𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐍 𝐓𝐎 𝐃𝐈𝐄 ¹- jj maybank

𝟎𝟐𝟐; 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘶𝘴, 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭

SEASON 1
EPISODE 4

"I love you."

»»-----　　-----««

VICTORIA DROVE THE CAR, her hands gripping the steering wheel as she tried to calm herself after the chaos of the night. Her mind raced with the images of the fight, the flames, and Rafe's menacing presence. Glancing in the rearview mirror, she saw JJ slowly stirring in the backseat. His eyes fluttered open, and he groggily turned his head toward her.

"How're you feeling?" Victoria asked, keeping her voice steady.

"I'm... good," he muttered, though his voice was rough and strained. He rubbed his face, wincing at the tender spots. "I'm fine. Don't worry."

Victoria's eyes narrowed as she continued driving, though she didn't fully believe him. He'd been barely conscious during most of the ride, and his face was bruised and battered. She kept her focus on the road, trying to block out the storm of emotions still swirling inside her.

As she pulled into Charlie's driveway, he glanced over at her, his expression filled with concern. "You sure you don't want me to help you with him? I can stay for a bit."

Victoria smiled, though it was faint. "It's fine. I've got it. I'll get him cleaned up, and he'll stay at mine for the night. He's better than he was, but thanks." She met his gaze and gave a reassuring nod before he got out of the car.

She exhaled slowly, her hands still tense on the steering wheel. Once Charlie was out of sight, she turned back to the backseat and glanced at JJ. "You there, J?"

"Mhm. I'm fine," he muttered, his voice still slurred. "You know you don't have to do this. I can go home."

Victoria's brow furrowed, her gaze focused on the road ahead. "JJ, your face is so fucked up. The whole ride, you were barely even conscious. There's no way I'm leaving you alone like this."

JJ stayed silent, but his tired eyes flicked to her for a moment before he let out a quiet sigh. They both knew she wasn't going to let him go anywhere.

When they arrived at her house, Victoria got out of the car and walked around to help him out. He looked a little unsteady on his feet, so she placed his arm around her shoulders to support him. "I can walk," JJ muttered, trying to pull away as he staggered.

Victoria couldn't help but chuckle at his stubbornness. "Right," she said with a small smile, watching him sway with each step. "Sure you can."

She opened the gate to her yard and led him inside. Once at the door, she fumbled for her keys and unlocked it, stepping aside to let JJ in.

"First time at your place, huh?" JJ commented, looking around as they entered. His gaze landed on the cozy, yet sparsely decorated living room.

"Yeah, not exactly the best circumstances," Victoria replied, her voice quieter now. She guided him toward the couch and helped him sit down carefully, as if afraid he might collapse from exhaustion.

Victoria moved quickly to the medicine cabinet, taking out hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic cream, and two washcloths. She wetted one cloth with water, turning back to JJ.

"You shouldn't have done that," she said quietly, reaching out gently to touch his bruised face, lifting his chin so she could get a better look.

JJ winced slightly, his eyes flickering closed at the contact, but he said nothing. He didn't need to. The look in her eyes—soft, almost caring—made him hesitate. Usually, he'd be cracking jokes by now or doing something to distract from the moment. But something about her touch... it felt different.