𝑃𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑅𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠

Chapter Twenty Seven

Ruby sat on JJ's lap in the back of the truck, looking him over again to make sure he wasn't hurt in any way.

She barely was paying attention to JJ and Toppers argument, more concerned about making sure he didn't have any internal bleeding.

That was until Topper jammed on the breaks so hard that Ruby almost when flying, quickly bracing herself on the seat.

" Jesus fucking christ Topper! What the hell!" Ruby yelled, watching Sarah smack his arm.

But the loud thud is what caught everyone's attention, immediately clambering out of the truck and running over to the crate.

Well except for JJ and Ruby, she was practically holding him up as they walked over, finding a very angry Pope.

" it was a fake.." in an instant those three words made Ruby lose it, shaking with anger as her nails dug into her palms, slicing the skin open.

" it was fake?! Are you fucking with me?! JJ ALMOST DIED OVER A GODAMN CRATE OF TUBING?!" Ruby screamed, and everyone paused, not expecting her to finally snap.

" I'm so sick of this shit! No more. No more godamn treasure hunts! I can't fucking handle it!" She shrieked, tears forming in her eyes as she gripped her hair and tugged it.

" baby.." JJ murmured, taking her into his arms, Ruby sobbed and shook her head and began hitting at his chest.

JJ squeezed his eyes shut, fighting back his own tears as he sunk down onto the road with her in his arms- he knew it was only a matter of time before she broke completely.

Eventually they ended up back at Luke's, Ruby having JJ sit on the bathroom counter while she patched him up.

" how are you feeling..?" He asked and she shrugged, cleaning up the cuts on his back, "J.. I have to tell you something.." she said quietly.

"Rue..?" JJ asked, searching her eyes, " my dad.. my dad's sending me away in two weeks.." Ruby breathed out, tears welling in her eyes.

JJ paused then grabbed her hand, " where..?" He asked, "Kitty Hawk.." She said quietly and looked down.

" I"ll get you back.." he promised and she shook her head, " he'll just send me back" she said and he stood up.

He cupped her face in his hands, " then we'll run away- Rubes I'm not losing you. Hell tonight just proved we can't live without each other" JJ said and wiped her tears away.

Ruby closes her eyes, taking a shaky breath, "I love you JJ.." She said quietly as few more tears slipped.

" I love you Ruby.." he murmured and picked her up, gently kissing her and holding her close.

He carried her into his room and laid her down against his bed, something felt different this time..

It was a good different.