Sky Media One-Shots

Recovery

This takes place shortly after Jacob is rescued at the end of Tortured Soul.

Jacob x Barney

(Jacob's POV)

I looked at myself in the bathroom mirror. I was completely nude, I had just taken a shower and was getting ready for the day. Tears began welling up in my eyes. I pushed them back and held it in once again. I looked like a mess, like someone was ripped to shreds and put back together. Scars all over my body. My chest, back, arms and legs were covered in scars and pink skins from the burns that bastard gave me.

I turned to look at my ass through the mirror. Even though it's not there anymore I can still see it, embedded onto my skin the brand that was burned to my body. The hospital I was taken to after the first rescue took care of it and replaced it with skin that is meant for procedures like that. I turned my head away from the mirror and looked at the bathroom floor. Tears formed once more and yet again I hold them in.

"Hey Jacob aren't you going over to John's today?" Max called from outside the bathroom.

"Yeah I told him I would go over after I got ready."

"Ok. You don't want to keep him waiting."

I heard Max's footsteps as they departed from the bathroom door. I then proceeded to get ready to head over to John's. I slipped on my long sleeve shirt and pulled up my jeans. I threw a pair of socks and shoes on and headed out. Max was in the other room with his girlfriend so I didn't bother them when I left. John lived about a ten minute walk from Max so I just walked since Max's car was the only vehicle available and I didn't want to take his car in case Max wanted to take his girlfriend somewhere.

The cool brisk air of Washington blew across my face as I headed to John's. It was almost winter and it showed through the weather. I arrived at John's where I only saw John's car in the driveway. I normally see Red's car as well but maybe he was out somewhere. I made my way up the walkway to the doorstep. I raised my arm to the door and knocked three times. I stood back a tiny bit and waited for him to answer. And sure enough John opened the door.

He was in black exercise shorts and a white tank-top. I still remember our times together as lovers. What I hate about it is that he thinks I don't remember anymore because of my sacrifice to save Max. Aubrey helped restore my memory and I have them all back now. Thankfully this is why I came over to his house, to tell him I remember everything, to tell him I love him, to tell him I never stopped loving him.

"Hey Jacob. Come on in." John said opening the door wide letting me enter.

"Thanks John." I walked inside taking in the familiar room once more. The couch where we confessed our feelings for each other. The spot in the hallway where John died and I saved him. They gotten new carpets recently because the carpet is completely different in here.

"So what's up? Any reason in particular why you came over?" John asked closeting and locking the front door.

"Nothing much. Just wanted to come by since I haven't seen you since I was rescued again. Just to catch up on things." I said. "By the way... did you get new carpet? It looks nice."

"Yeah I did. I needed to replace them since they gotten really dirty and I was unable to clean it fully. Did you want a water? I can get one from the fridge if you'd like."

"Yes please."

"Ok go ahead and have a seat and I'll bring it to you." John said walking to the fridge.

I decided to take a seat on the couch in the exact same spot from when I said I liked him. Hopefully this will shake him up a little. I want to make sure he still loves me.

(Barney's POV)

I really miss the old Jacob. The Jacob that would cuddle with me when he was having a rough day. The Jacob that would kiss me over and over again. The Jacob that I fell in love with. I opened a cabinet door and grabbed two glasses. I filled each with water a small amount away from the brim of the cup.

I turned towards the couch and Jacob was sitting in the same spot when he said he liked me. I sighed internally, I really really miss the old him. I walked over to him and handed him his glass.

"Thanks."

"No problem." I replied

I sat down next to him and casually waited for him to start a conversation.

"So is Red out somewhere? I didn't see his car out front." Jacob asked sipping his water.

"He actually moved out about a month and a half ago. He got his own place. It's a small house, definitely perfect for just him right now."

"Dang. I missed so much while I was... y'know. Gone." Jacob said sounding upset.

"Yeah we all missed you. I missed you. And we all are so glad that you're back and okay. I'm especially glad you're okay."

Jacob looked at me and smiled. Tears were visible in his eyes but he never let them fall. He didn't want to show his emotions, to show his faults, his weaknesses. I set down my glass and reached for his then put it down next to mine. I looked him in the eyes and he stared into mine. I saw pain and hurt in his eyes which brought pain to me.

"If you need to talk about something just know that in here for you. I'll always be here for you." I said.

"N-no. I'm fine... I don't want to bother you with it." Jacob said clearly wanting to let his emotions loose.

"You don't remember but, I love you Jacob. I still do to this day, you've been through so much and I want to be there for when you need a shoulder to lean on or to cry on. You did in the past and I will always let you as time goes on."

Jacobs eyes were really watery and he kept on drying them without letting them fall. He stood up and hesitantly started to take his shirt off. Horror spread across my face as more of Jacob's bare chest became visible.

"I know the hospital I was at took the best care they could of me, but everything is embedded in my mind on what happened. Every scar, every burn feels like they just happened."

"The nurses never told any of us about that." I said in astonishment.

"They probably didn't want any of you to worry more about me." Jacob said, "I'm guessing that they wanted me to let you and the others know when I was ready. Not even Max knows yet. I only told you because..." He paused.

"You only told me because of what?" I question.

"I love you. And I remember us. I have for the longest time I just worried that you didn't love me anymore." Jacob said.

I pulled Jacob into a warm embrace. He wrapped his arms around me as I did to him.

"I never stopped loving you." I replied softly.