#It was from ClarityHiding's 'Tales from the House of Mau' series

[ao3feed-jaytim]

Challenge Rating Increase

read it on the AO3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/48154963 by clarityhiding Jason and Tim have moved in together and life is as normal as can be. Well, at least it is until the cat enlists Jason for a very special mission. Words: 3625, Chapters: 1/3, Language: English Series: Part 7 of Tales from the House of Mau Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types, DCU (Comics), DCU Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: M/M Characters: Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Background & Cameo Characters, A cat, Other Character Tags to Be Added Relationships: Tim Drake/Jason Todd, Minor or Background Relationship(s) Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern with Magic, Alternate Universe - Dragons, Established Relationship, Chinese Mythology & Folklore read it on the AO3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/48154963

[azol-otl]

It probably says more about me than anything but one of my favorite JayKyle dynamics is 'Tried Really Hard but Failed' ex-boyfriends.

Like they got together despite all of their hangups and they were *good* together and *happy* but over time they started being bad for one another and broke up.

It's a dynamic that works really well in a bunch of settings and y'know maybe they do get back together like a decade or two later when they've matured or maybe they become friends eventually.

Like just imagine middle aged Jason and Kyle who dated for years but broke up decades ago slowly relearning one another again. Time has passed and at least one of them is retired and they just, fall back into one another without thinking about it and it's just easier than they would have thought considering how they ended. They're different people, they have more experiences and have grown from their volatile days and they just learn to like one another again.

Or a Kyle and Jason who were on the same Titans team (like a Young Justice elseworld) and were teenage sweethearts. And then like canon happens and Jason dies. And when he comes back he's completely different and Kyle just can't reconciliate the drastic change from *his* Jason to *current* Jason. Also, imagine the added angst during Kyle's 'Trying to revive his Mom' moment when he has the biggest example on why he shouldn't in the form of his ex-boyfriend who came back a villain.

(A less angsty version of the above is just Kyle punching further and further up in hero weight class while Jason stays firmly in Gotham and the gulf that would arise between them.)

Or divorced JayKyle where they got married when they were young and stupid. Depending on the universe maybe there was an unexpected child acquisition/pregnancy and both of these losers have *severe* parent issues that kept them together/made them get married out of some misguided attempt at giving their kid a good life. Except it wasn't a good choice and they're desperately trying to save their failing family before they separate because it's what's best for the kid and their kid's well being always comes first. And they end up having a much better relationship as divorcees than they ever had as husbands. (And then the first scenario happens again because I'm trash).

Like I prefer non-angsty endings to these scenarios but the dynamic is open to any sort of use, fluff, angst or anything else

[themandylion]

Fandom: Batman - All Media Types, DCU Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Tim Drake/Jason Todd Characters: Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Colin Wilkes Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Modern with Magic, Alternate Universe - Dragons, Alternate Universe - Retail, Established Relationship, Orphans, Nuns, Witches, Halloween, JayTim Spooktober 2020 Series: Part 6 of JayTim Spooktober 2020, Part 6 of Tales from the House of Mau

Summary: The way he figures, Jason's sort of like a Halloween Santa Claus, in his own weird way.

For Week 6: Anything Supernatural of JayTim Spooktober! \o/

—

"What's all this?" Tim asked, a sneakered foot kicking against the side of a cardboard box.

It was one of the many Jason had scattered around him on the floor as he went through them, sorting, counting, making stacks. "Damaged stock. Recalled stuff I have to pull the cover off and send back to the publisher, but they don't care what I do with the stuff that gets damaged in transit."

He frowns as he checks his numbers, glances at the stacks, then checks them again. Looks like Sin or Charlie might have taken a few home, which, well. He can't really blame them. Still, it's annoying.

"What do you do with them? Sell them at discount?" Tim sits down on the floor beside him, picking up a comic and flipping through it.

"I could, but no. I gather them all up, donate them to some of the orphanages and group homes in Crime Alley and the Narrows at Halloween. I try to make sure I have enough so each kid gets an age-appropriate comic."

[ao3feed-timdrake]

Sidequest

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/31q90Tz

by clarityhiding

It's a busy week for Jason—his boyfriend's skipped town without notice, he's been left with an unlikely (and unnecessary) babysitter, and he's just been informed that that Date Night is still on and he's meeting said missing boyfriend's parents.

Words: 2609, Chapters: 1/3, Language: English

Series: Part 5 of Tales from the House of Mau

Fandoms: Batman (Comics), Birds of Prey (Comic), Superboy (Comics)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: M/M

Characters: Jason Todd, Kon-El | Conner Kent, Tim Drake, Barbara Gordon, Koriand'r (DCU), Janet Drake, Dinah Lance

Relationships: Tim Drake/Jason Todd, Barbara Gordon/Dinah Lance

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Modern with Magic, Alternate Universe - Dragons, Established Relationship, Meet the Family, Whales, Selkies, JayTimBINGO2019

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/31q90Tz

[ao3feed-kylerayner]

Sidequest

by clarityhiding

It's a busy week for Jason—his boyfriend's skipped town without notice, he's been left with an unlikely (and unnecessary) babysitter, and he's just been informed that that Date Night is still on and he's meeting said missing boyfriend's parents.

Words: 2610, Chapters: 1/3, Language: English

Series: Part 5 of Tales from the House of Mau

Fandoms: Batman (Comics), Birds of Prey (Comic), Superboy (Comics), Green Lantern (Comics), DCU (Comics)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: M/M

Characters: Jason Todd, Kon-El | Conner Kent, Tim Drake, Barbara Gordon, Koriand'r (DCU), Janet Drake, Dinah Lance, Kyle Rayner, John Stewart

Relationships: Tim Drake/Jason Todd, Barbara Gordon/Dinah Lance

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Modern with Magic, Alternate Universe - Dragons, Established Relationship, Meet the Family, Whales, Selkies, JayTimBINGO2019

read on AO3: https://ift.tt/31q90Tz via IFTTT

[ao3feed-jaytim]

Sweater

read it on the AO3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/42831153 by clarityhiding Tim has something to say about Jason's idea of convention essentials. Words: 100, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Series: Part 26 of Fic or Treat Drabbles, Part 8 of Tales from the House of Mau Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types, DCU Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: M/M Characters: Tim Drake, Jason Todd Relationships: Tim Drake/Jason Todd Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Dragons, Established Relationship, Pet Sweaters, Drabble read it on the AO3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/42831153

[themandylion]

Chapters: 1/3 Fandom: Batman (Comics) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Tim Drake/Jason Todd, Barbara Gordon/Dinah Lance Characters: Jason Todd, Kon-El | Conner Kent, Tim Drake, Barbara Gordon, Koriand'r (DCU), Janet Drake, Dinah Lance, Kyle Rayner, John Stewart Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Modern with Magic, Alternate Universe - Dragons, Established Relationship, Meet the Family, Whales, Selkies, JayTimBINGO2019 Series: Part 5 of Tales from the House of Mau

Summary: It's a busy week for Jason—his boyfriend's skipped town without notice, he's been left with an unlikely (and unnecessary) babysitter, and he's just been informed that that Date Night is still on and he's meeting said missing boyfriend's parents.

For the 7th and final week of JayTim Month(ish), it’s the next installment of my smol dragon AU! \o/

[themandylion]

Chapters: 2/3 Fandom: Batman (Comics), Birds of Prey (Comic), Superboy (Comics), Green Lantern (Comics), DCU (Comics) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Tim Drake/Jason Todd, Barbara Gordon/Dinah Lance Characters: Jason Todd, Kon-El | Conner Kent, Tim Drake, Barbara Gordon, Koriand'r (DCU), Janet Drake, Dinah Lance, Kyle Rayner, John Stewart Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Modern with Magic, Alternate Universe - Dragons, Established Relationship, Meet the Family, Whales, Selkies, JayTimBINGO2019 Series: Part 5 of Tales from the House of Mau

Summary: It's a busy week for Jason—his boyfriend's skipped town without notice, he's been left with an unlikely (and unnecessary) babysitter, and he's just been informed that that Date Night is still on and he's meeting said missing boyfriend's parents.

Chapter summary: Tim has some 'splainin' to do.

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2

[themandylion]

Chapters: 3/3 Fandom: Batman (Comics), Birds of Prey (Comic), Superboy (Comics), Green Lantern (Comics), DCU (Comics) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Tim Drake/Jason Todd, Barbara Gordon/Dinah Lance Characters: Jason Todd, Kon-El | Conner Kent, Tim Drake, Barbara Gordon, Koriand'r (DCU), Janet Drake, Dinah Lance, Kyle Rayner, John Stewart Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Modern with Magic, Alternate Universe - Dragons, Established Relationship, Meet the Family, Whales, Selkies, JayTimBINGO2019 Series: Part 5 of Tales from the House of Mau

Summary: It's a busy week for Jason—his boyfriend's skipped town without notice, he's been left with an unlikely (and unnecessary) babysitter, and he's just been informed that that Date Night is still on and he's meeting said missing boyfriend's parents.

Chapter summary: Meet the parents, eek.

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3

[themandylion]

Chapters: 1/6 Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Tim Drake/Jason Todd Characters: Jason Todd, Tim Drake Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Modern with Magic, Alternate Universe - Dragons, Alternate Universe - Neighbors, Established Relationship Series: Part 3 of Tales from the House of Mau Summary:

Jason eats the egg, what happens after is positively magical (the sex is pretty good too). Of course, it's not fun and games—apparently it can be very difficult to shuck off a toxic ex when they know magic.

—

He asks Tim for some time to think about it, but when it comes down to it, of course Jason eats the egg. Magic was never something he felt he needed in his life before—even when things were at their worst, he still managed to take care of himself, after all. But now it turns out half the people he vaguely thinks of as his friends are apparently witches or something, one of the other tenants in his building is a dryad, and he's dating a dragon. The last one is the main deciding factor, since he's more than willing to stick his head in the sand about everything else, but it's pretty hard to ignore it when your boyfriend has to stop and lay an egg each time you have sex.

"I can't believe you're making a magic egg into an omelette." Tim leans forward, watching with interest as Jason adds mushrooms and carmelized onions to the egg in the pan.

"You said cooking wouldn't have any effect on its properties, and I'm not in the mood for hard boiled," Jason says.

"Most people just eat them raw. It's sort of traditional." A slim red tail wraps Jason's neck, further securing Tim as he leans forward even more. "Don't know why. That smells really good, and I'm saying this as someone who's been eating eggs with nearly every meal for the past month."

"I'll make one for you after I'm done with this one. Got to get through all those eggs in the fridge somehow."

"Best boyfriend," Tim trills, licking Jason's cheek.

Jason ducks his head. Clears his throat. Since they're on the subject anyway, now is as good a time as any to bring up something that's been bothering him ever since Tim came clean about the whole dragon thing. "Hey, so. About those eggs."

"I told you, they're not going to hatch. Anything that might've been alive in them died when I stuck them in the fridge. It's fine." There's another lick to his cheek, and then a gentle nip to his earlobe.

"Good to know, but not what I was going to ask about. It's just… I've noticed that you only ever seem to make one egg at a time." Now that Tim no longer has to rush off to produce an egg in secret each time they get frisky, Jason is finally getting his post-coital cuddles. His fridge has its own small collection of speckled eggs, though it's nowhere near as large as the one in Tim's.

"I'm pretty young so my body doesn't generate enough magic to manage more than one at a time," Tim says, snuggling up around Jason's neck.

"Yes, alright. That's all well and good. It's." Jason coughs, trying to think of a delicate way to put it. "If you only make one egg every time we fuck, there are a lot of eggs in your fridge."

The little body around his neck suddenly grows warm, Tim's tail tightening to a point where it's not-quite choking him. "Oh. Oh, uh."

[ao3feed-jaytim]

Sidequest

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/31q90Tz

by clarityhiding

It's a busy week for Jason—his boyfriend's skipped town without notice, he's been left with an unlikely (and unnecessary) babysitter, and he's just been informed that that Date Night is still on and he's meeting said missing boyfriend's parents.

Words: 2609, Chapters: 1/3, Language: English

Series: Part 5 of Tales from the House of Mau

Fandoms: Batman (Comics), Birds of Prey (Comic), Superboy (Comics)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: M/M

Characters: Jason Todd, Kon-El | Conner Kent, Tim Drake, Barbara Gordon, Koriand'r (DCU), Janet Drake, Dinah Lance

Relationships: Tim Drake/Jason Todd, Barbara Gordon/Dinah Lance

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Modern with Magic, Alternate Universe - Dragons, Established Relationship, Meet the Family, Whales, Selkies, JayTimBINGO2019

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/31q90Tz

[themandylion]

Chapters: 6/6 - NOW COMPLETE! -> Der Whole Thing Fandom: Batman - All Media Types, Birds of Prey (Comic), DCU (Comics) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Tim Drake/Jason Todd, Barbara Gordon/Dinah Lance, Pamela Isley/Harleen Quinzel Characters: Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Barbara Gordon, Dinah Lance, Artemis of Bana-Mighdall, Pamela Isley, Harleen Quinzel Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Modern with Magic, Alternate Universe - Dragons, Alternate Universe - Neighbors, Established Relationship Series: Part 3 of Tales from the House of Mau Summary: Jason eats the egg, what happens after is positively magical (the sex is pretty good too). Of course, it's not all fun and games—apparently it can be very difficult to shuck off a toxic ex when they know magic.

Chapter 6: Jason does some more magic.

—

Saturday is far from an ideal day for fighting off evil, since it's one of Knight & Page's busiest days. This Saturday in particular isn't one Jason would have chosen if he'd had a choice, since there's also the peewee game scheduled. However, the witches insist that it's unlikely the warlock will show up immediately despite the building's wards being down, and Barbara seems unconcerned about Charlie manning the counter even with the added risk.

"She knows what to do if he comes in," Barbara says, attempting to fix Charlie's sweater and getting an eyeroll for her efforts. "Don't you?"

"Get the bystanders out of the way, call for Jason," Charlie dutifully replies. "And no teleporting unless my life is in jeopardy."

"Wait, teleporting? Seriously?" Jason had figured it was likely both Dinah and Barbara's fosters had some sort of powers, since he can't believe a dragon and a selkie would choose to take in just any kids, but that's ridiculous.

Charlie grins at him and winks. "Don't worry, I'm very responsible with it."

"She means she makes a big pink cloud when she does it, so it's not something she should be doing in public," Barbara comments, giving the girl a stern look.

Yeah, he can see how that might be counterproductive when trying to stealth out of a situation. "You get me immediately if I'm in the back room. Don't try and pull any heroic bs."

Charlie gives him a doubtful look and rolls her eyes. "I have more training than you."

"Yeah, well. You're a kid and I'm not and that's how it's gonna be."

"To be fair, one of the boys probably has more power in his little finger than either of you ever will," Barbara comments. "I'm sure his father is giving him the exact same talk."

Jason's eyebrows shoot up. "Uh, is that wise? I mean, mundanes and all…?"

Charlie snorts. "If you think the Kents are just any old mundanes, you're seriously out of touch with reality, old man."

[themandylion]

Jason does magic! Tim is protective.Chapters: 4/6 Fandom: Batman - All Media Types, Birds of Prey (Comic), DCU (Comics) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Tim Drake/Jason Todd, Barbara Gordon/Dinah Lance, Pamela Isley/Harleen Quinzel Characters: Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Barbara Gordon, Dinah Lance, Artemis of Bana-Mighdall, Pamela Isley, Harleen Quinzel Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Modern with Magic, Alternate Universe - Dragons, Alternate Universe - Neighbors, Established Relationship Series: Part 3 of Tales from the House of Mau Summary: Jason eats the egg, what happens after is positively magical (the sex is pretty good too). Of course, it's not fun and games—apparently it can be very difficult to shuck off a toxic ex when they know magic.

Chapter 4: Jason does magic! Tim is protective.

—

"Jason, why do you have a package that smells like fennel?"

"Oh, yeah. I wanted to talk to you about that." Jason doesn't look up from the quiche he's preparing, but that's more because he's still not sure how he feels about his earlier conversation with Pam than because it actually requires all that much attention.

"Holy—don't tell me you actually paid this bill! These prices are grossly inflated. Unless every ounce is grown and harvested by Demeter herself, you've been swindled," Tim says, coming around to hop up on the counter. Jason grumbles and shifts to the side slightly, practically on top of the hot plate at this point. There really isn't enough space for him to sit there, but he's not about to stop him.

"Pam said that was because she grew them herself and—"

"—and that is why you have to be careful when buying plants from a dryad. She probably tried to sucker you into trading one of my eggs for the whole thing," Tim finishes, eyes narrowing. "You didn't, did you?"

"You know I wouldn't do something like that, not without asking you first." The eggs may be getting a bit excessive at this point, but they belong to Tim, no matter what hand Jason may have played in their making. Plus, he's still leery about giving eggs to anyone after what Barbara said about elixirs of youth.

Tim beams at him. "This is why you're my favorite."

"Really? Because I was under the impression I'm your favorite because of that thing I do with—"

"Yes, okay, that too," he says in a rush, his cheeks turning so rosy Jason wonders if he's going to burst into scales.

[themandylion]

Chapters: 2/6 Fandom: Batman - All Media Types, Birds of Prey (Comic), DCU (Comics) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Tim Drake/Jason Todd, Barbara Gordon/Dinah Lance, Pamela Isley/Harleen Quinzel Characters: Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Barbara Gordon, Dinah Lance, Artemis of Bana-Mighdall, Pamela Isley, Harleen Quinzel Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Modern with Magic, Alternate Universe - Dragons, Alternate Universe - Neighbors, Established Relationship Series: Part 3 of Tales from the House of Mau Summary:

Jason eats the egg, what happens after is positively magical (the sex is pretty good too). Of course, it's not fun and games—apparently it can be very difficult to shuck off a toxic ex when they know magic.

Chapter 2: Magic basics.

—

"Well, all things considered, he probably was your uncle."

"I'd never heard of the guy before Babs showed up," Jason protests. Not that that's saying much—neither of his parents were big on talking about their families when they were still around and alive, and if the birth certificate he tracked down at one point is to be believed, Catherine wasn't even his biological mom.

"As I said, wizards are pretty particular about who they pass their property on to when they die. All the same, they're prone to getting wrapped up in their own lives and aren't too good at paying attention to much outside their small bubble." Tim squeezes his hand again, then laces their fingers together. "I mean. Chances are he was more of a great-great-great-uncle than an uncle. Wizards have long lifespans—gives them a lot of time to rack up nieces and nephews to choose a worthy heir from."

"All that time, you'd think they'd at least manage to have a kid or two of their own."

"Wizards are also notoriously gay, everyone knows that." Tim frowns, apparently once again disappointed by Jason's ignorance when it comes to the magical world.

"They must've covered that after I'd already dropped out of school."

"I thought it'd be obvious. I mean, anyone who spends that much time polishing their staff…" He raises his eyebrows.

"Well, hate to disappoint you, but I'm very bi," Jason says. Though he supposes he should update that to pan now—he is dating a dragon, after all.

"Duh, wizards are gay, but witches cover a whole spectrum of queer. Sometimes they're even straight? I dunno, witches do their own thing." Tim shrugs, kicking his heels and threatening dire destruction to the very expensive display case he's seated on top of.

"Well, I'm a guy, so… warlock?" Jason suggests.

"Oh, gods no," Tim says immediately, a look of absolute disgust on his face. "Uh, I mean. Men can be witches also."

[themandylion]

Fandom: Batman - All Media Types, DCU (Comics) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Tim Drake/Jason Todd Characters: Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Damian Wayne, Jon Lane Kent Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Alternate Universe - Fantasy, Alternate Universe - Dragons, Alternate Universe - Neighbors, Sickfic, implied off-screen laying of eggs Series: Part 2 of Tales from the House of Mau Summary:

Against his better judgement (well, okay, not really), Jason allows his boyfriend to join the peewee game. Also, relationship stuff—getting to know each other, finding out likes and dislikes, learning about someone's entire secret life... that sort of thing.

—

More of the smol dragon AU! Now with actual smol dragon. (I was going to post it in parts to Tumblr again first... but Tumblr now sucks for readability on mobile, it’s a pain to format for Tumblr, and this got excessively long. So instead you get everything in one big go!)

[themandylion]

Chapters: 3/6 Fandom: Batman - All Media Types, Birds of Prey (Comic), DCU (Comics) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Tim Drake/Jason Todd, Barbara Gordon/Dinah Lance, Pamela Isley/Harleen Quinzel Characters: Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Barbara Gordon, Dinah Lance, Artemis of Bana-Mighdall, Pamela Isley, Harleen Quinzel Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Modern with Magic, Alternate Universe - Dragons, Alternate Universe - Neighbors, Established Relationship Series: Part 3 of Tales from the House of Mau Summary: Jason eats the egg, what happens after is positively magical (the sex is pretty good too). Of course, it's not fun and games—apparently it can be very difficult to shuck off a toxic ex when they know magic.

Chapter 3: All these eggs are getting to be something of a nuisance.

—

He puts off thinking about it, but about a week after the incident with the warlock, Jason runs into Harley when he's taking out the trash. "Hey. You doing okay?"

"Yeah, I guess." She's sitting on the short wall that borders the building's tiny parking lot, kicking her sneakered feet and staring gloomily down at the jungle of potted plants that make up Pam's personal garden. "Sorry about the other day with Mister J."

"Don't be. It's not your fault you got caught up with a bad guy, it happens to everyone," Jason says, coming over to sit beside her.

"I was just… so stupid about the whole thing. I didn't grow up with magic, y'know? So when I met J, and he could do all this stuff… it seemed like something out of a fairy tale. My own Prince Charming, only he could turn dandelions into roses and rocks into diamonds and it was all so amazing, I didn't even notice how tired I felt all the time, or that he wouldn't let me go anywhere on my own, even to class." She laughs, bitter and awful, scrubbing at her make-up streaked cheeks.

"People like that, they know how to make you feel like the center of the world without letting you see just how small your world's become until it's too late," Jason agrees. He's been lucky enough to avoid relationships like that himself, but he saw how his father dragged his mother down when he was around, and he narrowly escaped Sionis's web back when he was a stupid teenager.

"Yeah, I guess. I never would've made it out, except I ran into Dinah at the clinic when I went for—well." Harley sniffs, blinking her eyes several times. "No one wants to mess with a dragon if they can help it, and Dinah took me to Artemis, said J couldn't get me as long as I stayed here, that it's protected. And then I met Pam."

"You got out and you're keeping yourself safe and happy. That's what's important." Cautiously, Jason reaches out, not quite touching her.

Harley grabs his hand in hers, clinging tightly. "Thanks, Jason. You're a good friend. And I'm still sorry Mister J is bothering you and Tim. You two are sweet, you don't deserve anything like him in your lives."

"No," he agrees. "Nobody does."