the gym; saturday morning

[flickofthewrist]

Flick hadn't been in the gym much since the last time. There'd been a lot going on that had mentally and physically stressed him so the gym had been a second or third thought. Plus, he had some issues from the last time he'd been in the gym.

But, things seemed to be settling now so he was back. He didn't know why he was here, really, but he figured an early morning round with the heavy bag couldn't hurt. For one of the first times since he'd been on the island, he pulled on a pair of gloves and started a quick pace of jabbing and swinging at the heavy bag. He worked without stopping, building up a good sweat before moving his blows into something a little more powerful, something sharper.

He was falling right back into what he knew despite what had happened last time. Hard to stop muscle memory.

[Open place/post]

Comments

[flickofthewrist]

"I'm fine with spending time with your brothers too," he assured her. "That's fine. I'd like that."

[seveninchmotto]

"Good, because we're a package deal." They were. It wasn't true all the time as strongly, but they were a package deal. "Back home. Me and Alec and Jace. Clary now too, I guess."

But not Simon.

[flickofthewrist]

"I understand," he said quietly, nodding. "And that's fine. I get it. I really do. I'm not intending on being -- I don't know, I'm not intending on being someone who tries to keep you away from that."

As if he could.

"I mean, I won't give ultimatums or anything."

[seveninchmotto]

Isabelle let out a quiet chuckle despite herself. It was just a short sound. "I would be shocked by an ultimatum from you, Jon."

[flickofthewrist]

"Really?" Not that what she said wasn't a good thing but he was still surprised. "I'm an asshole though."

[seveninchmotto]

"Maybe, but you're not stupid."

Which was what giving Isabelle an ultimatum would be. Especially when it was about her family.

[flickofthewrist]

"Maybe."

He sighed and blinked a few times.

"I'll do my best to -- to stay out of what you want me out of and not argue too much. But, I'll be happy to be included."

[seveninchmotto]

"I trust you," Isabelle said. For her, that was a big thing to say. Even now, even after everything.

Easier to feel, these days. But still hard to say.

[flickofthewrist]

"Thank you," he said, nodding. "I appreciate that."

[seveninchmotto]

Isabelle gave him a soft, quick kiss.

"And I'm so happy you're moving closer to me."

[flickofthewrist]

"So am I," he murmured, smiling at her. "Maybe the change in location will keep my mom safe for a little while longer."

He'd sent Frank away and he'd been planning on doing the same to his mother but maybe he could hold off on that.

[seveninchmotto]

"No one's going to follow you across the multiverse," she told him quietly, shaking her head. "She'll be safe."

[flickofthewrist]

"We're never going to be completely safe," he told her, shaking his head. "She'll be safer but I can't let my guard down."

[seveninchmotto]

"Well, that's what I was trying to tell you not to do, earlier," she replied. "So, good."

[flickofthewrist]

Flick nodded and then allowed himself a maudlin moment.

"Just wish I could have Frank too. I wish I could know him."

[seveninchmotto]

"Maybe one day you can, baby," Isabelle replied, countering his maudlin with some gentle optimism. "All might not be lost for good. You don't know."

[flickofthewrist]

Flick smiled sadly and it was pretty clear he didn't really believe that. "Unless every single Mandel alumni is eliminated or I suddenly gain superpowers, it is for good."

[seveninchmotto]

"You don't know the future," Isabelle replied. She left it at that, but after everything that had happened lately... Yeah, it seemed like a lot of things were possible.

[flickofthewrist]

"I know enough," he sighed, shaking his head. "But, it's fine. He'll grow up safe and maybe he'll get another brother or sister of his own."

[seveninchmotto]

Isabelle gave his cheek a kiss before pulling back. She wanted to argue, but she wouldn't do that right now.

Instead, she asked, "Do you want to go somewhere for breakfast?"

[flickofthewrist]

"Sure," he said, nodding. "Yeah, that'd be good."

[seveninchmotto]

Isabelle almost thanked him. She just really wanted to take him somewhere outside the gym and try and make his morning a little better.

"My treat," she said. "No objections."

[flickofthewrist]

"Lead the way," he chuckled, gesturing towards the door of the gym. "I won't object."

[seveninchmotto]

Isabelle took his hand. Yes, the hand he'd gestured with. She laced her fingers with his, and gave his hand a squeeze.

And then she led the way.