Break Time

Gazzy's Perspective

Gazzy smiled, glad that Fang and Iggy were getting along. He knew Iggy had probably heard him walking down from his shower, but he didn't want to ruin the moment by saying anything. Walking back the kitchen, he couldn't help notice how empty everything was. The house didn't feel right without his other friends' voices. He trudged back upstairs to Jess's room.

"Jess?" he asked, standing in the doorway. She had changed into a tie-dyed t-shirt, and gray sweatpants with a matching hoodie. She walked back and sat on her bed, having just finished organizing her dresser so Iggy had space to put his things.

"Yes, sweetie?" His heart hurt just hearing her call him that. He didn't realize his eyes were welling up until he blinked, making his eyes overflow with tears. "Oh, come here," she said, opening her arms. He anxiously run forward to hug her.

"I miss them," he cried. "I miss Max, and Nudge, and Total, and my sister. I know Fang misses them too 'cause he talks about Max all the time. And Iggy always worries about them; you can tell he does. I just want to go to sleep and wake up and have them still be there, even if it means we have to keep running from everything." He rested his head in the crook of her neck and cried quietly.

"Shhh. It's okay. I know exactly how you feel," she cooed, holding him in her lap.

"You do?" he sniffled. She smiled sadly and nodded.

"My parents are gone all the time either on conferences or making personal appearances. I have to stay in these big empty houses all by myself. It's gets really lonely sometimes. But do you know what I do to make myself feel better?" she asked, seemingly staring at nothing.

"What?" he asked, his wide eyes staring up at her. She looked down and smiled sweetly.

"I remember that they're my family, and they love me. And when you know that, you stop worrying about if you'll be together again because you know you will."

"You really think we'll get back together?" he asked in a small voice.

"Gazzy," she looked at him sternly. "I know for a fact that you will." He smiled contently and snuggled into her arms. She played with his hair to sooth him, her mind drifting off. They were both completely unaware of Iggy, who had stood outside the door since Gazzy had started crying.

"I can carry him to his bed if you want," Iggy said quietly. Jess looked up and smiled before looking back down at Gazzy.

"Thanks," she whispered as Iggy took him from her and carried him to the master bedroom. She followed them, kissing Gazzy on the forehead before walking back toward the door.

"Igs," croaked a barely conscious Gazzy. "Go after her." Iggy smile and ruffled Gazzy's hair.

"Sure thing, Gasman," he replied, turning and walking to where Jess waited at the door.

"He's a good kid," Jess said affectionately. She smiled at the sleeping boy and leaned against Iggy subconsciously. Iggy wrapped a hand around her waist thinking that if things were normal he'd want his future to be like this. There wouldn't be things like an impending apocalypse to worry about. He'd go to baseball games and play catch in a little front yard. And when it got late he and his wife would tuck their son in and watch him sleep peacefully. He couldn't help the thought that crossed his mind just then: I wouldn't mind if it was Jess who would stand here with me.

Iggy heard the sound of footsteps behind him and sighed, pulling away from her. "Fang's coming."

"I'm going to crash for the night. Which one of us has the couch?" Fang asked, walking up the stairs.

"Actually, you'll be sharing with Gazzy, if that's okay. Iggy's taking my room," Jess answered. Fang stopped and blinked a few times.

"Please tell me that means you'll be taking the sofa instead of him." She furrowed her brows in confusion. Iggy face palmed behind her.

"Of course. What did you-," Realization struck her. "No! We w-wouldn't sleep in the s-same bed. I j-just thought that-" Iggy placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. She turned around to look at him, cheeks bright pink. He inhaled deeply, signaling she needed to breath. She followed his example though her cheeks were still burning. "I'm just going to go to downstairs. Holler if you need anything. Good night."

"Smooth," Fang muttered as she passed. She glared at him, stuck out her tongue, and disappeared down the stairs. "Night, dude." Fang quickly mused his friend's damp hair and entered his room.

"Night guys," Iggy muttered, walking over to Jess's room and collapsing into in her sheets.

I'm sorry this chapter is a little OOC. It breaks my heart to see Gazzy that sad. :( I hope you found it as cute as I did. :) ~Des