I want to stay in bed but then we could go to the mall with Sia and let her pick out something for her birthday, I was thinking we could get her another few outfits since Trouble has the photo shoot next month."

Athrhea was contacted by a photographer from the college she works at and they wanted to do a photoshoot with the family—the entire family—along with a written piece about her life from a journalist. She somehow convinced the whole family to do it, originally it was supposed to be Rhea only then did Gemini and Tarver get mentioned, and then they all were invited, especially the kids and the new parents.

"Oh yeah, I forgot about that. We can go after breakfast?"

"Yeah. Can I tell you something?" he asks and causes Ambrose to pull away and cup his face.

"Of course, what is it?"

Jax smiles at the concern Ambrose has for him. "I love you."

"I love you too."

♡

Shopping at the mall was going great, Sia seemed to love it and all the oohs and awws were directed her way, Ambrose loved to pick out outfits for her, and Jax liked to watch and secretly pick out stuff for Ambrose's birthday which is a month and three days away. So, it was going great until someone had to get nosy. "Um, excuse me?"

From the sound of the sweet voice, Jax didn't think it was a big deal, she sounded friendly. "Yes?"

She looks between Ambrose and Jax several times. "Are you two together? In a relationship?"

"Yes..." Jax replies slowly, adjusting Sia on his hip as she tugs on his hair and plays with his necklace.

"And this child is under your care?"

"If you want to put it that way yes, she is our daughter." The lady's face morphs into one of disgust. Here we go...

"I think it is highly inappropriate to be in a public place like this."

"Like what? Clothed? Would you rather we be naked or something?"

"I think you should leave your sinful lifestyle at home, you are corrupting that poor child and making a scene."

"The only one who is making a scene is you. We are doing nothing wrong, we have as much right to be here as you do and don't talk about my daughter, we would never hurt her."

She rolls her eyes. "She needs a mom and a dad; she should be with someone who will care for her properly."

"Her mother abandoned her, and we took her in and have given her love and stability. She has so many aunts and uncles and cousins who all care for her, there will never be a second in her life where she is not cared for and loved."