Jerome feels like the pair are something out of a movie as they run about the house, dusting and mopping the furniture. He has to lift Daisy to help her reach the ceiling fan and other high places with the duster. Sunlight from the open summer catches the room and shows them the dust bunnies dancing in the air.
Daisy cleaned up most of the house while he was out earlier. He ordered new furniture and bedding from an online store with same day delivery and went to pick up some food and groceries. She didn't think much of it when Jerome left her to receive the men while he fixed up the bathroom, not suspecting that he was hiding himself from them. They hauled out the old, musty stuff and replaced it with the new furniture, so now they had a functional couch, table and chair set, and bed.
Once they've finished cleaning for the day, Jerome crashes on the couch with her to admire their hard work. Daisy lounges in the comfort of his arms and contemplates what a good day it's been. They have nuggets and fries cooking in the new oven and some fruit in the new refrigerator. The pair feel satisfied with all that's been accomplished during the day and how they've for the most part managed to avoid awkwardness.
The oven beeps shrilly, letting them know that their meal is ready. Now that's what I call fine dining, Jerome chuckles as he pulls the tray out of the oven and sets it on the stovetop to cool. I wonder how Galavan's gonna feel about my spending habits? He may not even notice—I doubt I put a dent in his savings.
The house is looking much better after their hard work cleaning it up, and as the youths sit and munch on their five-star cuisine, Jerome can firmly say that this is a place he wouldn't mind coming home to. Home, he thinks as he stares at Daisy. Home at last...
The thought of having to leave his cozy luxury makes his chest hurt in an uncomfortable way he's never felt before. He feels like he would actually miss it, which is completely unfathomable, something he's never experienced. The prospect of murder and bloodshed is barely enough to call him away.
"Princess," Jerome breaks the silence, clearing his throat. "I have to go out on a job tonight and I won't be back until tomorrow afternoon. Will you be okay here by yourself? There's bread and sandwich meat in the kitchen if you get hungry."
Daisy's throat clenches up in sheer panic at the prospect of being left alone. She tries in utter confusion to calm herself down only to become more anxious because she doesn't understand why she's so terrified of him leaving. He's left multiple times before—but only for an hour or so—and besides, Pepper would be gone full days or nights working. But Pepper left that night, and she was gone so long...
Memories of a angry drunken man crashing through the door and holding her down flash across her mind. Her body starts to shake as her limbs tremble in fear of the attacker. Pepper barely got back in time to distract the man from her and take his abuse while Daisy watched.
Daisy tried her hardest to suppress those memories, but being in a strange place in the middle of nowhere, with Pepper missing, and the only protection she has about to walk out the door, and what if he doesn't come back?
Her heart throbs at the prospect, and that thought makes her feel faint. As her eyes start to roll to the back of her head, Jerome finally realizes what's going on and swiftly turns her around to face him.
"Daisy, sweetheart, I need you to breathe for me, okay? Look at me, and take some deep breaths," he instructs slowly.
She appears not to hear him however, as her body replays the scene over and over again. Oh god, the screams. They echo in her ears as Jerome frantically shakes her shoulders in an attempt to regain her attention. He places his hand on her cheek and lines his eyes up with hers, searching them for any sign of acknowledgement. Her eyelids flutter at the warmth on her cheek, but nothing else. Remembering what helped last time, Jerome tries to hold her securely, but not stiflingly and speaks soothing nonsense words.
"Hey, baby, you're alright here, you're safe. There's no one here but you and I, nobody's gonna hurt you. Daddy needs you to calm down and take some deep breaths. Do it with me, okay?" Jerome demonstrates, inhaling loudly and then exhaling. "I'm here to protect you, and I'll help you through whatever this is once I know you're okay. Breathe with me. In, and out. In. Out. Come on princess, I know you can do it. Breathe for me baby. In. Out."
He doesn't know when he got her attention, but at some point she started breathing with him, and he can't help the overwhelming relief he feels at seeing her chest rise and fall with deep breaths. He keeps breathing with her, murmuring praise, until her heart rate slows down some and she sinks into his embrace.
"Can I ask what that was without triggering you again, Daisy?" Jerome asks after a few minutes.
He used my name. Daddy must be serious.
Slowly, she nods, not quite sure what triggered the anxiety attack in the first place, but thinking that she's cooled down some now. Daisy doesn't think she's quite ready to tell her daddy about the bad man, but she can at least give him something to work with.
"You were scared of being by yourself too long?" Jerome repeats after she signs to him. She nods in confirmation, adding I don't want someone to find me here and hurt me.
"No one will find you here, princess. This is practically your tower in the woods, Rapunzel," he chuckles. "Plus, most of the time I'll be gone, you'll be asleep. I may even get back before you wake up."
Daisy still feels a bit uneasy, but nods anyway since she knows she's being unreasonable. Why do I have to be such a baby?
At seeing her pout, Jerome softens some more, finding it adorable. He picks her up and begins to carry her to their bedroom. "Don't be upset, baby—I think it's cute that you'll miss me so bad, and you need me to protect you. You don't need to worry, though. Daddy will always protect his princess, no matter what. Even if someone found you here and took you from me, I would track them down and get you back. And that's a promise, babygirl."
Her heart flutters and her thighs clench at the same time. How can I feel tender adoration and lustful desire at the same time? This man does things to me I've never felt before.
"Be good, princess, and don't forget to eat. Daddy'll be back soon," Jerome whispers to her as he puts her to bed, tucking her under the covers.
And just before sleep can pull her under, her mouth shapes the words: I love you, daddy.
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A/N
Hey guys! Sorry for the long absence, and thanks for waiting up for me! I've been preoccupied and facing some hellish writer's block. Trust me, if I could, I'd have posted like three chapters in the same time span. Luckily, I found inspiration this weekend, and here we are! Tell me honestly, did Daisy fall for him too fast? She's never felt anything like this before (except maybe Pepper) so do you think she's just confused, or has she actually fallen in love? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Vote and comment if you're still enjoying and I'll see you soon!
Gingy
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Rapunzel <J. Valeska>
Fanfiction"What's the matter gorgeous? Cat got your tongue?" So, after the breakout, Jerome found a mysterious blond girl on the street and decided he wanted to keep her. He's got issues, but she's got some too, though maybe not the same kind. Jerome must ha...
