#jake hacker

[mishanym]

Thank you for @mysteriouslover1516 for asking me this interesting question.

How do I imagine Jake?

(Please refrain from reading this if you haven't completed the game as this contains some spoilers. :) I recommend you to finish the game and come back to read this after).

I imagine Jake as a reserved personality. I imagine his life to be difficult and much of a loner. That's why he's easily feeling shy.

He prefers to appear mysterious because he needs to maintain his identity a secret, being chased by the government and all, he appears creepy to most others but he doesn't feel scary or creepy at all to MC. Most probably because he helps MC with many hacking perks from the very beginning to help them in finding the suspect. And he also shows how he only trusts MC and is willing to work together with them so MC sees him as a partner not as someone who is scary or creepy at all (despite all the questionable hacked sources ofc). ;) Ofc there are many things about him that are still mysterious to MC and let's hope MC can know more about him. Only to MC especially. :)

He doesn't show his emotion much except when he's with MC so most probably he's an introvert person who will warm up with certain ppl whom he is already familar and feeling close with. Just like how he is with Hannah.

I think Jake is also a curious person. He's curious because MC is like an "X" factor that remains as something unpredictable and surprising to him in so many aspects and layers. He also really appreciates and respect MC. One of the reasons is because he learns many things about MC that he finds endearing to him. For one, he tried to half force MC into the problem He's in and MC has every chance they have to ignore but they choose not to. Next, MC even indirectly, if not directly, defends him from the group and keep his identity and any information about him safe from anyone. MC never blames Jake too much about the problem that comes after. Next, Jake seemed like he never really worked with a partner that he feels close to him before and I mean not physically close but psychologically and he's surprised that he feels that way about MC. (Tbh I didn't expect to fall in love with his character too).

Through these qualities Jake deems MC as a valuable partner he can trust.

He's also a secretly caring and a romantic person. Many times when MC was in trouble he jumped in and helped out without being asked. He also can suddenly type out something or do something that's just simply romantic out of nowhere. That random "Do you like chinese" question and statement about it reminds him of MC. Also how he just blurt out about how his mind can't focus on his task cause his mind always flies back to MC. I find it as romantic, but how he says it in a non flirty and non cringe kind of way... It does tremendous damage to my heart, ack. I find it so charming. (Yes, I'm a sucker for someone who can show that he cares in a non cringey way).

Up to this point, we can assume Jake as someone who can't control his feelings specifically, love. But he seems to be a calm and collected person, usually, maybe unless when it comes to love. :) Remember how he's annoyed because phil called MC for help and he admitted, "Yes. I'm not usually like this."

Accompanying his caring personality is his protective behavior. He protects MC from his pursuers, he created Nymos 💙 He is also so very determined in preventing MC from going to Duskwood at any cost. Also He finds it hard to turn his back on Hannah's case and even if he tried to cut any contact with Hannah, when she asked him for help, he finds it hard to refuse. Does he have hero complex, hmm not really, more like he has the protagonist qualities.

I think he's actually not a brave person inside, that's why he is charmed by how brave MC was pictured in the story. He's afraid of losing someone he loves. But despite not being brave enough, he always tries to act strong and put up a brave front.

When he loves someone he seems to be the type that is gonna go all out or nothing. I give it my all or I don't go at all. :)

I also imagine him as the type who won't easily fall in love. He fell for MC under very exceptional case which makes his love feel exceptional and rare. Maybe he secretly believes in destiny and that he will meet the one for him.

He's also loyal and ofc as we all know, extremely smart. He's mostly rational and not emotional except for some cases that involve people who are important to him.

He's not selfish. He honestly doesn't want to drag people to his mess that's why he pushed away MC at first because he knows it's dangerous to be with him.

I also imagine him as someone who can't be easily impressed by others. (Only when you do very exceptional thing that would impress him, ofc MC always impresses him, but hey Thomas did impress him too, once, if I'm not mistaken).

He's awkward with crowds. He often doesn't know the right words to say so he keeps it short and straightforward. He claimed to be able to handle bad guys and bad situations better ;)

He is honest except for things he needs to keep secret because he thinks it's to protect someone or keeping someone safe. So he does keep secrets but all the things he ever said is honest and the truth. Because everytime MC said "you're keeping something from me aren't you?" He never denies it. So he's not a liar.

He's pretty nerdy too :) why, because he rarely says anything except for the case they're working on or when he's explaining stuff that he's found and he's interested in (flashbacks to when he talks about the history of ironsplinter mine in long lines to MC, lol.)

He's very observant. Maybe part of the perks for being very smart and having a curious mind.

He's not good at reading people but he can take hints and not completely clueless.

He's stubborn alright. He needs some convincings if you want him to do otherwise. And there will be no discussion if it's a matter of MC's safety.

Yes, you read it right, Jake is NOW OFFLINE. :)

He also has a cute quirk, unique, and special talent for understatements. :D when we told him he was surrounded by his pursuers he just said "This is not good."

I find how he's always typing his words in a formal/serious sentence and ending them with a period as something that is not awkward at all. It's charming and hot. :) And his smileys, and his 'haha.' And 'hehe.' Aaaaa..

So yes, he is a cool, charming, closet romantic introvert kind of person with all those qualities I have mentioned above which make him this complete personality, the Duskwood Hacker Jake that we all come to love. 💙

[mysteriouslover1516]

Remember Us Together? (Part 3)

The young hacker remained silent, quietly taking in the scene before him, realization dawning. He couldn’t believe it, why hadn’t he noticed it before? All the clues, the hints, everything.

The gunshot wound in the blonde’s shoulder was slowly seeping blood through the makeshift bandage, the phone in his hand dropping into his lap. A painful look spasming across his face.

“So it was you all along. Why? Why would you do this?” Jake gently lowered himself to the ground. “You kidnapped Hannah, killed Amy Bell Lewis.”

Richy shook his head vehemently, “I swear I didn’t kill Amy, you have to believe me.”

“Tell me what happened.”

“Don’t worry.” Richy’s eyes started to water, “I’m done running.”

“You’re going to turn yourself in?”

“You need to leave.”

“Richy-”

“I’m going to burn the mine down, Jake.”

“Are you insane?” Jake immediately jumped to his feet. “The others need you, Richy.”

“I already poured the gasoline, can’t you smell it? All I have to do is ignite it,” The young mechanic weakly stood up. Leaning against the stone wall, he pulled out a lighter that had the logo of Roger’s Garage on it.

“Richy, I’m begging you.” Jake said, gingerly closing the gap between the two. “Give me the lighter. Don’t do this.”

“Run.”

“I’m not leaving you,” the hacker’s voice rose. “Give me the lighter.”

Richy clicked the lighter, a flame sparking. “You make one move and I drop it.” His lip quivered and after a moment's silence he spoke again, “MC can’t lose the both of us.”

“Don’t bring her into this,” Jake shook his head. “You were the one who put her in danger! You wanted her to come to the mine!”

“I wanted to confess,” Richy’s voice broke. “To ask for her forgiveness.”

Jake clenched his fists, “You can still do that in person, Richy. Please, come with me.”

“Promise me you won't put her in danger, Jake.”

“I won’t.”

“Protect her at all costs.” Richy begged, tears streaming down his face. “Promise me you will.”

“I promise,” Jake swallowed, a lump forming in his throat.

“Now run.”

As if in slow-motion the lighter fell to the ground, creating a whooshing sound as it quickly devoured the trail of gas.

Jake jerked awake, nearly falling off the bed, forehead covered with sweat. He walked over to the window and turned the latch, begging the cool night air to calm his nerves. Running his hand through his damp hair, he took a deep breath. He hadn’t had that dream for months, scratch that, it wasn’t a dream it was a memory. Why was it all the sudden haunting his dreams once more? He was planning to meet MC the next day, needed sleep in order for the time to pass by quicker.

Don’t put her in danger, Jake.

The hacker’s face paled, so that was why this memory had returned. Was he really putting MC in danger by wanting to meet with her? Stupid question, of course he was; afterall, he was still wanted.

I promise.

He was breaking his promise, what on earth was he thinking? He was purposely endangering MC, he should have never contacted her. What an idiot.

Keep her safe at all costs. Promise me.

Jake bit his bottom lip, nearly drawing blood, his knuckles turning white as he grasped the window ledge tightly. He had to fix this. Walking to his desk, he quickly rebooted his computer. Glancing at the time in the left hand corner of his screen, a small frown appeared on his face. It was 2:34 in the morning, would MC be awake?

MC?

He watched his screen nervously, deep down doubting that MC would reply before sunrise. How could he be so stupid, so reckless?

Hey, Jake :)

What’s wrong?

Jake’s heartbeat quickened as he read the quick reply, thank God she was awake.

You’re awake.

I am glad.

Of course I’m awake. To be honest I’m too excited to sleep, I can’t wait to meet you…

Are you okay? You’re scaring me

A small lump formed in his throat, she was so sweet and vulnerable. And here he was, about to let her down once again. “I’m so sorry, MC.” He whispered to himself.

We can’t meet tomorrow, MC.

What? Why? Did I do something wrong? :( 

He hated that he was making her doubt herself, he was hurting her and he knew it. She was so beautiful, stunning, perfect in his eyes; how could he do this to her? 

No.

I cannot allow you to put yourself in danger.

We’ve had this conversation before, Jake.

Jake couldn’t help the small smirk that flitted across his lips, indeed they had had this conversation before. But it was important, that’s why he needed to repeat himself. Remind himself of his priorities. His fingers quickly danced across the keyboard, cockiness slightly showing in his next answer.

And if you remember right, who won this argument last time?

That’s irrelevant. You said you  were safe anyway, right? So what’s the issue?

Jake’s mind was whirling with thoughts, his heartbeat quickening. She only used the word irrelevant whenever she knew he was right. Gosh he loved her cleverness.

What if my pursuers manage to find me again? Our time will be cut short.

I told you this before, and I’m happy to tell you this again: One day would be enough.

Jake’s breath caught in his throat, how did she have such an affect on him? He hated that feeling of vulnerability, but at the same time he loved that only MC could make him feel like this.

MC, I….

He hurriedly typed his next reply before he lost the nerve to. What was she doing to him? She was driving him crazy, he was addicted to her, he was in love.

Meet me at the Chinese Restaurant across from the motel

Tonight?

Yes, I’ll be there

Jake watched as she logged off her account, it was finally going to happen. He pushed himself away from his desk, finding himself in the bathroom. His  messy, black, wavy hair and electric blue eyes stared back at him through the mirror. Get it together, Jake. Not bothering to change out of his Adidas sweatpants, he let himself out the door, locking it behind him. His hands found their way into the pocket of his signature black hoodie, the night air smacking him in the face as he stepped onto the sidewalk. Walking across the desolate street, he casually perched himself on the railing outside the small Chinese restaurant, hands clasped in front of him. He was finally going to meet her, the girl of his dreams, the love of his life. He had long since dreamed of this moment, so why was he scared? He sat lost in his thoughts until the sound of soft footsteps caused him to look up. Jake locked eyes with the girl in front of him, her hair blowing gently in the breeze. Her eyes sparkled with a certain sense of mischief, the lamppost illuminating her small, shy smile. Her lips looked so soft and inviting, her figure was absolutely stunning. Catching the faint blush forming on her cheeks, he finally found his voice. “MC.”

“Jake,” she spoke softly. “I’ve been dreaming of this moment.”

“I have too,”the hacker whispered. “More than I can ever explain.” He swallowed nervously, slowly closing the gap between them. “Can I….”

“Can you what?” MC teased with a blush, a smile tugging on her lips.

“Can I kiss you?”

“Please.” She closed her eyes, his warm breath fanning her face.

Jake slowly leant down and gently pressed his lips to hers, confidence building when she didn’t pull away.

The kiss was soft and tender without a hint of lust, just absolute and pure love. When they finally pulled away to take a breath, they both smiled shyly at one another.

“I love you, Jake.” MC’s voice was barely audible. “I love you so much.”

“As do I, more than you can ever imagine.” Jake kissed her once more, a feeling of peace finally overtaking his senses. Whatever happened, he was going to be okay, and he had MC to thank for that. Gosh he loved her, she was his whole world now, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Hey, lovelies! :) I would love to hear your thoughts on this or talk with any of you! I'm so happy so many of you have enjoyed this little series. Thank you all! Love you ;)

[f1rewr1t3r]

which characters would this be

"im telling you that girl/boy is trouble.. uh- where are you going"

"gonna go get into trouble"

[sturnstars5]

happy national boyfriends day to these fine men that just don’t know we’re dating yet😍

(i’ll date one of them soon trust🤞)

[incorrectnessduskwood]

Jake: Our relationship is strictly professional. MC, sitting on Jake’s lap: Absolutely. Only on business.

[thizchaos]

I will find you.

[jake-s-azaleea]

Lilly: What kind of girl do you prefer?

Jake: My wife.

Lilly: Now what kind of girl do you prefer?

Phil: Jake's wife.

[hacked-by-jake]

Spoiler for the very end!

Warning: Thirsty, shameless fangirling ahead

HIS JACKET!

It's his!!!!!!

HE TOUCHED IT!!! HE WORE IT!!! IT TOUCHED HIS SKIN!!!!! AND IT'S SOOOOO CLOSE TO ME!!!!

IT TOUCHED HIS SKIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DO YOU HEAR ME!!!!

HIS SKIN!!!!!!!!

HIS HAIR!!! THIS TOUCHED HIS HAIR!!!!

I want to smell it!!!!! SO BAD!

It smells like it! 100% I don't care about the smoke I swear you can still smell him 😭

HE. BREATHED. AGAINST. THIS!

HIS BREATHED TOUCHED IT

AND IT'S LOOKING DIRECTLY INTO MY EYES

I WANT TO KISS IT I DON'T CARE

SOMEONE GIVE ME A HUGE TEDDY AND IT WILL WEAR THIS BURNED JACKED AND THE MASK AND EVEN HIS SHITTY BACKPACK IT'S GOING TO BE MY BED I WILL SLEEP ON THE GROUND ON IT EVERY BACK PAIN IS WORTH IT

ALAN! PICK IT UP! DO IT! GIVE IT TO ME!

I need it 😭😭😭😭

[jjmaybankswifeyx]

WHY IS THERE NO ZACH JUSTICE X READERS ON HERE THAT MAN IS LITERALLY A GOD LIKE COME ON

guys ik i keep spam tagging but whoever sees this if u have an interest in this man and decide to make something PLEASE @ me !!!!!!

[miss-celestia13]

The Ending You Deserve

Jake x MC - Duskwood One Shot

I wanted to practice angst and creating suspense. This happened. It has a touch of humor, a hint of fluff, and other things! Sassy MC. No smut for a change. It feels weird 🤭

Can Jake run from death and make it to MC?

Or will his demons win the race?

MC isn't named or described as it was more for the emotions. It's all from Jake’s POV.

Pain. 

Aching. Cold. Hot. Burning, burning, burning. It rolled through him in waves.

He couldn’t breathe.

He couldn’t see.

Dread wove through his internal organs and strangled him from the inside like an invasive vine had taken root in the core of himself.

Smoke and ash choked his airways as he stumbled and tripped through the mine.

His heart rattled savagely against his ribs.

It felt like a creature in its death throes, trying to break out of his chest.

His foot collided with a jagged, jutting rock and he went down like a house of cards. Crumpled and folded as he rolled and rolled.

Hissing as tiny sharp stones cut into his face and hands.

Ash ridden sweat trickled down his face and stung the many small slices leaking blood as he lay on his back panting and cursing himself as the ominous orange glow of raging flame inched along the underground tunnel.

The air grew thinner and thinner.

The smoke grew thicker and thicker. 

The gasoline fueled fire was a monster bearing down on him and he scrambled to his trembling feet. Taking off at a staggering jog, one hand braced on the rough, dirty wall.

A pinprick of light opened up far ahead and a jolt of adrenaline surged through his bloodstream. He hurried, panting and terrified, breathing too shallowly as the rising heat nipped at his neck.

He knew he had a choice to make.

It was death by fire or FBI.

Neither option appealed to him, but as he looked back and saw the swirling, furious flames licking nearer and nearer. He knew he had to decide.

It wasn’t fair.

He wasn’t innocent or free from any wrongdoing. But he didn’t deserve to die like an animal, run over and left bleeding out and twitching on the side of the road until he grew cold and stiff. 

No one would miss him.

No one would look for him.

He was all alone. It was a surety. He was always, always alone.

That’s not true though, is it, Jake?

It hasn’t been for a while now.

The voice in his head made his breath catch, and his heart pounded painfully in his throat.

It felt as though someone had reached inside his chest, broken through his flesh, muscle and grasped his bones to pry them apart, an invisible fist that gripped his pulsing heart and shoved it in his mouth. Forcing him to swallow it.

It beat there like a Wardrum. Marching him to his death. 

It throbbed and choked and filled his mouth with copper. He couldn’t stand it. The pain was corrosive as it ate through his nerves and left them exposed to the heat and acrid taint of smoke.

She is waiting for you. Don’t let her down.

You PROMISED.

A soul deep sigh huffed through his nose as his feet sped up, pebbles and broken glass crunched under his boots as he raced toward the gradually growing dot of light.

The roaring fire and echo of his escape bounced off the stone and haunted him as he ran for his life.

Four years of running.

Four years of searching and shame and seclusion. Running had been his gift. His lifeline. 

Yet he felt wholly unprepared for this last sprint.

He was tiring.

Steps shortening faster than his scalding breath as black smoke slithered overhead and wrapped its insidious tentacles around his body.

He would not make it.

He would not see her after all.

The thought felt like a poisoned blade sinking into his chest. He could feel the barbs of it twisting and cutting through sinew.

He would soon bleed out without a sound.

The fight left him as the intangible knife punctured his hope and foolish dream of having a love he didn’t deserve.

They’d been writing their own story, filling the pages with dreams and fragile, flourishing love.

He felt like coming here was akin to him tearing out those pages and ripping them up.

It broke him so completely he almost stopped and let the flames embrace him.

He could already smell the sickly sweet and pungent scent of his blistering flesh. Like tanning leather over a flame.

He was going to burn.

It would hurt more than he already did.

It would roast through his flesh, flay it from his bones and incinerate muscle and blood to dust.

He could already feel it.

Creeping closer, singing the hair on his nape, and filling his nose with the cloying scent of dangerous smoke.

No one would know it was him.

Nothing would remain for her except blackened bones and the memory that he had gone to the mine instead of her.

She would blame herself for this.

It would destroy her.

And it was all his doing.

No.

Never.

He wouldn’t be a cause of her pain anymore than he already had.

A burst of fresh speed and determination glittered through him as the fire drew so near he could feel the flames whispering in his ear.

Too slow, Jake. It’s too late.

You can’t run away from this.

Your luck has faded.

He forced it aside and sobbed through his clenched teeth as the dot of light swelled and came toward him.

His legs were heavy. Growing weightier with every leap over fallen support beams and shattered rock.

His rabbit heart raced faster and faster. It deafened him to the groaning, popping wood as the fire devoured it.

Tears streaked through the soot and blood on his face. Leaving pale tracks through the grime and coating his chapped lips with brine.

His vision blurred as his emotions broke free of the locked and coded vault he’d stuffed in the back of his hive mind to come here.

He attempted to shove them back in.

It didn’t work.

They spilled out and utterly overwhelmed him.

He’d spent years locking them down. Beating them into submission, so they listened to him and not him to them. The steel and stone fortress he erected around himself had already crumbled for her and there was nowhere left to hide.

He’d given her everything he had, and it wouldn’t be enough.

You always knew you weren’t enough. Let’s not think too highly of ourselves.

She deserves better than this.

Better than you.

That is a truth you will never escape.

His heart fractured as his mind fought against him and his flagging spirit frayed further.

She deserved better than this.

He was failing her. Had failed her since he let her in.

He’d always known he’d cause her future hurt.

He just hadn’t expected it would come so soon. That he wouldn’t get to watch from afar as she healed from his vanishing.

They had always lived on borrowed time.

And now, the fire was so close sweat slid like rivers down his back and legs, eating away at his nerves as they flared wildly under his soaking skin.

Jake knew it was futile. The ball of light in his vision seemed to run away from him as his eyes blurred and cleared repeatedly. His hands curled into two tight fists and he fought the urge to punch the wall in fury.

He bit down on the inside of his cheek instead. Biting down hard until the skin gave and blood welled over the tattered edge, glazing his tongue with the buttery, metallic taste of it.

It acted like a stimulant.

His eyes focused and his heart pounded fiercely as he ran and ran and ran.

Feet pounded stone as fire blazed through the mine. He had to outrun it.

He would outrun in it.

There was no other option as his blood pressure skyrocketed and his breath became harsh, shallow.

The fire sucked away the air before it could go in as he tried to gulp it down.

There was no oxygen.

His insides kept writhing and twisting.

They knotted up and up so tightly he swore felt something tear. Something that made him cry out as the air was crushed from him.

He could see shadows in his periphery. Specks of darkness and sparks of light as his lungs ached and screamed for oxygen. For rest.

Resting meant dying.

Dying meant failing her.

Failing her was never an option before.

It couldn’t be one now.

He put his head down and ran.

He jumped over another wooden beam as the light ahead broadened and he landed atop aged wooden boards.

He only had time to scream as they broke under his weight and their age.

Jake fell. And fell and fell.

He screwed his eyes shut before he hit the ground.

The impact was so brutal, he almost wished it had killed him.

He hit the ground with a resounding whack.

His head cracked off the stone. Pain, blinding and bleeding, radiated through his skull and brain, frying his rationality completely and leaving room for fear to consume him wholly.

Warmth seeped across his scalp and his hand came away, stained in crimson when he reached to feel the damage. 

Head wounds bled worse than they were and the gash didn’t feel too bad once the stinging pain subsided a little. He internally surveyed the rest of himself. Finding nothing broken despite his ribs feeling as though a giant had stomped him flat.

Dirt and blood coated his teeth as he wheezed and coughed. Choking and spluttering as he tried to get a handle on himself.

He’d bitten through his lip, and it bled like a bitch.

Something was stabbing into his shoulder. 

As he stared up at the hole he fell through, a sensation like a thousand razor blades slicing down his skin moved down his spine, coiling in his lower back. It swirled there, a ball of cutting, primal fright that soon bled through the rest of him.

A rickety ladder leading up and out offered a small ray of hope.

He clung to it and calculated how long it would take to climb in his current condition. 

Fire scoured over the opening and left no place for him to escape.

His hope died with a breathless whimper.

He barely even heard it as agony rippled through his bones and he rolled onto his knees, panting.

“Fuck!” He spat. The word was more like a vicious curse as it rebounded off the mine walls and into his ears.

Mocking him as he squinted into the darkness and tried to figure out what to do next.

The fire would keep the police and FBI away from the mine until it burnt out. They wouldn’t rush in until it was safe enough. He knew that.

He could use that.

Jake kneeled on the filthy ground and schemed.

The temperature rose and rose as he shuffled through his thoughts.

He neatly ordered and arranged everything, thinking of his brain like a filing cabinet.

He could slide one drawer open and find a treasure trove of data and memories.

Some would get stuck as he tugged at them. Rusty and dusty, hardly ever opened for fear it would cut off his ability to feel nothing.

He pulled at one that had eroded so much he had to kick it and smash it to smithereens to pull the files out.

It was like opening Pandora’s box and expecting sunshine to pour forth. 

A veritable flood of emotion, memory, and agony spilled free of the mental drawer and absolutely annihilated his hold on himself.

He’d forgotten what it was like to feel everything so fully.

Everything of the last few years had felt like he was competing against time itself. And time was humanity’s greatest enemy. There was never enough of it and it actively fought back when you tried to beat it.

It was a losing game and in order to keep playing, he’d become a ghost.

He muted everything that made him human in order to survive.

Calculated.

Clinical.

Cold.

Jake was all of that.

Now, he felt everything.

He wanted to survive. He wanted to live.

Lingering as a phantom on the periphery of reality no longer appealed to him. He wanted to feel and touch and be. He wanted everything life had to give.

The bitter and the sweet. The hurt and the relief. All of it.

Jake just wanted.

And when Jake wanted something, he got it.

He pushed up on his hands. Curling his fingers into the gravelly dirt and ignoring the bark of pain as his nails cracked and split.

His blood mingled with the muck, and he clambered to his feet.

Everything ached and bled and felt so heavy he could barely put one foot in front of the other as he carefully headed down the tunnel he’d dropped into.

His throat was raw. Torn to shreds from smoke and screaming. His hands quaked and his mouth was so dry his tongue curdled in his mouth as he smacked his lips together and tried to create some lubrication.

It was useless. He needed water.

He needed to rest soon, or he would pass out in sheer fright and exhaustion.

It’s too late, Jake.

Give up.

Only fools persist in fighting when the odds are stacked.

Jake’s head throbbed as he thrashed it, as if to dispel the sinister crooning, and muttered, “The odds are always stacked. It’s how you play the system.”

The voice went quiet again, and he breathed a sigh of relief as he tripped over rock and wood, hands scrabbling at the walls to ensure he wouldn’t get himself lost.

He risked taking his phone out of his pocket, scowling at the shattered screen as message after message came through.

MC: Jake. You can’t just tell a woman you love her and then ignore her!

Answer me.

Please.

Just give me a sign. A smoke signal. Send a damn carrier pigeon if you have to! They’re saying there’s no way in or out. But I know better. You’ll find a way. 

Keep going. Please don’t give up. You’re not alone in this. I won’t allow it.

If you die, I will hunt you down, drag you back and kill you again. You must live, Jake. Not for me, not for Hannah or Lilly, but for you. You will make it back to me.

He swiped them away. Deleting them. They made his heart shiver and fracture more. The rubious fissures would leave silver scars behind. He groaned as another came through and he immediately memorized the coordinates she gave him. Deleting the message once he had. He put all his remaining energy and will into planning his escape.

His mind wheeled with memories from before.  Prior to being forced into hiding, he had experienced a life of color and fluctuating joy. It wasn’t a perfect life, but it was his. The day he had to leave it all behind, he’d severed all strands of his old life and assumed the identity of many and none. 

He’d learned a lot about humanity and its cruelty in that time. He knew how it worked.

Life was a battle against human cruelty. It always was and always would be. Wisdom, strategy, and hope were the only factors that could hope to gain over cruelty.

And his hope lived on. 

Hope, he understood it lived with her now. He’d given her it and she had offered him her own. He would not waste it.

He flicked through his brain and memories, shelving what didn’t matter and keeping what did. Everything that made him ache, he kept. Everything that made him feel safe, he lost.

If safety meant being alone, lost in a mine until he either burned or starved to death, he didn’t want it.

He reached into the mental vault containing their chats. 

Their conversation about her coming here was the most potent file he had, and it would fuel him to make it out.

She had complimented his research on the mine and he’d told her about some entrances/exits.

He informed her of the ones he thought were most likely to get him caught. It was a manipulative decision, so she wouldn’t get the stupid idea of following him.

He kept one exit loaded like a bullet in the back of his mind.

It was risky.

It was idiotic. 

Still, Jake took off running for it. 

The tunnel was narrowing as he traveled along it. He had to duck before long.

His heart still frothed behind his sternum. Relentless and out of time, with his sawing breath as the walls closed in on him.

He had to crouch now. His head scuffed off the rugged ceiling and he bit back a shout as the pain merged with that of the wound still leaking blood on the back of his skull.

He felt drained. His body became so weighty, he was grateful when the tightening passage forced him to his hands and knees.

Jake crawled and crawled. Palms scraped and searing as sweat irritated all his grazes. His eyes prickled with fresh tears as a draught of fresh air snaked into his nose.

Dread rose to swallow him, but he kept going. He didn’t know what awaited him on the other side, but it was better than dying alone, never to be mourned or found.

The fear of being arrested was so strong it almost halted him as he squeezed through the ever shrinking tunnel and felt like he was caught in a vice.

If he got stuck—No, he couldn’t think it.

He had to turn his fear into a weapon. Run from this place and reclaim his name. The sweat on his brow, the blood running through his veins; it was that of a survivor.

This was just another glitch.

He told himself that over and over as he army crawled through the crushing mine.

He was blind.

The darkness entrenched him.

It would entomb him if he allowed it.

His coat snagged on the rough wall and dragged him back. He shook his sore body as much as the tight space would allow and panted through his clenched teeth.

It kept sticking. He had stretched his hands ahead of him.

There was no room or way for him to tug the fabric free.

His heart stopped dead in his chest.

Helplessness stole his flagging fight, and he slumped into the dirt, hiding his filthy face in it.

Abruptly, Jake started sobbing like a child. Great, gasping cries tore from him and his entire body shuddered with it. So violent and soul destroying he couldn’t temper it.

No matter what he did, it went against him. He’d never worked with such horrendous odds. His brain was a mess of emotion and regret.

He wished he’d written everything he felt and hoped for them down and mailed the letter to her before he entered the mine, but he’d been cocky then. Too confident in his ability to escape any trap or cage.

Jake gave up and accepted his fate.

If he died, if that was his due, there was no stopping it. He’d been living off begged and borrowed and stolen time for years.

It had finally caught up to him.

He was so lost in defeat. Consumed by it. His throat contracted, and he felt like he might be sick.

He hoped he choked on it.

Make it quick.

“I don’t want to die,” He whispered without meaning to and his mouth kept moving, the words kept falling from his bloodstained lips, “Not like this, anything but this.”

His heart shriveled and went cold as he struggled and tried to shuffle forward. He couldn’t breathe properly. All his weight was on his front. His ribs felt bruised and cracked, every tiny inhale felt like a sledgehammer blow.

It is over, Jake. Feel that? The cold creeping in? Soon, it’s all you’ll know. This darkness? It’s all there is. All there ever will be. It’s what you –

“-- I don’t deserve this.” Jake growled with a certainty he’d never known.

Adrenaline coursed through him, lighting up his veins and filling him with new trembling energy as if someone had injected him with a drug.

He rocked and shook his body until his bones jolted and his skin felt too tight. He forced what little breath he had out through gritted teeth and felt the tendons in his neck straining as he dug his fingers into the dirt and put all his strength into pulling himself free.

The sound of fabric ripping caused his heart to start beating again.

He gave a laugh like shattering glass.

Unhinged and desperate as the momentum of his coat coming free shoved him forward a few feet.

From there, it wasn’t easy. He felt like a clumsy serpent as he slithered through the mine.

He kept laughing. His heart kept pounding.

The voice in his head was silent as his hands connected with something that fell away as he shoved at it.

Glorious, clean night air hit his sweaty face, and he gulped it down as he pulled himself out of the horrible tunnel.

It seemed to cling to him. Like invisible hands tugged on his ankles to keep him trapped. He refused to allow it.

Damp earth, long green grass, and dried leaves crunched under his hands as he lay on his back on the forest floor and stared at the starry sky.

He considered the spectacle of stars as the greatest gift he could have received. He analyzed it, finding the North star and thinking of the co-ordinates MC had given him. He quickly checked them on his phone before he threw it away, and was relieved when he discovered it wasn’t too far to make it there on foot.

If he headed in a North- Easterly direction, he could make it there at sunrise.

He didn’t bother looking toward Duskwood, didn’t need to know how close his pursuers might be or he’d lose his nerve.

He shakily got to his feet and started walking.

Time meant nothing to him as he traipsed through forest and open fields. He stayed away from the roads he knew were always busy.

In his current condition, some good samaritan would call for help thinking they were aiding him when in fact they’d be signing his death.

He was so tired. It clung to him like a shroud of smothering fog he would never break out of.

He kept moving. 

Through shadow and moonlight, he kept walking and ignored the pain in his body as best he could. 

There was no end to his exhaustion as pink tinged sunlight shimmered through the pines.

The sun was rising.

How strange, he thought, that his world could burn down around him and yet the sun still rose.

He eyed it and felt strange, like it was an abstract painting absolutely out of place in this world of cruelty, death, and flame.

No matter how deeply or irrevocably the world burned. No matter how thick the shadows grew and the amount the freezing darkness consumed, the sun would always rise.

It filled the world with light, warmth, and color and precious hope.

He felt the soft warmth kiss his hurting face, and it energized him as he broke out of the cover of trees and came to a halt in a motel parking lot.

Jake frowned, glancing around in suspicion and doubt as he failed to understand. Why would she send him here? He hadn’t stayed here. It was too out of the way.

And just how did she know of it?

He stood straight and fear thickened in his throat as his attention snagged on a window. The curtains had moved. He was sure of it.

He moved as though to sink back amongst the trees, but the creak of a door opening made his head snap toward it.

A small, slender hand poked through the gap in the door, beckoning him. He was moving toward it before he could give his feet the command.

His heart picked up speed again. His pulse and distress ratcheting up and infusing him with tension like someone was turning a screw too tightly.

He was only a few steps away from the door now. His skin felt too sensitive and everything hurt in some way. His throat felt like he’d been eating sandpaper and gravel.

The shake in his hands intensified, flight or fight. His nervous system couldn’t decide.

As he hesitated, a female voice trailed through the open door and it was like a salve on his exposed nerves. He had heard that voice, he could recognize it anywhere.

His heart raced for an entirely different reason as he listened to it.

“It’s safe. Come in and I’ll explain.”

Jake didn’t care about her explanation as the adrenaline left him so suddenly he drooped and nearly dropped to his knees.

He tripped through the door instead.

She didn’t give him time to rake his gaze over her the way he wanted to. She gripped him and forcefully dragged him into an embrace, causing him to groan in pain as it aggravated his many minor injuries.

She instantly pulled back, grimacing and apologetic.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t think. Here, I have supplies. I figured one of us would get shot or stabbed or maimed. It felt important to be prepared. Thankfully, the worst injury I’ve had is paper cuts. You don’t look like you’ve been so lucky. Are you bleeding anywhere? What do I do first? Are you burnt? You smell like someone roasted you over a spit! Are yo-”

Jake chuckled roughly at her babbling. Touched and amused by her care and thoughtfulness.

It was the first genuine laugh he’d had in years, and it turned into a cackle before long. It just slipped out of him and sounded more like crying by the end.

His gritty eyes closed as emotion swallowed him and he welcomed the darkness they offered.

It was familiar.

It was safe.

He woke hours later very confused and so stiff it felt like he was breaking his bones to sit up. His grunt of pain escaped his teeth as a lilting voice cut through the static in his mind.

“Oh, good. I was worrying. That’s nothing new, but you look like someone just dug you out of your grave. I cleaned and patched you up as best I could without stripping you. I thought I’d let you buy me dinner before we got to that stage!”

Her tone was light and filled with humor, but there was an edge of despair and anxiety in it that told him she’d fussed over him the entire time he slept.

His sluggish heart resided in his empty stomach as she approached him slowly like she thought he was an injured animal and she was afraid to spook him.

“Where are we? Why are you here? You promised to stay away.” He managed as he accepted the glass of water she offered him.

His fingers left dirty streaks on the glass as the dirt mingled with the condensation. The water was cold and crystal clear and he gulped it down to clear the sour taste out of his mouth.

She huffed at his words and waited for him to sink the water before she responded, “Typical. I come and help you and you scold me. Well, shove it.  If it weren’t for me and Alan, you would be dead or rotting in a cell. And I did stay away! I didn't go to the mine, did I?” 

His gaze flew to her indignant face, lovely and open despite the fury razing hell in her narrowed eyes.

He felt shocked that he could speak because his tongue felt so thick in his mouth. “My apologies. I’m still—I’m sorry... Alan? I thought he would be more interested in helping them catch me?”

She smirked, tossing her hair over her shoulder as she sat down beside him.

“That was until I ripped him a new one. The fire helped most, but Alan is currently playing down your involvement to give us time. He’ll make contact with us once we find a safe place to stay.”

He opened his mouth to demand she go back home, and he’d message once he was safe, but she flung up a hand to silence him.

“None of that. I’ll explain better once we know the scope of the fallout in Duskwood. But I am coming with you. No, if ands or buts about it, Jake. I make my decisions, not you. The last time someone tried to decide for me, I bit them. Don’t make me bite you too. Are you in?”

Her eyes were hard and unwavering, not a sliver of doubt to be found.

Everything inside him protested against dragging her into his mess, but he was tired.

He was tired of being alone.

He was so tired of losing everything.

Four years of fatigue and depression sank through him like a millstone and he hung his head in defeat. He was in no condition to run alone, anyway.

And he didn't want to. It was selfish. It was daft. But he didn't care.

He hadn't expected to survive this long. Plus, she had been his reason to make it out. He sighed and let his shoulders curl inward. Having someone else to protect would keep him sharp and ready for anything. She must've sensed his resolve weakening. 

She reached out and threaded her clean fingers through his muddy ones, dark and light; he thought stupidly as his skin tingled at the contact.

It had been so long since he’d been touched gently. With obvious affection and because someone wanted to, not because they had to. 

He was used to bruises and hurt. This was — this was what he'd survived for. 

He’d forgotten what it felt like as he met her gaze and felt his stomach fluttering with something that felt like excitement.

It felt like hundreds of tiny birds had taken flight in his abdomen and a frisson of tentative anticipation filtered through him. 

Her eyes glittered and his mouth twitched with the want to smile as he gave his response.

“I’m in.”

—————————

Thank you for reading. I hope it was worth your time despite this being done so many times before me. Oh, and if you leave a comment or reblog, thank you. It is appreciated ❤️

[duskwoodgirl4life]

Me: finished playing duskwood again

Brain: you know you want to play again

Me: no I don't

Brain: Jake

Me: I'm now playing duskwood again

[mishanym]

Jake: I cannot go without telling you.

The moment Jake came back online, MC felt like he was gonna say something important. This is exactly what LadyLotus the fortune teller in the dark site told them.

There is a person in your life to whom you are very important. But something unsaid is still between you.

MC: Without telling me what?

With bated breath and nervous mind, MC is waiting for Jake to tell them what Jake is going to tell them. They're worried that there's another thing Jake has kept secret that may endanger his life. Or maybe his condition is actually too dire at the moment so He feels like he needs to say this before it's too late. Something's been weighing his mind. And MC can feel it.

Jake: Something I've been meaning to tell you for a long time.

Jake knows this is something he has kept bottled up inside. There was a time when this was bearable for him, but as of late, many times these feelings are uncontrollable. He can no longer evade it, and he doesn't want to. MC showed him light in his darkest world. For once, he's happy. For once, he doesn't need to fight alone. He needs MC, he wants MC, and he doesn't want to lose MC.

MC: What do you want to tell me?

MC had a feeling about what Jake's going to say, but also scared. Scared that Jake is going to say what they feared he would. Because then their feelings will never be able to be contained anymore, and their hearts will be forever entwined, just like the destiny who brought them together. But strangely, MC doesn't want to tell Jake not to say it. They know that whatever risk they're taking, they're willing to take it. As long as it's with Jake. And maybe. Just maybe. Their feelings are already uncontainable.

Jake: MC I love you.

Jake has finally said it. All that he's feeling can only form into this thing he had never felt before in his life. Is this what they call love? But by this time, he knows. It is love. And he no longer wants to deny it. And it's important to him that this feeling isn't left unsaid. After all, this is what he wants and told MC before. He told them he didn't want anything to be unsaid between him and MC. He felt relieved but now that he said it, he felt strange. He could've told them about this a long time ago. Why now, Jake? Why do you have to burden them now with your feelings? Now, when you can't even assure yourself that you will get through this problem unscathed. When your pursuers are outside this very mine. Ready to capture you at any moment. When you have no solution yet on how to escape. Why, Jake? Jake could only think of one reason why. He needs to know how they feel. Or at least to tell them how he loves them. At the same time he wanted to make sure MC doesn't feel like they're alone in this. They're always together. Together in his heart too.

MC read what Jake said and felt overwhelmed by those three words. It shouldn't have taken them by surprise but actually reading those words on their screen gave a little shock to them. They squealed a bit. After all this time, finally Jake summoned his courage to tell them how he feels. What are they supposed to say back? Do they even have to respond? MC could choose not to say anything. Telling Jake how they feel might only put more burden on him. But is this what they want? When Jake sincerely offered his feelings, is this what they deeply wanna do? After a long wrestling in their minds, contemplations that felt like hours but actually only happened in split seconds, MC finally knew what to do. No they're not going to hold back. They're not going to think it's gonna be a burden for Jake to tell him how they feel. Jake said he doesn't want anything to be unsaid between them. And that is what MC wants too. The moment MC took Jake's call and took Hannah's destiny in their hands, together with Jake they knew they were destined to be. And as they said before, they will go to the very end with Jake. They will. As bittersweet as this is, they will carry on. And so MC replied,

MC: I love you too, Jake

Jake read this and he felt enormous joy. It was just a simple confirmation. Jake has known this for quite some time now. Known that MC also shares the feelings he has. But to actually see MC typing it out. To actually see it on his screen right now, at this very dire moment, Jake felt like his heart leapt to his throat. If he wasn't sure about this then, he is sure about this now. His feelings are being reciprocated. And now this confirmation, this simple confirmation, has given birth to a sensational feeling. A resolution. If he was already feeling desperate then, he's more desperate now to survive and elude his pursuers. He's determined. There's no way after this confirmation of love between him and MC that he cannot overcome this. He will survive this and find a way out. To be safe again. He won't let himself be captured or die. He's sure. Because that will separate him from MC. And he doesn't want that the most.

Good luck, Jake. I know you can do it.

What MC said to him minutes ago crossed his mind and stayed. It encourages him. And with that he summoned all of his focus, concentrating towards one goal. One goal. To safely go out of this mine, and into a safe hiding place. And to go back to MC.

AT ALL COST.

Note from author:

Hi friends and Duskwood Jake lovers! To me you're all sweet and precious! I'm Misha and this is shyly my very first fan fiction i ever wrote. Arghh I'm so shy right now tbh. I never tried writing one in my whole life but here I am. I guess Jake has given me much love and courage. The moment i get to know him he touches my heart so dearly, and I will never be the same again.

I wrote this because i was deeply hurt by the ending Everbyte gave us in Duskwood. And i couldn't move on from it. And I don't think I want to. ;) So i wrote this to give a perspective on how Jake and MC might be feeling in our last moment with him, and believing Jake who would wanna protect MC, he wouldn't want it to end like this. So let's trust that Jake will be back to us. Especially when there are so many people out there who love Jake. #IAmJake hehe. Also, remember what appeared on the ending screen, "Everything is going to be fine in the end. If it's not fine it's not the end." With this clue left by Everbyte i hope this means we're gonna see Jake again.😉

Thank you so much for reading this, and I hope you're having fun reading this as much as i had fun writing this. I'm open to any comments and to anyone who would want me to follow them and read their works.

I'm very grateful to be here.💙

[angie-01040]

Jake's writing style is so damn attractive...

[giu-world]

Jake: How's the most wonderful creature in the world doing?

MC: I don't know, how are you?

Jake voice cracking: I-I'm....fine.

[willka-hughes]

Welcome back online, Jake :)

Thank you for reminding me of Moonvale's exit, haha.

[incorrectnessduskwood]

Jake: My crush isn't picking up on my hints. Lilly: What hints have you given them? Jake: Well, I think about them a lot. Jake: And sometimes I even think about talking to them.