Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

If you haven’t read the Colorado kid novel, I’d recommend as in the beginning in “The Birth and Rebirth of the Colorado Kid” letter to the reader they mention this:

https://www.tumblr.com/clockwork76/769819806855757824/read-the-colorado-kid-and-found-this-wonderful

This is a link to my Tumblr where I’ve posted the photo from the 2019 edition.

Chapter Text

I didn’t remember much about that day. I woke up in the hospital to Nathan and Audrey sitting beside me, this worried look to their faces.
“Awe don’t tell me I almost died.” I joked. Didn’t seem to help as Nathan actually flinched.
“Duke, what do you remember from yesterday?” Audrey scooted her chair a little closer.
“Not much, woke up alone in bed after a night of wonderful sex. You know after you stood me up. And then it all got hazy.” I laughed again.
“Yeah well your night of great sex led to you aging rapidly. Smart move.” Nathan grunted as he pushed his chair back and basically stormed out.
“He was worried about you.” Audrey tried to explain.
“Nathan? Worried? About me? Do we know the same Nathan?” I sat up a little in my bed. It took a minute for me to realize there was a small plastic basin nearby.
“We do, he cursed you out while you were coming here. You almost died in his arms and apparently he said something to you that made him so frazzled. He’s just trying to be stoic.” She held my hand.
The door to my room creaked open and Nathan returned holding a small bundle of blankets. His face was softer than it ever had been when he was looking at me. He was cooing at the blankets and wiggling his finger above it.
“What’s that Nathan? Steal someone’s baby?” I laughed remembering how Audrey told me how he had been regarding Betty’s new baby boy.
“Didn’t steal her, she’s yours. Her mother named her Jean.” Nathan knelt on my bed and slowly passed me a little baby girl.
“How did I get a daughter?” I looked at the two of them before looking down at the little baby. Her eyes were closed, she had a little tuft of black hair, and her skin was tan like my own. I didn’t know how I got her, but I loved her.
“Betty is troubled. She would turn into Hellen and by Sunday morning she would have a new baby, the fathers would die of old age. You held her first, seems whatever caused you to age fixed itself when you held her.” Nathan explained, his hand was cupped under her head.
“Oh.” I mumbled. I was still looking at my daughter with such amazement. This little being was mine. “Is this what true love feels like?”
“I think so. Wow, Duke Crocker, a father. Who would have assumed.” Audrey patted my back.
“Oh fuck, Rouge isn’t a place for a baby. Where am I supposed to raise her?” I quickly panicked.
“You can stay with me in my mothers old house. It has plenty of room that you can stay out of my way and raise her there until you find a more solid place.” Nathan barely hesitated to offer.
“Oh you just want to be able to watch the crook with his kid.” I joked again.
“Yeah. Whatever, I offered.” Nathan pulled away. I felt bad for making him upset.
“I’ll accept. Thank you, Nathan. Really.” I looked away from my daughter and smiled up at him. He just nodded, already sitting back down in his chair.
“Hello Jean. Guess you’re stuck with me.” I looked back down to the little girl in my arms. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I hoped I was doing it right.

Chapter Text

I had honestly forgotten Duke and Jean were living with me. It was weird waking up and walking out to smell breakfast and coffee. Even more weird to see Duke dancing as he sang to Jean who was in her bouncing rocker.
“Good morning?” I rubbed the sleep from my eyes.
“Ah! Good morning detective. Making some eggs on toast with peppers and onions. Also made a hot pot of coffee, please let me know when you make a cup so I can let you know when it’s cooled down.” Duke pointed to the coffee pot on the counter.
“Hm, thank you.” I walked over and poured a cup into a clean mug he had waiting on the counter.
“How’d you sleep? Jean was up all night and I was a little worried you wouldn’t get your beauty sleep.” Duke quipped.
“I slept alright. No complaints when I can’t feel anything.” I shrugged. He dipped his pinky in my mug before nodding.
“Fair enough. Thinking of taking her into the Gull today. Get a baby seat set up for her behind the bar.” Duke moved down the counter and portioned us both a plate.
“You’re going to take her to the bar? Why not get a babysitter?” I set my mug on the table and sat down. I wiggled a finger at Jean who was busy sleeping.
“Ah yes, let me ask my large arsenal of friends if they would watch my child. Let’s see? Audrey? Working. You? Hate me. I guess I could call up Meg.” Duke made a show of his explanation.
“Yeah, call her after you eat. I know how picky you are with your food.” I watched as he set down the plate in front of me.
“I made sure it was cooled off before I handed you it. Sorry it’s not pancakes, but I think you’ll live. And I will.” Duke got quiet towards the end. I don’t think he liked agreeing with me.
“I’ll accept eggs and toast.” I took the first bite. Much like all of his food, much to my annoyance, it was incredibly good. “It’s good.”
“Thanks. I know how much you rely on flavor, so.” He motioned towards my food.
“Oh. Thanks.” I quickly finished my food before moving to get on with my morning. I rubbed Jeans head as softly as I thought I could before turning and retreating to my room to get dressed for my shift.

Chapter Text

“Hello?” I leaned back on the couch as I answered the phone. I was sitting with Jean before my shift, waiting for Meg to come get her.
“Hey Duke I’m so sorry, I can’t babysit today. I’m sorry.” Meg apologized over the phone.
“Hey no, it’s okay. It will all be fine!” I reassured her before the line went dead. I looked down at my one month old daughter with a sigh.
“Come on baby girl. Let’s get you into the Landrover and to the police station.” I cooed at her. She babbled up at me, and I picked her up with her diaper bag and carried her outside to my car.

Once we got to the police station I started to really second guess myself. Yeah Nate had been helping me out with Jean, but I didn’t like cops. I had retired from my old life because of Jean, but how many people actually would believe that?
“Hey Crocker. Didn’t know you actually willingly came here.” Stan laughed as I walked in with the car seat. “Here to report a missing child?”
“No, she’s all mine. I’m visiting Nathan and Audrey.” I smiled down at my baby before moving in the all too familiar pattern towards their joined office.
“Oh Duke! What a surprise, I thought you worked today?” Audrey quickly stole Jean from me.
“Meg canceled. I don’t know where else to take her. Help.” I pleaded with the two cops. Nathan shot me a small glare before he stole Jean from Audrey and started to rock her.
“Hi princess. I’ll stay on paperwork today, keep her with me.” Nate explained. “I’ll bring her home and get her into bed too. Don’t worry, go to work.”
“Thank you Nathan, Audrey. Seriously, thank you.” I smiled. I gave them both a short wave before I was out of there.

I kept checking my phone throughout the day and eventually around midnight I was able to close up and head back to Nathan’s.
“Hey? You’re still awake?” I locked the front door behind me as soon as I walked into the house.
“Yeah, she just went down.” Nathan sipped a glass of whiskey. He was on the couch in his work uniform, a little disarrayed.
“She seriously hasn’t been sleeping well. I don’t know why.” I joined him on the couch and poured some of the whiskey into an extra glass he had out.
“Could be colic. We could get her a white noise machine and see if that helps at all.” Nathan suggested.
“How are you so good with kids?” I laughed a little. He kicked me in the leg.
“Just am. Speaking of, she was a hit with all the other cops. I think your daughter has won over the Haven PD.” Nate looked back towards my bedroom.
“First in her family.” I smiled.
“I wouldn’t say first, but yes, I agree.” Nate hummed.
“Wow, the Nathan Wuornos agrees with me? Did you get hit by a Trouble?” I poked the man.
“No, just being around you and her. Maybe you aren’t as bad as I’ve been making myself think.” Nathan shrugged, taking another sip.
“Holy shit, he has a heart.” I teased.
“Yeah, yeah. I’m gonna clean up and head to bed. Goodnight Duke.” Nathan waved me off as he stood and collected our glasses and the bottle. I bid him goodnight before hiding away in my own room.

Chapter Text

I woke up to soft crying. I turned in bed and saw the clock on my nightstand said four am, meaning it had only been four hours since I put Jean down to sleep.
“Duke?” I rapped my hand against the door.
“Yeah?” He called out. He sounded tired. I pushed open the door and saw him standing in his room rocking the baby girl.
“Hand me Jean.” I extended my arms out to him. He looked down at his daughter before tiredly setting her into my arms.
“She woke up and nothing would help her fall back asleep, or even stop crying.” He sat down on the edge of his bed.
“Sometimes they just cry.” I rocked her slowly. I couldn’t feel her weight in my arms but I knew I had to be slow. “Has this always happened?”
“Every single night for the past month. I think I’ve gotten six hours of sleep this whole time.” Duke gave a tired laugh.
“That’s parenthood. If it was easy we would be overpopulated.” I tried to joke with him. He gave a sad smile.
“Am I doing enough for her?” He asked, probably more to the world than me.
“You’re doing everything you can for her. You’re a good dad Duke.” I rested a hand on his shoulder.
“I hope everything I have to give is enough.” He muttered, his eyes already growing heavy.
“I’ve got Jean, you focus on getting sleep.” I carried the little girl out of his room and to the living room. She had calmed down enough that once she was in her rocker she was out. I sat there for a little bit longer before I also fell asleep.

“Hey, Nathan. You’re gonna be late.” Duke spoke loudly to wake me up.
“Hm? Yeah probably. Chief can shove it though.” I stretched out lazily on the couch. Cracking open an eye I saw Duke was busy trying to get Jean to eat.
“Sorry you only got about six hours last night. I made breakfast to thank you.” Duke motioned to the kitchen with his body.
“Thank you Duke.” I slowly pulled myself off the couch and towards the kitchen.
“Pancakes.” Duke explained, sitting her in her rocker again. She quickly curled her legs and babbled something.
“Mmm, pancakes.” I copied him with a little more energy in my voice. “Keep making these and I may forgive you for everything.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Duke nudged the Strawberry syrup towards me.
“I know I’m a heavy sleeper but she really did sleep through the rest of the night.” I remarked between bites.
“That’s good. Before work I’m going down to the baby store for a white noise machine.” Duke rubbed the back of his neck.
“Is Meg watching her today?” I asked, setting my fork down on my plate.
“Nope, today it’s me and her at the Gull. Going to load up her rocker and get her settled behind the bar unless it’s too loud. Also, I’m going to pick up a baby sling, in case I have to carry her.” Duke lifted the little girl from her rocker and kissed her head.
“Well if you need me today, just call.” I patted his shoulder before once more returning to my room to get dressed for another shift.

Chapter Text

“Okay, calm down. What’s going on over here?” I asked, setting down my towel and approaching two men who were arguing in the bar.
“Oh look, it's dad of the year. Fuck off Crocker. Can’t you see we are having a conversation.” One of the old men grunted at me.
“I would if you weren’t getting rowdy in my bar.” I looked back at my two month old daughter and watched as she slept in her rocker.
“Whatever.” The other man waved me off. I shrugged and turned back to the bar.
“Gentlemen, when the owner of an establishment makes it clear you’re causing an issue, I would recommend common decency.” Nate announced as he entered the Gull.
“Sorry Detective.” The first man muttered like a child.
“Sorry Detective Wuornos.” The second man followed.
“Hey, Nathan!” I waved him over to the bar. He rolled his eyes but walked over anyway.
“Hello Duke. Hello princess.” His face softened at the sight of Jean. I cleaned the counter in front of him before I disappeared into the kitchen to make him a post work meal.
“Figured you’d be in soon. I had this waiting for you. It’s cold enough that it won’t burn you, but not ice.” I set a plate in front of him.
“Thank you. So how’s keeping things legitimate?” He asked, digging into his dinner.
“Busy. Especially because people keep trying to pull shit and like clearly I have a baby behind the bar.” I huffed, leaning on the counter.
“Meg really couldn’t babysit again?” Nathan pushed his plate towards me.
“Nope, she and Bill wanted to be alone today.” I winked at him.
“Ah fair. Here hand me Princess before you go and put these up.” He made grabby hands and I couldn’t help but smile at how soft he was with Jean.
“Up she goes.” I picked her up and passed her over the counter. Nathan fell into a slew of coos and baby talk.
“I love Jean, but it’s still weird to see Nathan all baby dopey over a baby.” Audrey sat down next to Nathan.
“Yeah, it’s weird, but I think that’s why he tolerates me.” I watched him with my daughter for a few more moments.
“Living with you and her made me realize you’re not as much of a prick as you used to be. Whatever.” Nathan glared at us both before quickly returning to Jean.
“I think Nathan is under a niceness trouble. He hasn’t punched me or tried to arrest me in two months. Unlike other cops, he’s actually treating me like a human.” I picked up his plate and quickly dipped into the back of the restaurant.
Once I returned Audrey had already left and Nathan was strapping Jean up in her car seat. I handed him her diaper bag and kissed her forehead.
“You know I meant it earlier. You’re legit now, and living with you these last two months made me realize you’re not as much of an asshole as I was making you out to be.” Nathan gave me a soft smile.
“Oh, thanks Nathan.” I rubbed the back of my neck. He nodded and soon after left the Gull.

Chapter Text

“Hey, have you heard from Audrey? She said she was going over to hang out with Duke on his boat but after two she stopped responding.” I asked the Chief, my dad.
“No, but I’m sure she’s fine. Probably dealing with whatever illegal shit that Crocker boy is up to.” Chief waved me off.
“Duke has been legit for months. He has his little girl and his restaurant. Why the fuck would he risk it?” I crossed my arms and leaned back in my chair.
“Because, once a crook always a crook?” He shrugged.
“Yeah whatever. I’m going to call Meg and see if she can watch Jean later if I can’t reach Duke.” I picked up my phone and started to ring Meg.
“Hello? Nathan?” Meg answered.
“Hey, do you think you could watch Jean a little later if something comes up with Duke tonight?” I asked.
“Oh, I already left Jean on the Rouge with Duke, Audrey, Julia, and two men. Duke called it a night right after.” Meg explained over the phone.
“So he was on the Rouge when you last saw him? Okay thank you. Audrey and him aren’t answering their phones.” I thanked her.
“Oh, another man was walking towards the Rouge. He said his name was Agent Howard?” I looked over at my father with her words.
“Agent Howard is on the boat? Right. I’ll head down to the dock then and see if they are there. Thank you again Meg.” I bid her goodbye before placing the phone back onto the receiver.
“So, he’s on his boat with two FBI agents, some shady men, and Julia the ME? What scam is that boy playing?” Garland laughed half assed.
“Jean is on that boat, Duke would never, ever, put her in harm's way!” I slammed my hand down onto the table. It probably would have hurt, given how loud the bang was.
“Like father, like son.” He knocked on my door as he left. Fucking helpful.
I decided to check out the docks and quickly learned the Cape Rouge was not tied down or anywhere in sight. Much to my dismay, I had to call Betty and ask her to do a port-wide search for Duke's boat.
Once I returned to the Police Department, I sat there at my desk for about two more hours trying my fucking hardest to get into contact with Duke and Audrey. Eventually I got a text from Audrey and quickly made my way back to the docks.
“Someone’s on deck, holding a gun. We can’t see who yet but it looks like they are pointing it at two people.” One of the officers said as we watched the boat draw closer.
“God, please let that be Duke.” I prayed.
As the boat drew closer, I saw it was Duke holding a shotgun aimed at the heads of two strange men. He looked down right pissed. Audrey and Julia were both steering the boat back to the harbor so they could get pulled in.
“You ever fucking touch my daughter again, I’ll make sure I’m going to jail for murder.” Duke tossed the gun aside and made sure it was far enough that neither of the men could reach it.
“Duke!” I shouted as I quickly jumped onto the boat. I saw Jean crying in her car seat, thankfully strapped in.
“Hey.” Duke mumbled as he pointed at the two men. I quickly tugged them both up and off the boat.
“Give Stan your statement, then you can take Jean and go home.” I tried to reassure him while I did my job. Duke just nodded.
“So you were wrong, he did endanger his daughter. Like I said, like father, like son. Once a Crocker always a crook.” Garland laughed as he helped Howard and Julia off the boat.
“Duke actually tried to end the day early when Jean got dropped off. We got hijacked.” Julia but in with a snap.
“I can agree with this woman, Chief. Even when I was stepping onboard he was wrapping up their poker game and bidding his goodbyes.” Howard agreed with Julia. Garland made a very annoyed sound but dropped his insults.
“Can I go home now?” Duke asked, holding Jean’s carrier.
“Yes, I’m going to talk with Audrey. I’ll meet you there. A few cops are going to search the Rouge, do you consent?” I crossed my arms, trying to remain calm.
“She’s as clean as can be. I got nothing to hide. She came along and I finished those jobs, I haven’t got anything on this ship that’s not legal.” Duke motioned to his boat.
“That’s good. Makes our jobs easier and your life better. Go head home.” I patted his arm and he gave a small smile.
“Yeah, home.” Duke agreed. He headed for his Landrover and, just as simply, was gone from the area.

Chapter Text

I rocked Jean in my arms as she cried. We had been staying at a small, out of the way hotel while all the drama blew over for three days at that point, and no matter what I did, she wouldn’t stop crying.
“Shh, it’s okay baby girl. Daddy’s got you.” I cooed, kissing her head.
“Duke what the fuck!” Nathan basically screamed as he entered the hotel room. I was startled as I hadn’t expected him to be there.
“How’d you find me?” I continued to try to calm Jean down.
“APB on your car. Someone called it in and then got the key after I flashed my badge.” Nathan took Jean from me and started to sway with her.
“You said go home but my home was surrounded by cops, and mind you, sinking.” I sat on the bed, putting my head in my hands.
“Home, my home. Our home until you’re able to raise her on the Rouge or in a house somewhere.” Nathan got her to calm down and it tugged my heart a little.
“I’m not a good dad.” I remarked.
“No, you’re a great dad. You protected this little girl with everything in your might. Audrey told me she watched you when they went to touch her. She said you stopped being nice and that you did everything to protect her. You love her, that’s enough.” He wrapped an arm around me.
“Yeah? Your dad sure seems to agree.” I laughed hollowly.
“He doesn’t know what the fuck he thinks. He thinks because he hates your dad, who’s been dead for years, that you must surely be like him.” I watched as he started to make faces at Jean.
“My last name is already leaving her with issues.” I sighed.
“Yeah, but you and I both know that, according to recent history, your name does not define you. I used to hate you, but then you moved in with Jean, and I’ve never been so wrong. You’re a good man who just had a bad hand dealt.” Nathan reasoned.
“Seriously, who the fuck are you?” I gave a small tired laugh.
“I’m Detective Nathan Wuornos. When I was eight you stuck tacks to my back, and when you came back you took me ‘fishing’ and made my trouble come back.” He spoke as Jean slowly fell asleep.
“Right. Yeah. The boat ride that ruined things again.” I sulked at that memory.
“Shouldn’t have smuggled things.” Nathan shrugged.
“You know what’s funny? I hadn't. That boat was as clean as could be, same as now. I genuinely wanted to go fishing, but I made the wrong joke at the wrong time.” I admitted, looking out towards the wall.
“And I got mad.” Nathan hummed.
“I deserved it.” I remarked.
“Not really. Just like you don’t now. Come on, let’s go home.” Nathan slowly stood up and started for the door.
“Yeah let me get her car seat, you can spend time with her.” I also stood up. Grabbing what little belongings I had.
“Oh no need. I bought my own car seat for her. It’s permanently strapped into the Bronco.” Nathan held the door open for me and we slowly walked down to where his truck was next to mine.
“Why?” I watched him put Jean into her new car seat.
“Because if you’re going to live with me, it’s easier on both of us to be able to drive with her.” He shrugged.
“Fair enough. Detective Wuornos and his little ride along.” I kissed her head.
“She’s a princess, she needs her entourage.” Nathan laughed as he moved to the passenger side.
“Thought I was driving myself back?” I shoved my hands into my pockets.
“I also got something else.” Nathan waved me off as he opened his glove box and pulled out a vanilla folder.
“What, trying to adopt my daughter?” I took it from him and opened the folder, pulling out a paper.
“More like giving you her official birth certificate. Finally got it from the hospital.” Nathan closed the door and leaned on it as he crossed his arms.
“Holy shit. Thank you Nate. Really.” I smiled up at him. He just nodded before patting my shoulder and turned to get into his truck.
“See you at the house. Don’t be late, I’ve already gone to the store for groceries and am expecting dinner. Good dinner too, not some shit excuse.” He announced as he climbed into his truck and started the engine. I gave a thumbs up and laughed as I turned and closed Jean’s door.

Chapter Text

I was covering the grounds on a new Trouble when the door to my office swung open. Looking up I saw Duke with a to go bag in his hand and Jean on his hip.
“Unexpected.” I remarked, pushing my paperwork to the side.
“No Audrey?” Duke set down the bag on the couch and pulled out a box, handing it to me.
“No, she’s out working on a Trouble. I said I would sit back and see what I could find here.” I leaned back in my chair.
“I’ll put her food in the fridge then. Here take Jean.” Duke slid the three month old off his hip into my arms.
“Hi princess.” I cuddled her.
“You and babies.” Duke laughed a little before stepping out to put up Audrey’s food.
“People don’t realize it’s because babies are much better to deal with than adults.” I spoke to Jean, though she had zero clue about any of it.
“Oh great he’s insane now too.” Duke announced as he returned.
“No, just talking to Jean.” I sat her up against my chest and held her while I started to eat my lunch. “Better than the sandwich I had packed.”
“I know. I was appalled when you made it so I cooked up lunch. You live with a chef, you need to eat better tasting food. No need to ruin one of the few senses you have left.” Duke flopped onto the couch.
“Oh forgive me, didn’t know an ex con was giving me advice about life.” I pointed my fork at him.
“Be glad your food is cooked.” He flipped me off before opening his own box.
“Not like I could tell if it wasn’t, only know I got it into my mouth because I can taste it.” I stuck my tongue out at him.
“Shame we have to feed you like a baby. Speaking of, it’s almost time for her to eat.” Duke set down his food and got up to grab the diaper bag which he had thrown by the door when he entered.
“You put that over by me and I’ll feed her, you eat.” I set down my fork and made a grabby hand for the bag. He sighed but handed me the bag anyway.
“Thank you Nathan.” He sat back down and I got to making her a bottle.
“Here we go princess.” I angled her and got her to latch.
“Practice for when you have your own kids.” Duke spoke up after a few minutes of comfortable silence.
“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to have my own kids. Can’t really get a relationship with a woman if I’m not into women.” I shrugged.
“Wait what?” Duke almost spilled his food.
“I’m gay Duke. Have been for most of my life.” I genuinely thought he knew that.
“I just always thought it had to do with your father that you didn’t date.” He set down his food so he couldn’t spill it again. “I’m Bisexual.”
“Oh? When did you figure that out?” I watched as he went a little red.
“I’ve had a few women in my life, I like women. But there was this guy growing up, always had a crush on him. Definitely know I am into men because of him.” He explained.
“Same actually. Guess small town gays gotta stick together.” I joked.
“Guess so. Isn’t Audrey into women too?” Duke poked at his food.
“Is she?” I cocked my head.
“She told me she had a high school fling with a girl, and that she’s found a few women here hot.” Duke shrugged.
“Wow, we really do stick together.” I laughed.
“Yeah, I just didn’t know you were into men. You do know adoption is an option right?” Duke returned to his lunch.
“That’s very true, but I’d like to be married before I have a kid. Can’t exactly do that when I’m a small town gay, and when most relationships are built on touch.” I explained. Jean started to grow fussy so I set her bottle on the table and put a cloth on my shoulder.
“You want me to do that? That way you don’t have to worry about being too rough?” Duke was already standing up.
“Actually yeah.” I handed him Jean and started to finish my food. Duke made a face and that was probably because I let it get cold, but it tasted the same so I didn’t care.
“You’ll be a great dad Nathan. Even without being able to feel anything.” Duke acknowledged before turning his full attention to his daughter.

Chapter Text

“He couldn’t feel.” Audrey stated. I walked up to a very huffy Audrey and decided to ask her what happened.
“Wait? You mean like Nate?” I asked.
“Yeah, which means he has the same trouble as Nathan.” She concluded. I stopped as I waited for her to also catch up with the fact that this meant Nathan was related to the new strange man.
“Is this a conversation you’re going to have with Nathan alone?” I motioned to the fact I had a baby strapped to my chest.
“I think so. Though seeing Jean may make him less angry. I’ll let you know.” She waved as she started to walk away.
“You still gotta tell me the reason you were holed up in your hotel room when you get done!” I shouted after her.
I sighed and quickly made my way back to the house. I figured if Nathan was going to go on a rampage I would be safer off the streets.
--
“Did you know?” Nathan shouted as he stormed into the house later that day. Audrey had texted me that Max had died after falling into a crack in the ground.
“That Max died? Or.” I paused watching as he entered the kitchen.
“That he was my father.” He crossed his arms waiting.
“Audrey told me you two had the same trouble. I assumed he was like an estranged uncle, not your father. Shit Nate.” I slowly pulled away from the stove, making sure the food wouldn’t burn.
“He’s not even my father. The Chief. Fucking hypocrite!” Nathan slammed his hand onto the counter. I knew if he felt that it would have hurt.
“Awe, you decided to become a killer?” I tried to joke. Nathen glared at me and I knew it was far too soon. “Sorry.”
“It’s okay. Just fucking sucks that I’ve been lied to my whole life! Oh and get this! So Max is dead and the Chief is telling me he wanted me to like him better before he told me. Like maybe be a good adoptive father and not neglect me after my mother died!” He screamed.
“Okay Jean just went down for a nap, if you wake her up I’ll make sure you feel the shit I do to you.” I threatened, trying to get him to calm down.
“Right, fuck.” He slumped onto a chair.
“Three fucks? Wow. Here let me finish dinner then I’m going to look at that hand. It’s actually turning purple.” I handed him an ice pack to hold on it before I returned to the stove.
“I don’t know who I am anymore.” His voice was soft and broken.
“You’re Nathan Wuornos. Detective of the Haven PD, partner to Audrey Parker ex FBI. You’ve been letting me, an ex-con now father, live with you for three and a half months. You get weirdly bubbly and happy and gushy around babies. You can’t feel because when you were eight your trouble kicked in, and then I caused it to kick in again. You’re an ass but you’re also ready to make sure everyone you care about is safe.” I explained while I portioned out the pancakes I had been making.
“Wow, it almost sounds like you care about me.” Nathan joked.
“Maybe I do.” I shrugged, setting the plate in front of him.
“Pancakes? You made me pancakes?” He looked down at his plate.
“Your mom’s recipe too. From her cookbook. Figured after Audrey texted me Max was dead, you’d want something to cheer you up.” I slid him the strawberry syrup.
“Now I understand why most people want to bed you.” Nathan laughed.
“Oh I’m honored but I don’t sleep with cops.” I joked back. He smiled and gave a sharp nod.
“So I was thinking if nothing crazy happens tomorrow Jean and I could spend the day together?” He asked.
“Of course. Always love a free babysitter.” I patted his back. I realized he couldn’t tell and just sat down next to him.
“She’s lucky to have you. Really she is.” Nathan turned to face me.
“I think I’m lucky to have her too. Without her I’d still be going legit but I would be doing it slowly.” I admitted.
“Second chance really gave you a second chance. Even if no one else believes in you, I do. Now at least.” Nathan gave me a short smile before moving to clear off his plate and do the washing up.
“Yeah, I really think it did. And thank you Nathan.” I picked up the baby monitor and listened for a bit before setting it back down.
“Thank you for making my mom’s pancakes. I will see you tomorrow, goodnight.” He waved as he slowly escaped to his room.

Chapter Text

I was still reeling after watching the man who raised me explode into literal rubble. After that Audrey told me she was Lucy, then another Audrey Parker showed up. Then fucking frogs fell from the sky, which caused Jean to cry from her seat. Lastly we saw a swarm of flies.
“Detective Wuornos, why do you have a baby back here?” Fake Audrey asked.
“That’s baby Jean, and it’s my day with her.” I grunted as we slowly drove to the station.
“Oh. Do you always take babies on duty?” She piped up again.
“No, it was my day off.” I pulled into the station and quickly moved around to the side and got Jean out of her seat and inside the PD.
“Nathan! Audrey! Good I found you! Oh god, Jean.” Duke rushed over to us as we walked through the bullpen.
“Why are you here Duke?” I asked, handing him his daughter.
“Blood came out of sprinklers. From the church.” Duke kissed Jean's head.
“So that’s three plagues from the Bible.” I remarked. Aurdey and Fake Audrey both tilted their heads as they thought about it.
“Well, if we get to the last one we only have to worry about Nathan.” Duke passed me back Jean.
“We don’t know what else the Chief was lying about, hell I could be a third child or some shit. Glad to know Jean and you will be safe though.” I nudged him with my arm.
“Let’s not take bets.” Audrey sighed. “I’ll take this one in for questioning, you two figure out the plagues please.”
“Will do Parker!” Duke announced with a smile. I watched myself be tugged towards my office, Duke laughing a little in my ear.
“So why were you at the church?” I asked once we sat down on the couch.
“Well, I was talking to the Rev. I wanted to convert to an ass kisser.” Duke jokingly said.
“You? Never.” I laughed, leaning my head back. Jean babbled against my shirt as she tried to hold her head up.
“Sometimes I worry about Jean. Like what if she’s older and she inherits her mother’s trouble. What if that kills me. I know I’m going to die by a man with a tattoo on his arm, but what if she gets it because it looks cool. Or what if he kills me and she’s left alone. I’m scared.” Duke grew somber.
“I told you last time you were old and gray, I’ll tell you next time. No one gets to kill you but me.” I helped Jean sit up against my chest.
“Awe, gonna wait till I’m on my deathbed to unplug me, you old bastard.” I watched Duke get into my personal space. If I could feel I would have felt the way he leaned into me.
“Yeah, even if it takes me being old and gray, I’ll wait. I’m patient.” I put my own weight against him.
“Hm, very patient.” Duke agreed. His hand reached out and he took one of Jeans. She squeezed her little hand around it and suddenly everything just felt right.
“She has my memories!” Audrey stormed in.
“Oh? Who?” Duke sat up and I could see him pull away from me. It hurt a little.
“Fake Audrey!” On cue, Fake Audrey walked in and gave us a confused look.
“Hi I’m FBI Agent Audrey Parker.” She greeted Duke who let out a small ‘oh’.
“So she has your memories. And we have frogs falling from the sky.” I covered everything.
“Did you find out nothing else?” Audrey eyed us curiously.
“Covered why Duke was at the church, didn’t get further. You weren’t exactly gone long.” I slowly stood up and walked over to my desk, where I almost always had a small rocker next to it at that point. I rested Jean into her rocker and sat down.
“Who are you?” Fake Audrey asked Duke.
“I’m Duke, that’s all you need to know.” Duke got up and came to stand next to me.
“Apparently the school just reported a spontaneous Lice outbreak.” I told Audrey. She pulled out our map of the town and started to leave dots on places that were affected.
“Right so whoever was in that car was being followed by the plagues. Which showed up when she did.” Audrey glared at the brunette who was still in cuffs.
“Right, well, we can go do a check on whose car that was, you find out if they are still being followed by the plagues. Preferably before we find out how faithful my father, Max, was.” I grimaced at the man’s name.
“Sounds good, come on Fake Audrey!” Audrey pulled the map out the door, Fake Audrey groaned and followed after her.
“We will figure this out before then Nate. I promise.” Duke’s voice was very close. I turned and saw he was leaning over my shoulder, his arm was behind me and I knew if I turned more I could see he was resting a hand on my back.
“Right, yeah. Can’t let you raise that cute baby girl alone. Might teach her to steal.” I got to work tracking down the car.
About thirty minutes later Audrey returned triumphant, with Fake Audrey out of her cuffs.
“Figured out who owns the car.” I announced, already picking up Jean.
“And I know where they are! Let’s go people, let’s go!” Audrey motioned toward the door and we all made our way out towards the Bronco.
“Why are the baby and the criminal coming along?” Fake Audrey asked.
“First of all, I'm legit! And second of all, it’s Nathan’s day with Jean. If he does die today, gotta let him have all the time with my baby girl before that.” Duke defended himself.
“Oh so Jean is your daughter?” She hummed.
“Yeah.” Duke's voice grew soft and when I looked back I saw him with his hand in her car seat, a small smile on his face.
“Hey you can’t die today Nate, we still have to bury your dad.” Audrey remarked.
“Oh right, yeah.” I agreed.
“Max or the Chief?” Duke's head popped up.
“Chief.”
“What? He’s dead?”
“Yeah, he’s a million little pieces in the ice chest.” I motioned for him to turn around.
“The blue one?” Duke turned.
“Yeah.”
“Awe but that’s the good one.” Duke whined a little.
“I know, I kind of don’t want to lose it.” I agreed.
“I’m sorry you just casually have a body in the backseat?” Fake Audrey spoke up.
“Don’t worry about it.” Audrey announced as we pulled up to the house.
“I’ll stay down here with Duke and Fake Audrey, we can handle the Rev. Go do what you do.” I waved off Audrey as we also realized we were swarmed by devout Rev followers.
“Is that a baby?” The Rev asked leaning into my car as he looked down at Jean with this horrid expression.
“Yes and if you don’t back the fuck up I’ll make sure you never see another baby again.” Duke pulled out his gun.
“Don’t want to do that, Crocker. Lord knows that baby is already damned if it shares your blood.” He spat.
A few men around us groaned as they started to fall over. I couldn’t feel if anything was happening to me but I could see Duke turn to face me.
“Nate!” He screamed.
“Hey, does this mean I really am a first son?” I laughed. He was holding me in his arms.
“Yes you asshole.” Duke let out a worried laugh. I watched the world go a little more straight as he sat me up.
“Didn’t feel it.” I stayed on the ground anyway. Stayed in his arms.
“All good. Now Rev, get your men out of here before I fucking make you leave.” Audrey threatened as she walked out of the building. I blinked confused.
“You were fast.” I commented.
“Yeah and I’m driving. She was in there for about ten to fifteen minutes.” Duke helped heave me up.
“But she walked inside a minute ago, then I was. You screamed my name and I was on the ground.” I opened the backseat.
“Yep, I’m driving. You probably blacked out because you were dying. Come on ladies, load up.” Duke patted the hood of my truck before hauling himself into the driver's seat. I gave a small tired smile before closing my eyes again.

Chapter Text

After Garland’s wake Nathan was acting antsy. Like he wouldn’t sit still as he took my statement from the store. That and Jean wouldn’t stop crying.
“Okay what’s up.” I snapped.
“I started to be able to feel again this morning at the wake.” Nathan explained briefly.
“Wait seriously?” I decided I was going to ignore the fact I just saw a scary fucking man.
“Yeah.” He let out a heavy breath.
I quickly took Jean out of her carrier and put her in his arms. His face twisted before he started to tear up.
“Come on, let’s go home, I’ll drive and you take all the time to get used to baby Jean.” I patted his back, not realizing he would feel it.
“Audrey, are you good with finishing up here? Nate needs baby time.” I flagged down our friend and the other Audrey.
“Oh yes! Please he’s been touching everything today and it’s been fucking weird. We got this here.” Audrey waved us off as she finished up taking statements.
I drove us home in the Landrover. Nathan barely spoke as he kissed Jean's head, and held her close.
“It’s weird.” He finally said after he sat down on the couch.
“Yeah? It’s weird you’re finally quiet. What’s it like?” I sat next to him. He kissed her head again, laughing at the way her hair, unruly and black, brushed under his nose.
“She is so soft. And yet I can’t get enough. And my clothes, they are rough, it’s irritating and I hate it. You are rough but it’s nice.” Nathan touched my arm.
“Yeah? Well if you want to explore all of this I’m happy to help. I know she’s a bit shaken, I was going to give her skin on skin contact to calm her.” I rubbed her head.
“Can, hm, can I?” Nathan sat back on the couch, groaning as his back popped.
“Yeah, hand me my baby and take your shirt off.” I lifted her from his arms and he got to work fumbling with the buttons on his shirt.
“Is this good?” He sat shirtless on the couch. I nodded as I set Jean on his chest. I couldn’t look away though, he was fit, and hot.
“Yea, yes.” I coughed.
“Okay and then I hold her like this? Wow she’s so little.” Nathan cupped her head. He was in awe.
“Yeah exactly like that, then here.” I moved so I was crouching over him and angled her a little differently. He tapped my knee with his thigh and I paused.
“I can feel that.” He smiled up at me.
“You want me to stop?” I asked, not actually making an effort to move.
“Not really, no. Got a lot of touches I want to do before I lose this again.” He reached out and tugged my shirt a little so I had to grab the couch behind him.
“Easy, baby.” I warned him.
“I am going easy. You caught yourself. All's good.” He poked me.
“You’re a brat Nathan.” I grunted. He continued to cuddle my daughter as I slowly moved to just vaguely sit on his thigh.
“I’ve been told before.” He laughed.
I moved off him when I realized he could probably feel his leg falling asleep and when Jean decided to drool down his chest. He got up and put her down for a nap before he wiped his chest up.
“You know there’s other things you can explore now that you can feel.” I leaned on the counter next to him.
“Oh? Like what?” He tapped our hips together.
“Whatever you want. Audrey hasn’t called yet. So we should be able to cover a few things.” I stepped a little closer to him.
“You know, being able to feel means I can feel everything.” I watched as he pushed himself against me.
“Oh!” I grabbed the counter. His hand wrapped around my waist and onto the bulge in my jeans.
“Yeah, I felt everything. Wouldn’t mind exploring with you. Gay man to bisexual. Can’t find anyone else on such short notice and all that.” He hummed into my ear.
“Wouldn’t expect anyone else in this little town.” I nodded. He rested his head on my chin, a tall feat because he was shorter than me.
“Then we agreed?” He pulled me tighter against him. I hummed in agreement.

Chapter Text

I dragged Duke to my room and smiled as he quickly tugged his shirt off.
“Just because of convenience.” He remarked.
“Of course. Wouldn’t want my only time being able to feel to be wasted looking for another gay man to fuck me.” I hummed laying down on my bed.
“That would be a shame.” He chucked off his pants and quickly crawled onto my bed. “Limits?”
“None. Do anything you want. Just want to feel it.” I tugged him down into a needy kiss.
“Sounds good Chief.” He hummed into the kiss and I moaned as I felt it.
“M’ sensitive.” I admitted. He gave a small laugh and I curled as the feeling moved from against my cheek down my neck.
“I can see that.” He started to kiss along my neck and I moaned once more. “God you’re loud, didn’t think you would be.”
“Never had sex before where I could feel things.” I remarked.
“Sorry, are you a virgin?” He laughed as he sat up. His legs hooked under mine.
“I’ve been to a few gay bars out of town, but never been able to feel anything.” I emphasized.
“Then let me help you feel everything. But if you wake up my baby girl, I’ll cut you.” He opened up my bedside drawer and cooed as he pulled out a few sex toys, lube, and my cuffs.
“No gags, sorry.” I watched as he turned my cuffs around and then looked at me.
“Are these personal or work?” He asked.
“Personal.” I didn’t care if he judged.
“Kinky.” He laughed and pulled out the keys too.
“Really Duke? That’s kinky? What kind of pirate are you.” I teased him. I was still in my jeans and he was in his boxers so I could easily get a reaction out of him and see the results.
“A very good one.” He leaned down and kissed me again.
“All yours.” I announced.
“Give me ten seconds.” He kissed me again before he slipped off the bed and down the hallway. I took that time to get down to my boxers.
“Ten.” I called out annoyingly.
“Impatient brat.” He huffed as he returned with a gag.
“Oh?” I raised my eyebrow.
“You’re loud and she’s asleep. I figured you don’t need your hands or mouth to feel me.” He crawled up onto my bed and forced me into his lap.
“No I don’t.” I hummed as he hooked it around my head and then pulled my arms up and locked my hands together around the poles in my headboard.
“How the fuck are you so fit.” He hummed, trailing his hands down my torso. I wriggled at the feeling and caught him smiling.
Soon after he returned to leaving dark purple hickies along my neck and down my torso. I couldn’t stop myself from moaning around the gag.
“Given how you flirt with half the town, I’m actually shocked you’re only into men. Who would have thought?” I felt him slowly move down my body, his hands squeezing every time he made a new hickey.
I moved my legs so I could tug him closer to me. He paused and slowly moved himself so he was hovering over me.
“You really want me to do everything?” He asked.
I gave a small nod.
“Alright.” I felt his hand trail down my stomach till he was tugging off my boxers. “Just so you know, I don’t bottom.”
I watched as he reached over me for the lube and I couldn’t help but feel scared and excited. I felt his free hand on my shaft and I moaned as I realized what he was doing.
“You want me to suck you off first or fuck you?” He asked like I could have answered. I raised my fingers up to show him two.
“Good boy.” He praised. I felt myself grow more aroused from that.
With that he was prepping me, I whined and moaned as I felt the cold lube on his fingers. He gave a small smirk before he nudged another finger in. He moved slowly, taking his time so he knew I felt everything. And I felt everything.
“Doing so good Nate, so good for me.” Duke praised again. I moaned and I saw him look up at me with a small bit of curiosity. “Praise turns you on?”
I nodded, not really caring about what he was doing just how it felt.
“God, you’re so responsive, baby. Fucking letting me do all this just because you can feel it. Your body must be sparking up like electricity.” He grunted, another finger was added and I felt as he curled them.
It didn’t take long after that for me to cum. He smiled down at me as he watched. My breathing eventually slowed down and I got my bearings again.
“Didn’t even get to fuck you yet.” He pouted.
I tugged him closer with my legs again. He winked and reached over me again to grab one of my toys.
“Oh. Okay then.” He quickly lubed himself up. “Now I’m not as thick as this pretty boy right here, but I am longer.”
He was holding the dildo up next to his own shaft and I couldn’t help but flush as he compared the two.
“God, I want to know how you fucked yourself if you can’t feel it. I’d love to watch that.” He put the toy back on the table and slowly pushed into me. I let out a loud moan, only muffled slightly.
I pointed to the mirror in my room and I watched as he stilled and looked over.
“Oh, yes.” Duke grunted as he realized what I was insinuating. “So little good boy Nathan loves to be watched? He loves to have all his dirty pleasures on display, as a show?”
I gave a sharp nod as I felt his hand brush against my hip. He leaned down and started to leave painful marks. My skin was so sensitive that I couldn’t stop myself from writhing and trying to shove myself down on him a little harder.
“Oh he likes that.” Duke hummed against my stomach. The warmth of his breath against my skin sent me on another spasm of trying to get him to fuck me.
“So impatient you little brat. You want me to fuck you? You don’t want me to take my time and let you enjoy the feeling of everything I’m going to do to you?” He pulled up off my chest and slammed into me fully.
“Fuck!” I screamed around the gag. Duke gave a small laugh as he rested his hands on either side of the pillow behind my head.
“Oh he gets louder?” Duke pulled the gag down and gave me a heavy kiss. I whined into the kiss.
“I do and I would really like if you could fuck me. We have all night for you to play with me, but right now I’m so close, I just need you.” I begged.
“I can do that. Yeah.” He pushed the gag back into my mouth and I couldn’t help but watch as he rested his hands on my waist while he slowly pulled back.
I gave a small whine before pausing and winked at me. Fucker was still teasing me. I went to tug him closer when he snapped his hip and pushed back into me faster than before.
“God that was beautiful.” Duke praised the debauched moan I let out.
I grunted and hooked my legs around his back and pulled him against me as much as I could with how shakey I was getting. He quickly found a pace and started to grunt as he worked. The words stopped coming out as he became focused on two things, fucking me, and marking me up with bruises as he gripped my hips, waist, arms, shoulders, and thighs.
“Gonna.” He gave a warning grunt and went to pull out. I moaned and hooked him back in. I was getting to the edge again myself and with a desperate muffled cry I came.
Duke followed soon after and rolled to the side after he pulled out. His hand trailed my chest as he looked at every feature I had to offer.
“Fuck you’re already hard again? You really are sparked out with those nerves. How about I uncuff you and you get to ride me this time?” He offered. I gave a small nod.
“Good boy.” He praised as he slowly unlocked the cuffs. I rubbed my wrists which were red and a little bruised from the way I tugged and pulled on them.
“You really know how to make a man feel good.” I said after he took the gag out too.
“I try my best baby.” He hummed. “Come on, round two. Show me how much you need me, and I want a show.”

Chapter Text

“Hey so you know how I’ve been cleaning out the attic of the Gull?” I asked after breakfast one day.
“Yeah? To make it an apartment to rent out. Did something happen?” Nate asked from where he was laying on the couch with Jean sitting on his stomach.
“Well no, it’s ready. I was thinking Jean and I would move in. Get out of your hair finally.” I proposed.
“No, rent it out and stay here. Besides the same issue with the Gull and your boat, no privacy and stairs. Both issues we don’t have here.” Nate sat up a bit more.
“You sure? You’re really okay with me staying here like a mooch?” I leaned over the back of the couch.
“Don’t really care anymore. You’re a good roommate.” He shrugged.
“Fair enough. Because I was going to rent out to Audrey and ‘Audrey’.” I informed him.
“Ah yes, the tale of two Audreys continues with them checking out an apartment that an ex-con owns as two FBI agents.” Nathan poked my cheek.
“Hm yes, a wonderful con.” I agreed playfully.
“Hey, maybe if you take little Jean here they may just agree to the rent.” Nathan took her little hands in his and started to move them so it looked like she was dancing.
“Yeah? You think she’s cute enough?” I kissed her head.
“I think if anyone ignores how damn cute this little princess is they are blind.” He smiled which caused her to start giggling.
“That’s actually very smart. Maybe I’ll use the baby to trap them into agreeing to take the apartment.. You think you’re cute enough, baby girl?” I cooed.
“I think she’s cute enough.” Nathan answered for her.
“Yeah well she’s a miniature version of me. That means she is cute by default.” I laughed triumphantly.
“Oh of course. No doubt about who she got her genes from. Even if we didn’t know it was you based on her mother’s trouble, you certainly wouldn’t have to do a DNA test to find out.” He ran his hands through her curls.
“No I don’t, those curls and brown eyes, that’s my baby.” I pulled back and moved so I was sitting on the other side of the couch, my legs on the other side of his.
“I wish I could feel her again, those curls were so soft. And her hands are so little, I miss how they squeezed on my fingers.” He got this sad look in his eyes.
“I’m sorry I made it so you can’t feel anymore.” I pulled my knees to my chest and set my head on them.
“Hey, if you hadn’t something else would have. Besides that girl was living an impossible life, I can live without feeling, she couldn’t live like that. I did what was right.” Nathan tapped my leg with his foot.
“I wish you didn’t have to make that choice.” I reached out and started to rub his leg, I made sure he was watching as I did it so he could tell I was.
“Duke, seriously it’s fine.” Nate hummed.
“Yeah, guess you are.” I gave him a small smile. He smiled back, continuing to play with Jean.

Chapter Text

“Hello Nathan, Jean.” Audrey waved me over to her and the other Audrey.
“Parker, other Audrey. Sorry, it’s my day with Princess, and Dukes already here.” I made Jean wave.
“Yes I am! I’ve gotten my truck loaded with Audrey’s things and we are all ready to get her moved in.” Duke strolled over.
“Where do you want me to put her?” I pushed my chest out so Duke could kiss his daughter's head from her spot in her carrier.
“I have a high chair set up upstairs so she can be watched while we move things around.” Duke motioned for us to head up the side stairs to the apartment.
“So I never figured it out, your day with Jean?” Other Audrey asked.
“Yeah, when Meg can’t babysit or one of us is off that day whoever won’t be running around town gets her. I’m off today so it’s my day. After this Duke has to work closing.” I explained.
“Yep, so I will steal my daughter now and you go grab the first round of boxes.” Duke pulled her out of the carrier and kissed her cheek before starting up the stairs.
“It’s okay, I get her till two am.” I smiled at the two women before heading to his Landrover and popping the trunk.
“Right. So you two live together? Audrey told me he’s been with you.” Other Audrey asked, grabbing two boxes.
“Yeah. Pays me rent by making me all my meals. After the first month, he insisted he’d cook for me because if I was going to eat shitty food it might as well taste good. It’s an insult to one of my remaining senses apparently.” I laughed while also loading up my arms with boxes.
“What's it like? To live with someone like him.” I let her climb the stairs ahead of me.
“He’s a little messy. Actually that’s a lie, he’s very messy but it’s organized and eighty percent Jean’s things. He respects my privacy. And contrary to most of the town’s opinion, he’s a really good man.” I watched as my Audrey barked out a laugh.
“When did hell freeze over? You complimented Duke.” She used her foot to push open the doors to the apartment from the balcony.
“Yeah, it’s still weird to say. I was wrong though.” I set down the first few boxes.
“Awe he complimented me and I wasn’t even there!” Duke whined, still buckling Jean into the seat.
“I won’t do it to your face until you’re helping haul boxes up.” I rested my hand on my hip.
“Yes sir.” He gave me a shitty salute before hauling it outside.
“Seriously, you both being friends is actually weirder than you and babies Nate.” Audrey patted my back. It was still so weird that I could feel her.
“Maybe I’m just getting softer.” I shrugged.
“Right! When you said help I didn’t know I wasn’t getting help myself.” Duke slid back into view on the deck.
“Hm, yes. I guess I might as well help.” I gave him a small smile as I pulled away from the two women and towards him.
“Thank you.” Duke quickly raced back down the stairs and picked up a few boxes on the edge of his tailgate.
“Anytime.” I made sure he was able to brush against me, even if I couldn’t feel it. He smiled and gave a small laugh. “Tell those Agents up there to come help too, will be faster with the four of us.”
“Will do Chief.” Duke yelled back down.

Chapter Text

“Hello Duke.” Evi walked up to me, a smug smile on her face.
“Already told you to fuck off Evi.” I grumbled.
“Awe I just wanted to know who this little cutie was.” She tried to touch Jean but I smacked her hand away.
“She’s Chief Wuornos’s daughter. I’m babysitting, recommend fucking off now.” I motioned for her to leave.
“You? With a cop’s kid? How come?” She rested a hand on her hip.
“Because I’m legit, and he’s my friend. Again, kindly fuck! Off!” I raised my voice a little.
“Hey? What’s going on here?” On cue, Nate walked out of the coffee shop with Audrey and eyed me curiously.
“Nate, Audrey meet my ex-wife.” I moved away from her more.
“Never signed the divorce papers. Hi I’m Evi Crocker.” She smiled, reaching out a hand toward Nathan and Audrey.
“Nathan Wuornos.” Nate deadpanned.
“Oh so this little angel is yours then?” She tried to touch Jean again and I stepped back, again.
“Yes, and please don’t touch her.” Nathan caught up to what I had been doing and quickly moved to lift Jean from her carrier.
“Oh I didn’t know that was a universal thing. Thought Duke was just being very overprotective.” She shot me a glare.
“No, she’s just very little and people who aren’t in the immediate family and friends aren’t really welcome to touch her. Especially if we don’t know if they are sick or not.” Nate kissed Jean’s head.
“Oh, okay then. Well, I’ll see you later Duke.” She gave a small wink before turning and walking away.
“You didn’t tell us you were married before.” Nate got to the point.
“Yeah, I met her on a con. I think she wants me to fall in love with her again and get back into the shipping business.” I explained, reaching for Jean again.
“And what did you tell her?” Nate handed me my daughter back.
“To fuck off, fuck her self, and leave me the fuck alone. I’m done with her and that shit. I have a kid, I’m not going to raise her the way my dad raised me.” I remarked.
“I believe you. I’ll look into her a bit more and see what she’s in on.” Nate grabbed my arm and gave me a small squeeze.
“Thanks Nate. You two have a safe day, I know there’s a new trouble about.” I made Jean wave at them.
“You’re going to stay clear of her?” Nate asked worriedly.
“Yeah. I’m taking her to the mini-mart to get a small swing and formula then back home for the day. Figured staying at the house is safer than anything else.” I let him kiss Jean goodbye before putting her into her carrier. They both nodded and I waved goodbye before returning to the walk I had been on.

Chapter Text

“Duke?” I asked as Duke entered the precinct.
“Hey I know you guys have been working hard fighting off killer machines, but I kind of messed up.” He raised his hands slowly.
“What happened?” I slowly walked towards him.
“Audrey, Audrey two I mean. She came by the house, and with her so did Evi. I was trying to get Evi to fuck off when Audrey two handed me a document full of things about the man with the tattoo. So we went to follow a lead on my boat.” He started to explain.
“Where’s Jean?” I asked a bit urgently.
“Oh right yeah, I set her down with Audrey two. They are around this corner. She’s fine, Audrey two is not.” He started to fidget.
“Why, what happened?” I moved past him to see the second Audrey was looking down at baby Jean with amazement.
“I let her go off on her own so Jean wouldn’t be alone. About an hour later she didn’t come back, so Jean and I went looking. She was wandering around without any memories. What she did remember was an empty patch of grass.” He leaned against the wall.
“Hey, do you recognize me?” Our Audrey asked.
“No? Should I?” Other Audrey answered.
“Yeah.” I tuned her out and pulled Jean and Duke towards my office while they talked.
“What the fuck!” I yelled after settling Jean on the couch.
“I didn’t leave Jean alone!” He raised his hands up over himself.
“No but you left? Without telling us? What if you got hurt? What if whatever did that to Audrey two did that to you? What if it did that and you forgot about Jean? Did you even think before you decided to go be a dumbass?” I was getting worked up.
“I did, and I made the conscious decision to go after her. And to join her in the first place.” He slowly inched closer to me.
“Oh so you consciously chose to be a god damn fucking dumbass!” I screamed. I regretted it as he quickly put his arms over his face and stepped in front of Jean.
“Sorry.” He muttered once he lowered his arms. He glanced down and I realized he was looking at my hands, which were balled up in fists. I uncurled them.
“Go home please.” I stepped back and let him have room to leave with Jean.
“Audrey two has a guy, this doctor guy she really loves. Doctor Brad. Never gave a last name but I’m sure his contacts in her phone. Don’t let her suffer because of me.” Duke picked up Jean again before he slowly inched out of my office.

Chapter Text

It was like Jean could tell I was hurting. After the Mayor died and then I found a little silver box things grew more strained on our friendship. Jean's response to this was to scream at night. And then we got trapped in a barn.
“Nathan!” Audrey screamed as she pulled him into the barn.
“Hey, found some flares. Turns out they don’t like fire.” He gave her a small smile.
“Yeah, we found a better way out. Glad you could join us in the collapsing barn.” She patted his arm and he twitched a little.
“Duke? What the fuck did you do?” He saw me and his face hardened.
“I was doing a delivery with Jean and well.” I motioned around me. “This wasn’t on the agenda.”
“Stop putting her in danger.” He grunted.
“Wasn’t the plan.” I wrapped my arms around the baby who was still screaming her head off.
“Cool good, we got that settled, can we please get out of here?” The ex groom asked as the walls started to groan.
“Yeah! Grab hands and lead the way.” Audrey instructed the older couple.
“Long story.” I explained briefly as I grabbed Jean's hands in mine.
“And why is Evi here?” Nate lowered his voice as we hung back making sure everyone left first. Evi tried to take my hand but I just glared.
“She followed me.” I tried to calm Jean down as I approached the scary looking doorway.
“Hand her to me. Fuck.” Nathan took Jean into his arms and she finally calmed down.
I shoved my hands in my pocket and watched as he waited at the door. I gave him a small smile but he grabbed my arm and held my hand with the hand that wasn’t holding Jean.
“There, all better. See Princess you’re safe.” Nathan slowly swayed with Jean.
“Do you two mind being cordial for one fucking moment? Because it’s been almost two weeks of this bullshit and as much as I said you two being nice was weird, this is downright horrible.” Audrey stormed over to us.
“It’s okay Audrey, I fucked up.” I told her.
“And Nathan reacted badly, move on!” She huffed and walked away.
“Right, you want to take her? I love her but after two weeks of no sleep I need some rest and she finally stopped crying.” I turned to Nathan.
“You don’t wanna go talk with Evi?” He grunted.
“No. I very much don’t.” I started for my truck.
“Why were you with her last week then? Some fishermen asked about it. Said you took the Rouge out while Meg had Jean.” He followed.
“Yeah, she snuck on my boat and didn’t make herself known till I was already miles from port. I was looking into something my dad left me.” I turned and pulled the silver box out of my jacket.
“What is it?” He asked.
“I don’t know, it’s why I was here. I made sure I could be here to ask while on a work run. Meg called out and you’re mad at me so I had to bring Jean.” I explained.
“I’m not mad at you.” Nathan grabbed my arm.
“You sure as hell sound like it.” I opened the door so he could put Jean in the back seat.
“You’re right. I am mad. You’ve been so careful with her the last four months. Now you’ve thrown that all out the door. What’s up.” Nathan grabbed my arms after he put her in.
“I finally started to get answers. I just want to be able to know what I’m doing with my life so that I get killed.” I told him. His face seemed to soften and he slowly inched closer.
“Then maybe let me in on these spur of the moment trips. Please.” He lowered his voice.
“I will. I just, I can’t wait around until a trouble kills me and I don't know why. It’s been all I can think about since I learned about it.” I watched as he moved his hands to just below my elbows.
“Understandable. But you have to protect Jean too. What happens when you run into something and don’t come back out?” I watched his face twist a little.
“I’ll try my best to not leave you alone with her.” I pulled him up into a hug. He couldn’t feel it, but he knew I could so he let me.

Chapter Text

Audrey was being very weird after her repeating day. Said things were very messy for her and she just wanted time alone. That and she broke up with Chris.
“Give me Jean.” She demanded while we sat in our office.
“Your day off really messed with you.” I picked up Jean off my lap and handed her over.
“Yeah, it did. And so far the only thing that’s making it better is the fact that I have baby Jean.” She cuddled the little girl.
“You know I was the same way after the barn. Refused to let her sleep in Duke's room too.” I slid my chair back and folded my arms.
“What, did you have Duke sleep in your room too?” She laughed.
“No.” I lied.
“Hey, we got a call about a man attacking Duke at the Gull, asked for you two specifically.” Stan stepped into the office.
“Fuck, Meg’s busy today too. Stan, can you please watch Jean?” I pleaded with him.
“Yeah, sure.” I handed him her rocker and Audrey carried her out while I grabbed my truck keys and got that started.
“Right, to the Gull.” Audrey announced as she joined me.
“Yeah.” I agreed.
We drove in silence, mainly because I was reeling over the fact Duke was attacked and it could have been his day with Jean.
“Duke?” I yelled out as I entered his restaurant.
“Yeah!” He called back from where he was kind of slumped on his bar.
“Oh god Duke!” I rushed over to him and helped him around to a seat. “What happened?”
“A guy came in, started acting weird. He was spinning this coin on my bar and then got very hostile. Had a gun too.” He explained. His eyebrow was broken open and bleeding.
“Audrey, can I get a warm cloth please? Okay, tell me what he was being weird with.” I grabbed his chin and slowly angled his face.
“He was asking for someone but I didn’t know who he was asking about. Told him such and he lost it. Got me really good with the butt of his gun.” Duke groaned as I apparently hit a bruise.
“You promise?” I asked, Audrey handed me a towel that looked wet and I started to dab it on his eyebrow. He let out a sharp hiss.
“Gentle! Yes I promise.” He grabbed my wrist.
“Sorry. Here Audrey can you take over?” I tapped his leg and he moved so I could still be next to him while she worked.
“So, Jean's still at the station?” Duke groaned again as she worked to get the bleeding to slow down.
“Yeah, Stan is watching over her. You get a good look at the man?” I asked opening my notepad.
“Yeah, and his license plate. I’m actually very relieved it was your day.” Duke leaned back into his bar.
“Okay can you write it down or tell me? And me too. I keep thinking about the what ifs.” I sat down next to him.
“Yeah I’ll write it down.” He took my notepad and pen from me and scribbled down the plate number.
“You get cleaned up and when you’re done go to the station and pick up Jean, take her home.” I squeezed his arm.
“Yeah, yeah okay.” He nodded. I handed him an ice pack from behind the bar before setting him on his way.
“See you once we find this guy.” I helped him get to his car before he was driving off. Aurdey stood next to me as she angled her phone at me.
“Found the owner. Ready to go?” Audrey asked.
“Yeah, let’s go.” I nodded following her back to my truck.

Chapter Text

“Duke what the fuck are you doing here?” Nathan pulled me off the side after I had just helped them stop the guy who attacked me.
“You think I’m going to our house, with my daughter while that man is on the loose?” I pointed my gun at the very dead man.
“He’s a copy. The real Cornell was at home.” Audrey informed him.
“And how did you find us?” Nate put my gun in my hostler.
“Because, I could.” I shrugged. Someone ran behind me into the building and we all turned.
“Another one?” Audrey questioned.
“Or the original.” I offered.
They both shrugged before we all headed inside. Quickly we figured out the man was looking for someone, probably the kid I was looking for as well. I knew he had been living in the old abandoned building for a while, I just hoped he was safe.
“Okay Duke, tell me why you are here?” Nathan grabbed my arm once we got a little bit away from Audrey.
“There’s a kid at my place, he’s homeless and I’m helping him. He came to me scared this morning that he saw something and it wasn’t good and that he needed help. So I helped when he hid and that guy came in. He’s been laying down low here.” I briefly explained.
“Duke.” He paused, his voice was soft. “You could have told me, I would have helped.”
“I know, but he made me promise no cops. He also doesn’t know I know he’s been living here.” I rubbed the back of my neck.
“You’re here to find him and help him?” I watched as he looked around a corner before nodding us along.
“Yeah. He normally stays up this way.” I motioned forward.
“Alright. Be safe.” He let me go in front.
It took a while but eventually we found the kid and the guy with the trouble was dead. I was hauling him out to a cop car so he could get a good night's sleep in a shelter when Stan walked up to me, very annoyed with baby Jean.
“Never, ever do that again.” He glared.
“Oh so Nathan told you I was. Yeah sorry.” I took her from him and gave her a little kiss on the cheek.
“Oh there’s Princess!” Nate rushed over to steal her from me.
“Rude, that’s my baby.” I gave a small pout.
“Naw man, it’s my day. My day my princess.” He stuck his tongue out at me.
“Fine. Come on, let’s get going. I didn’t open today, or eat yet and I’m tired. Shitty Chinese or Italian?” I moved my hands up and down like a scale.
“Italian.” Nathan hummed as he walked behind me.
“Good choice Chief.” I opened his passenger door to the back seat and watched as he buckled Jean in.
“You never told me.” Nate said after he closed the door.
“About?” I leaned onto the Bronco.
“You being homeless.” He crossed his arms. I nodded slowly.
“After my dad died. Mom stopped caring, so the house got repossessed. No one cared about the little Crocker boy, so I couch surfed a bit, stayed with the Mcshaws for a year or two. Got expensive with three kids so I told them I found somewhere else to go. That was the streets.” I watched as his face fell a little.
“You could have stayed with me.” He mumbled.
“Your dad hated my dad, and after your mom died and I did those tacks. That wasn’t an option Nate. Besides no way I was going to finish up in school, no one cared. It’s why I stopped going in highschool. Started stealing, to eat. Found out it made easy money. Didn’t think I’d ever get to be here, didn’t think I’d live long enough either.” I admitted.
“Oh Duke.” Nathan pulled me into a hug.
“It’s okay Nate. I got a home now, and I promise that my little girl will never have to worry about her next meal, or having a bed, clean clothes, or a roof. She won’t go through what I did. I know it.” I tried to console him.
“No, she won’t, neither will you.” He remarked matter of factly.
“Yeah, whatever you say Chief.” I gave him a small smile and that seemed to ease him up a bit. Made me a little more reassured too.

Chapter Text

“Hey, hey what’s up? Is Jean okay?” I asked pulling Duke outside.
“She’s with Meg, she’s okay. No it’s Evi, she knows things about me that I don’t. Like the shit with the Rev. I don’t know who to trust besides you. I just. I need, I want help.” He begged.
“Okay, okay. We will get this sorted alright. Want me to order a cruiser to pick her up?” I rested my hands on his arms.
“She’s here. She was trying to argue with me, and followed me here. I’m, I don’t know what’s going on.” He started to panic.
“Okay, alright then. Let’s get you into the office and away from her.” I tried to tug Duke along when he saw something coming from a door.
“Alright, Nate what’s that?” He asked, pointing to the black sludge.
“Oh fuck.” I swore as I tugged him away from whatever was leaking out. “I’m going to call a few people down here.”
“Okay Chief.” He saluted me.
“Actually no. The Rev got a new fucker in. Pain in my damn ass. Worked his way into getting me demoted.” I huffed as I pulled out my phone and made a few calls.
“Sorry about that Nate. Really am.” He offered once I was facing him again.
“It’s okay. Maybe I’ll piss him off into leaving. Oh and guess what? Chris is back and taking Audrey out on a date. So that’s fun.” I tried to lighten the mood.
“It’s weird knowing I tried to attack him so many times because of his trouble.” He laughed a little.
“Hey what’s, oh shit what’s that?” Audrey joined us.
“Black goop?”
“Blood maybe?”
“How wonderful. Oh and it gets better.” She motioned towards a very tall old white man that definitely ate his lunch with a side of the Blood of Christ.
“What do we have here?” He asked, crossing his arms.
“Black goop.”
“Blood.”
“A surprise.”
“Really? No one has investigated? Bunch of fucking detectives you are.” He grunted for another cop to pop open the door.
“Oh crap I was right it’s blood.” Duke announced as we watched the bloody body be revealed.
“And who are you?” The new ‘Chief’ asked.
“None of your business grandpa.” He smiled.
“Get the fuck out of the way.” He tried to shove him away. I intercepted that.
“Sorry but he discovered the body. He stays. That man, by the way, was alive less than thirty minutes ago.” I remarked.
“Based on the way his veins are bulging out of his body and the blood color I would say this is a terrorist attack. Time to isolate the precinct and everyone in it.” Fake Chief announced.
“Yay. I’ll call Meg.” Duke pulled out his phone to call her when it was taken and smashed on the ground. “What the fuck!”
“No outside contact!” He argued.
“That was my babysitter who is watching my daughter!” Duke rebutted.
“Then she will be informed once this is all handled and can watch the brat till it’s all over.” He huffed and walked back to his office.
“Don’t, don’t.” I grabbed him and held him against me.
“That bastard.” He spat.
“The Rev’s man.” I grumbled into his ear.
“I need to tell Meg. Please.” Duke begged me.
“I’ll find a way. I promise Duke.” I gave his arm a sharp squeeze before I turned to return to my office and handle whatever the fuck was happening.

Chapter Text

“Duke? Duke!” I ran over to the man who was standing in an empty hallway and pulled him into a hug.
“Nate, she’s dead, Evi is dead because of me.” His voice was shallow.
“I heard. God, they said two people went outside, arguing, one was shot down but did not say who. Why did you go outside?” I pushed back.
“She told me she knew things about me. About who I am and the man. Before I knew it she was outside screaming about the Rev and everything they had to tell me. Next thing I knew I was holding her up as she died. They didn’t shoot me.” He gasped for air.
“Thank god they didn’t.” I pulled him into my office and let him sit on the couch.
“Why didn’t they shoot me? They had the bullets.” He grabbed his hair and started to mutter.
“I don’t know, what I do know is that the trouble is over, the ‘Chief’ is dead, and you’re safe.” I knelt in front of him.
“Why am I safe?” I pulled his hands away from his head and folded them into mine.
“I have no clue Duke, but we will find out. Meg kept Jean overnight, she’s safe. Let’s focus on that.” I watched myself rub circles into his hand.
“Yeah, okay.” He nodded.
“Let’s get you to my office.” I pulled him up to his feet.
Duke followed me in silence until we got close to the room Evi was being kept in. Right inside the door was the Rev.
“Hello boys.” He greeted.
“Rev.” I grunted.
“You come to pay your respects to your wife?” He asked Duke.
“No, she can rot for all I care. I do wonder why she was shot and I wasn’t but right now, I just need to be alone. Bye Rev.” Duke waved him off, opening the door to my office.
“You know, he still loves her.” The Rev gave a short laugh.
“He tried to file a restraining order on her. Now if you don’t mind we have to get the coroner up here to look at her body. So get out.” I instructed before turning to follow him.
“The Rev is behind this, I don’t know how but he is.” Duke spat once I closed the door behind me.
“Yeah, but we need to know what he’s up to before we confront him. As much as I want to do that, it’s better to be safe.” I rubbed his arm.
“I just want to go home to Jean.” Duke let out a heavy sigh.
“Let me grab my things and we can go, yeah?” I asked.
“Yes please.” He agreed.

Chapter Text

“Why are you out here Duke, with the Rev?” Nathan pulled me off to the side.
“I’m not, I’m just out here to help.” I raised my hands up.
“Bullshit!” He tapped my chest. “You pulled a gun on me, and held it there.”
“Sorry, just trying not to get killed out here.” I tried to defend myself. I hadn’t meant to aim the gun at him but I couldn’t move it afterwards.
“Whatever, Duke. You know if you’re trying to not get killed, you shouldn’t have come with the Rev. Good way to lose Jean.” He grumbled before storming off.
I gave a small huff and walked back to where the group was setting up camp. Rev was talking to some of the guys and I stepped closer to them, my eyes however were trained on Nathan. It didn’t matter though, why should it.
“Hey Rev.” I greeted him as I finally reached their circle.
“Hello Crocker, just discussing how we should find these troubled monsters.” He gave me this smile that made my stomach churn. I smiled back, I had to play nice.
“They may be asleep or in another part of the forest right now, we should focus on keeping the group safe.” I offered.
“Don’t go soft Crocker!” Rev reached out to smack me. I flinched away causing him and a few of the older men to sneer.
“I’m not, just being smart.” I explained.
“Being smart? Are you calling us dumb?” His voice was thick and slow.
“No, just saying we have to think smart.” I gave them another weaker smile. I pulled away and slowly walked towards a small log isolated from the people I hated and who hated me.
I pulled out my gun and started to make sure it was fully packed. Everyone grew quiet as the crowd dispersed to their own places.
“You know, I think you’ll do well, just like your father.” The Rev squeezed my arm.
“My father? I don’t want to be like him.” I remarked, barely looking up.
“You will.” He snarled before turning and walking away.
I watched Nathan and Audrey as they talked next to their own fire. Unlike me they were warm even if Nate couldn’t feel it. I wished I were with them, but I dug that grave. Audrey and Nate then looked over at me and I turned to look down at my gun again.
“Duke.” Audrey greeted me as she walked over, the leaves crunching under her boot.
“Hey Audrey.” I waved slightly. She pointed to the log and I scooted over a little.
“Why are you with them?” She asked.
“I’m not. I’m trying to figure out my past, the Rev knows more than he’s letting me in on. He knows about my dad, and his death. He also knows about the man with the tattoo. I just want answers.” I explained.
“Are you willing to put Jean at risk for this?” She crossed her arms.
“I'm doing this for her.” I tried to get her to understand. “What if what my father did comes back to her?”
“What if it doesn’t? What if you’re digging up old shit that will only hurt you?” She offered.
“Oh like you and Lucy.” I snapped.
“Don’t.” She got up and walked away. I gave a small sigh and closed my eyes.

Chapter Text

Duke had snuck into his room late the next night after he and Audrey got into an argument about the Rev’s death. Because of this Jean and I were still on the couch, waiting for him to calm down.
“Your daddy just wants to protect you, I promise.” I kissed her head. She was sitting on my knee and trying to grab the buttons on my shirt.
“I’m making dinner.” Duke announced as he slammed his bedroom door shut and stormed into the kitchen.
“Oh, okay.” I looked back behind myself.
“What do you want?” He started to pull out pots and pans very loudly.
“Whatever you’re up to make. Look I know you're pissed, could you try not to scare Jean?” I slowly lifted Jean up into my arms and stood from the couch.
“Right.” He placed his hands on the counter and looked down at the things he got out.
“I know Audrey killing the Rev made you upset, but you seriously shouldn’t be around those guys. It could put you, us, in danger.” I rested my head on his shoulder as I made sure he could also see Jean.
“I’m not troubled, you are. I’m doing this for you, and Jean.” He sighed.
“I’m Chief, I don’t need protection from a man who’s now six feet under. I’ll be fine, you need to focus on raising Jean. Keep her safe by not chasing drama.” I rubbed his arm.
“Yeah, yeah.” He hung his head and took a deep breath. “After we eat I think I need a night alone on the rouge.”
“I’ll bring Jean’s crib into my room. Just promise me you’ll come home after?” I asked.
“I will. I think, with everything I need space. From everyone.” He put his hand over mine and I watched his hand close as he probably squeezed my hand.
“Just don’t do anything brash and stupid?” I pulled away to set Jean in her high chair.
“Yeah, I promise I won’t.” He started to cut up some veggies.
“Good, because otherwise I would have to arrest you for that.” I wrapped my arms around him from behind.
“Oh I can get arrested for a broken promise?” His voice seemed a little lighter. He was cutting an onion so his hands were busy doing that.
“I will arrange it.” I hummed, setting my head back on his shoulder. I just needed him to not slip away.
“I won’t break this promise. I’ll try my hardest.” He set down the knife and took one of my hands in his.
“Thank you Duke. And I am sorry you couldn’t find out what you wanted. But siding with the Rev, that was fucking stupid.” I watched his hand tighten around mine.
“I know, but so far it’s the only solid thing I feel I can hold onto right now. I need to know about my father, he’s connected to my death.” Duke pulled his hand away and returned to cutting.
“Then let Audrey and I help you.” I offered.
“Maybe. But what if that’s what kills you? I can’t risk that.” He moved and dumped them into a pan he had poured oil into earlier.
“Let me, a cop who gets shot at very frequently, deal with that. See that baby girl right there? That four month old little girl? That’s yours, she’s all yours. If you run into this, what's stopping her from having the same childhood you had? Resenting her father for causing his own death, never knowing her mother.” I turned him slightly.
“I don’t want that.” Duke seemed to stiffen in my arms.
“Then let us help.” I pleaded.
“Fine.” He grunted. I watched as he shoved me off and silently started to cook. After he served it he left, no goodbyes.

Chapter Text

I had a trouble. I found out when I accidentally got Dwight’s blood on me after he decided to kick my ass for the box my father had buried in my haul. Audrey was there and I was very frazzled by the whole thing.
“Duke?” She nudged my arm as we sat on my couch looking down at pictures of her and Lucy and someone else with her face. My father wrote a note to kill her.
“I think you should ask the Tuegges about this. I need time.” I motioned for her to leave me be.
“Please take care of yourself?” She asked as she stood up with the pictures.
“Yeah, I will. Need to call Nathan.” I mumbled, waving her off.
“Okay.” She rubbed my arm before leaving.
I sat there for a few minutes, just processing what the fuck was happening. I had a trouble, there were weapons in a box from my father, and apparently I absorbed Trouble blood for my own Trouble to be activated. Which meant Jean could trigger it.
‘Duke?’ Nate’s voice rang over the phone. Apparently I had already started the call with him.
“Hm?” I hummed into my phone.
‘Duke, why did you call me? Are you okay?’ He sounded worried.
“I’m good. Um, actually no. I have a trouble. I can’t be around you and Jean right now. Not safe.” I managed to get out.
‘Don’t know if you’re aware or not, I also have a trouble.’ Nate sounded annoyed.
“Worse. Could hurt you both.” I tried to be curt about it.
‘I’m coming over.’ Nate sighed.
“No!” I screamed. I heard his breath catch.
‘Duke, you're scaring me.’ He said.
“I can’t be around anyone right now! Leave me alone and just keep Jean safe! Don’t you fucking listen Nathan?” I yelled.
‘Don’t be a fucking asshole about it. You know what, fuck you. Come home when you’re not being a selfish fucking dick!’ Nathan yelled back. I felt this raw gnawing feeling in my stomach as the call clicked and ended.
I sat there looking at my hands, where the blood had been. I hated it. I became temporarily super strong and unable to control my anger when I touched blood. When I touched Troubled blood. How would I keep Jean safe if she was troubled?
“Duke?” Someone asked, stepping into the haul.
“Hm?” I didn’t look away from my hands.
“Duke.” The voice was closer now, more urgent.
“What?” I asked, still looking at my hands. Suddenly pale hands grabbed mine and I was forced to look up.
“Audrey told me you were really messed up with your new trouble. Have you been like this since we ended the call?” Nate knelt in front of me.
“That was only like five minutes ago.” I shrugged.
“Duke, that was three hours ago.” Nathan sounded so concerned. Why did he care?
“Why do you care?” I asked.
“Because I’ve been at home with your daughter for two days. You need to figure your shit out, she can’t grow up like this.” Nate slowly rubbed circles into my hands.
“You can’t be here. Not safe.” I explained.
“I don’t care. You need to be near someone.” He pushed.
“Get the fuck out!” I shoved him a little.
“Duke! What the fuck!” Nathan yelled as apparently I had shoved him a little too hard and he landed on the coffee table.
“Please get out, and keep Jean away. I can’t.” I begged him.
“Duke, you’re scaring me.” Nathan got up and tried to get close to me again.
“Get out!” I screamed, decking him in the face. I pulled away terrified of what I had done.
“You know what, fuck this. I came here to console you, but you just want to be a dramatic bitch about this shit. Fine, I'll watch Jean. Didn’t know being a deadbeat was genetic.” He spat as he stormed off my boat.
I slumped to the floor letting everything hit me at once, and a large sob wracked from my throat. I fucked up too much.

Chapter Text

I felt horrible for all the things I had told Duke as I watched him begging the ghost of his father and the Rev to not make him kill the troubled man. Unfortunately he did, and his trouble died with him.
“So Duke can end troubles by killing them.” Audrey stood next to me as we watched him get in his truck and drive off.
“Yeah.” I nodded. It made sense why he didn’t want me or Jean around.
“Hey, what did your dad say?” She asked.
I thought back to how he had told me it was weird seeing me with a baby, and how I looked at Duke. Apparently my dear old dad was very aware I was beginning to fall in love with the asshole.
“Nothing important.” I remarked.
“Oh, okay then.” She gave me this skeptical look.
“Just wanted to tell me he was sorry and that he hopes things get easier.” I halfway told her the truth.
“Hopefully that’s the case with you and Duke. He’s very adamant to prove to me he won’t kill me like his father told him to.” She motioned to the whole mess in front of us.
“His father told him to kill you?” I asked.
“Yeah, in this journal along with all these very weird hunting tools. If he kills a troubled person he gets to kill their trouble, and if he touches their blood he gains super strength. If he kills me, I guess that ends all the troubles.” She shrugged.
“That’s super messed up.” I leaned against my truck as the other cops arrested everyone who was involved in the kidnapping.
“Yeah.” She nodded.
“I want to help him.” I admitted, looking down at my arm. I had gotten that tattoo in order to protect Duke, now it haunts me.
“Then help him. Come over tonight and we will have a drink or two and talk about all of this. Deal?” She nudged my shoulder.
“Yeah, deal. I can ask Meg to watch over Jean a little longer.” I offered.
“No, bring my baby niece.” She gave me a small pout.
“Fine, but you know you have to ask Duke about being called Auntie Audrey.” I laughed a little.
“Oh I’m sure I’ll manage to convince him.” She patted my back. “See you tonight Nate.”
“Yeah, I’ll see you.” I waved to her as she walked off to her car. I gave a small smile as I hoped we could figure out a way to help Duke.

Chapter Text

I was wallowing in self pity when Nathan came in with Jean, and looked pissed.
“Hey.” I raised my glass to him.
“Where’s Audrey?” He asked. His voice was strained as he set Jean down on my couch.
“I don’t know, also this boat isn’t safe for her.” I picked her up and put her in the car seat I had left in the boat in case I wanted to take her out to sea.
“I don’t care. Where’s Audrey?” He grew more stern as he held my necklaces up.
“Where’d you find those?” I sat up a little.
“Audrey’s apartment, now I’ll ask again? Where the fuck is she?” He barked.
“I don’t know, I’ve been here getting drunk.” I explained.
“Deadbeat.” He spat, throwing a punch at me.
“I’m not a deadbeat! I’m trying to figure out what is wrong with me so that I don’t hurt Jean!” I screamed, punching him back. That caused him to shove me to the ground and a few punches to my face followed.
“Then act like it! Where’s Audrey?” He screamed. Jean started crying.
“I don’t know! Stop! You’re scaring her!” I begged trying to get away from Nate.
“Tell me why your necklaces were in her apartment?” He threw another punch and I felt his blood fall onto my face. Suddenly I was standing and he was slumped against a wall.
“I don’t know.” I choked out. I looked for Jean and saw she was still crying in the seat I put her in.
“What did you do?” Nate threw another punch at me and I was back on the ground. I turned to get away when I saw him roll up his sleeve, and that tattoo. I gave up.
“I didn’t do anything besides come here for a drink.” I watched that tattoo as it moved with his arm while he punched me again.
“God you’re useless!” He gave one last blow before he was sitting on my chest breathing heavily.
“I know.” I nodded.
“Duke.” He seemed to soften. I was already wriggling out from under him.
“It’s okay, hey, at least now I know who’s going to kill me right? Always did say it would be you.” I laughed sadly as I picked up Jean to comfort her.
“Duke. No, that’s not why I got it.” He tried to reach out for me but I flinched away.
“It’s okay Nate, I’m okay. Let’s find Audrey.” I gave a broken laugh as I hobbled towards the door.
“Duke, I didn’t mean.” He broke himself off.
“No hard feelings.” I gave him a small smile before I started for my truck.
“Drive with me?” He asked.
“Fine.” I agreed, turning towards his truck instead.
We drove in silence as Nate played music that was calming to Jean. I watched as we pulled up to a few crashed trucks and Dwight.
“Hello Dwight, we need help.” Nate waved.
“I’m not helping that one.” He sneered pointing at me. In response to my wave a metal pothole cover was thrown at me. I jumped back.
“Sorry.” I shrugged. I really wanted to go back to my room and curl up alone.
“Audrey’s missing.” Nate explained.
“Right, anything you need me to do, Nathan?” He made sure to emphasize Nate’s name.
“Just let us know if you hear anything.” Nathan offered.
“Will do.” He saluted Nate and glared at me. Yeah being in my bed away from humanity sounded golden.
“Right, I need to check dispatch for anything about abductions.” He handed me Jean and walked away on his phone.
“Just because you have a baby doesn’t mean I’ll forgive you.” Dwight snarled.
“I know.” I gave him the best smile I could. Even if it felt like I was drowning I wouldn’t let them know I was hurting.
“Good, don’t fuck up like normal.” He shoved me a bit and I had to hold Jean just a little tighter.
“I’m trying not to.” I muttered to no one in particular, then again no one actually heard me so it didn’t really matter.
“Come on, I got a lead.” Nate shouted from his truck.
“Coming!” I called back, trying my damn best to put on a happy smile.

Chapter Text

Luckily we had found Audrey, but not her kidnapper. I was holding her close as she sobbed into my chest. I looked up and saw Duke watching us, with an almost heartbroken look on his face.
“Hey, I’m going to go talk to Duke, are you okay here?” I rubbed her arms.
“Yeah I’m okay, go to him.” She gave me a small smile before moving to sit down in the back of my truck next to Jean.
“Hey.” I smiled at him.
“Hi.” He gave me a small wave. He had been that silent since I yelled at him over being able to feel Audrey.
“How are you feeling?” I asked.
“I’m good. I’m happy Audrey’s safe, means I won’t get the shit beaten out of me again.” He gave a hollow laugh.
“Are you going back to the boat tonight?” I asked.
“You don’t want me around.” He stated.
“Yes I do Duke. Come home?” I pleaded.
“Maybe.” He shrugged.
“Consider it at least.” I grabbed his arm. He flinched away from me.
“I’ll do that.” He started for my truck and without another word climbed in and buckled up.
We drove to my house in silence. Audrey would stay with me until Duke fixed her doors and got new locks. She stood in the entryway silently as she watched Duke take Jean and hide away in his room with her.
“Give him space. I kind of beat the shit out of him, and Dwight threw a metal manhole cover at him. He’s had a day.” I explained.
“He’s had a few of those recently. Maybe you guys are slipping into old habits regarding him. I mean he looks so sad, what’s going on?” She forced me to sit down on the couch.
“It started the night the Rev died. Technically when Evi died but still. He left for the Rouge after making dinner, and then he got his trouble and called me telling me to stay away. To keep Jean away. We got into a fight when I showed up at the Rouge three hours later. Since then he’s been on that boat avoiding us like the plague. I think this was the first time since the ghosts came back that he left his boat and that was because I forced him to come.” I remarked.
“Maybe stop fighting him? Maybe Duke is scared and doesn’t know how to control his new trouble and needs someone to comfort him. Maybe that was you?” She offered.
“Yeah, like he would have ever trusted me.” I relented.
“Just talk to him soon. He may need someone to keep him grounded.” She rubbed my arm.
“I will.” I stood up and walked towards my room. I swore I heard crying from Duke’s but I tried my best to ignore it as I slipped behind my door.

Chapter Text

First Nate was snapping at me for trying to protect Audrey while I was fixing her doors. Then everyone got annoyed that I was trying to help. Finally I just gave up and decided to go for a walk, which was how I got Dwight to help me trap a troubled man in his truck.
“Yeah, help would have been nice.” Dwight grunted as he explained what happened to Nate and Audrey.
“Really?” Nate asked. I felt that was aimed at me and I stepped further away from the group, not like I was part of it before.
“Didn’t wanna get blood on me.” I explained.
“Right, so can we talk to them? Or just wait till they calm down?” Audrey stepped closer to the man in the truck.
In a small handful of seconds I watched as the glass broke and a bloody hand reached for her. I ran in front of her and took the blow, punching the man back into the truck. That’s when I realized I got his blood on me and the panic set in.
“Fuck! This is why I didn’t want to help you!” I screamed, backing away from them all.
After a few moments, the blood hadn’t disappeared into my skin and I wasn’t gaining superhuman strength. I let out a ragged laugh as I thought I was finally able to control it.
“Yes!” I screamed. They all looked annoyed at my remark.
“Right, can you get him to the station?” Audrey asked Dwight.
“Sure can.” He hummed.
I felt small prickles cover my skin as the sadness and dread returned. They didn’t care about what I went through.
“I don’t think they are troubled.” Nathan said.
“What?” I asked, my voice so small.
“I don’t think they are troubled people, I think they are under a trouble but not themselves troubled.” He explained a little more clearly.
“Oh.” I felt that dread grow and suddenly I felt stupid for celebrating. “Makes sense.”
“Audrey?” Nate asked, motioning to the truck.
“Right, yes.” She smiled over at Dwight and I before joining him at his truck. I gave a small wave as I slowly turned for my own truck. Maybe if I helped Audrey find out who the hunter is then they would forgive me.
I think I broke a few speeding laws going to the Teagues printing shop. I got out and instantly raced up the steps.
“Duke, what are you doing?” It was Dwight.
“Helping Audrey.” I explained.
“Look, I’m sorry for being a dick earlier. I figured with how horrid your trouble is that you were just as bad, I forgot all the good you’ve done. I guess what I’m saying is, seeing how you reacted earlier with the blood, it made me realize I have been a dick. I’m sorry.” Dwight got out.
“Oh.” I paused, not used to being apologized to. “Forgiven?”
“What are you helping Audrey with?” He asked.
“The Hunter. Kill the Hunter is the only lead we have right now. So I figured they may know.” I shrugged.
“Well then, let’s go.” He motioned me up towards the door.
Upon entering Dave looked up and gave a wry smile.
“Hello gentlemen, what can we help you with?” He asked.
“We need to learn something about the Hunter. We are looking for Audrey.” I explained briefly.
“Hm, Hunter doesn’t ring any bells.” Vince explained.
“Great.” I grunted. “So then grab every article you made in the year that Lucy and the Colorado kid were here.”
“Right.” Vince got up and Dave followed with a grumble.
A few minutes later they returned and set down about four stacks of articles. I grabbed the top one and started to read through it.
“Well? Am I looking through these alone?” I asked.
“No, you’re right, four people looking is better than two.” Dave sat down and grabbed another article.
An hour or so in we hadn’t made any progress and I was growing weary, starting to think we wouldn’t find anything. I looked up as a very naked man ran down the road. Dwight, Dave, and Vince also saw him as all three of them stood up.
“Go, I got it here.” I waved them off.
Once they were gone I saw a photo of the day the Colorado kid disappeared. On the bottom of the page was a side note about The Hunter Meteor Storm, which happened the same night Lucy disappeared. I then went into the back and looked for the year Sarah vanished and found the same storm from when she disappeared. I packed them into my back pocket and cleaned up the rest of the news articles before I left for my restaurant.

Chapter Text

“You seem off.” I remarked watching the young boy play with his new puppy.
“Just sad I have to give Cookie up, but I know that little boy needs him way more than I do.”
“You know Duke always used to mention getting Jean a puppy when she gets a bit older.” I hummed.
“Have you talked to him?” She asked.
“No. And don’t deflect this conversation.” I chided her.
“No, I’m not trying to do that!” She laughed. “Just, he seems more upset than I first thought. Have you been trying?”
“I have. He doesn’t respond or it’s snappy. We still have our days with Jean and then days where Meg has her. He should have her by now. That’s about as much as we talk about.” I told her.
“Yeah, I saw him at the Gull with her earlier. Still, keep trying? I may not always be here to keep you two from killing each other.” She patted my back and moved to return to my truck.
“Right.” I nodded. “I saw him too by the way. He looked pissed to see me pulling up. Just saying.”
“I think he’s scared.” She admitted.
“About?” I started the truck.
“Losing us. Losing Jean.” She shrugged.
“Then he should stop trying to make that happen.” I grumbled.
“Maybe that state of mind is why he’s still avoiding you.” She smacked me.
“Ow!” I yelped.
“Perks of the job asshole.” She crossed her arms with a smile.
“I’m taking you home.” I stuck my tongue out at her as I continued down to the Gull.
“Hey, come in? Talk to him?” She asked.
“I’ll see him at home.” I gave her a weak smile before driving off once she got out.

Chapter Text

I knocked on Audrey’s door with two cups of coffee. She grumbled as she looked up and saw me.
“Just your landlord.” I smiled.
“Yeah, well I don’t want coffee.” She seemed snappy.
“So one shot or two?” I asked jokingly.
“None Duke. I’m going to work.” She pulled on her jacket and started to look for her keys.
“Listen you have forty-six days left, and you want to spend it at work?” I asked picking up her keys.
“Yes because it’s the only thing I’m certain I know how to do.” She glared at me.
“I’m sure the Chief wouldn’t mind you taking a day or two off.” I smile.
“Yeah well Nathan doesn’t know.” She finally snapped at me. I felt guilt welling up in my stomach.
“You didn’t tell him?” I asked.
“No, so unless you did, he doesn’t know.” She put her hand out for her keys.
“I didn’t. But don’t you ever just wish you could get on a plane or boat and get so far away from here? Avoid the coming storm?” I asked honestly.
“Yeah, but I have a job.” She grabbed her keys and stormed out.
“Audrey, I can’t live in this town with Nathan and you being gone and him not knowing why.” I tried to make her see that it could hurt Nate.
“Sorry your life sucks.” She stormed down the stairs. I sat there for a minute just letting that hit me.
“It’s okay I’m sorry it sucks too.” I replied to the air.
I climbed down the stairs and saw little Jean laughing as one of my bartenders watched her. I felt my heart twist as I realized she was going to grow up the same way I had if I didn’t try harder.
“My baby.” I cooed as I lifted her up in my arms.
“She’s so well behaved.” My bartender hummed as she cleaned the counters.
“Of course she is, she lives with a cop.” I laughed. “Hey can you guys manage without me today? I want to go do some errands with my little girl.”
“Yeah of course. Go, be safe.” She waved us off and I smiled carrying my baby girl out and to my truck.
“Ready for a fun day with Daddy?” I asked, cooing as she reached for my curly hair. “Yeah you are.”

Chapter Text

“You’re being very blunt and caged off with this case.” Audrey grumbled as she walked beside me.
“Just. Thinking.” I hummed.
“About?”
“Duke.” I admitted.
“Are you still trying with him? He seems more happy than he has been.” She hiked up a bit more ahead of me.
“I am. Not much difference, he barely talks to me.” I stated.
“I’ll babysit Jean tonight, you two need to fucking talk I swear.” She laughed.
“Yeah okay.” I agreed. “It’s just. We were doing so well less than a month ago. Why did it all change?”
“Because things got complicated. Nate, are you into Duke?” I paused, tripping a bit.
“Um, yeah. I guess I’ve fallen for him. It’s what my dad talked to me about. Said it was bad I was falling for bad blood.” I didn’t bother lying.
“Great, so you're fighting and pining.” She groaned. “Useless homosexuals.”
I let her continue to berate me all the way back to the station where she didn’t stop until I was slumped behind my desk.
“What’s this?” She smiles down at me.
“Tickets.”
“To the theater? Are you a theater gay?” She laughed.
“No, it’s a murder mystery. I got it for,” I paused thinking about Duke. “You. figured you’d enjoy it.”
“Oh Nate.” She gave me a small smile.
“It’s not for a few months so you can always say no.” I offered.
“I can’t.” She sat down slowly. “Nate, I can’t go because I won’t be here in a few months.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“The Hunter, It's a meteor storm that happens every twenty-seven years. When it comes, I go. Same with Lucy and Sarah.” She explained.
“What?” I looked at her confused.
“I will disappear in forty-six days.” She tried again.
“Who told you?” I sat up a bit more.
“Duke.” She laughed a little.
“Right. I’m going to go talk to finance. Just, do whatever.” I got up and made my escape.

Chapter Text

“Hey.” I knocked on the door to Nathan’s office. He looked up and his face softened a little.
“Why are you here?” He asked.
“Audrey called me, said you needed my help so I left Jean with Meg, and paid her so she’s happily watching her.” I explained.
“Hm. Audrey you called Duke?” Nate looked over to the woman in question.
“Yeah.” She hummed. “And that’s my cue to go catch the new guy up on the case.”
“Hey no wait!” Nate called after her but she was already out the door.
“Great.” I huffed.
“You want to talk about how you stormed out after breakfast?” He slumped back in his chair.
“I had to talk to Audrey, she was.” I cut myself off.
“She’s leaving in forty-six days.” He told me.
“Yeah. I know. I told her, because I found out through the note from the grave, and Dave and Vince let me to go through the news articles that told me.” I explained walking to his desk.
“And you didn’t tell me.” He folded his hands over his stomach.
“It wasn’t my news to tell.” I pulled a chair around the desk and sat next to him. He sat up a bit and reached his hand out to me.
“That’s fair.” He sighed. I started to play with his hand, trying to calm myself down.
“Duke! Come on we got to go, got a list of people born from around that twenty year block.” Audrey stormed in.
“Got to go Chief. But I promise we can talk more when I get home. And I’ll stick around long enough to eat what I cook.” I gave his hand a squeeze before I pushed myself up and off the chair.
“Right here’s the list, let’s get on it.” She smiled and dragged me from the office.
It took us a small while to get to the third name on the list. When we did I noticed a girl down the street who looked like the girl Audrey was describing.
“Is that her?” I asked, pointing.
“Fuck! Yes. And that’s our guy!” She drew her gun and ran over. As we approached he ran off and we realized as we got to the girl that it was too late as she was convulsing in shock.
“Shit.” She pulled out her phone and called for an ambulance.
“What the fuck was that?” I asked, kneeling next to her.
“He’s troubled, his organs are failing so he has to harvest new ones from his blood relatives. If he fails to kill them for their organs, then they get his trouble and must start hunting for new organs.” She explained.
I sat back a little shocked. Someone would willingly hunt their own family for parts. Soon the ambulance showed up and Audrey and I were off to find the guy, as she had apparently gotten an address for him.
“Anything?” I asked as she exited the house.
“Not quite.” She handed me a small folded up photo book.
“He has kids?” I asked opening the book to see three children. My stomach dropped, he had kids and took them.
“Yeah, and seeing as no one was home and a few of their things were missing, he probably has them as a back up plan for organs.” She explained.
“What father would use their own children for parts?” I muttered. I would never do that to Jean.
“A man who thinks he has to.” She offered.
“I’m going to call Meg really fast.” I breathed out and turned to the car. I needed to hear my daughter’s voice.

Chapter Text

“What do we do?” I asked Audrey while we stood around the man.
“I only need Duke?” She turned towards him. I turned and saw him frozen in place.
“What? No!” I turned back to her and stepped in front of Duke.
“He can save all those kids.” She explained.
“Yeah, by killing someone! You and I both know how much he hates that. How much that fucks with him!” I screamed.
“Is that why you invited me? So you could use my trouble?” Duke asked, his voice a little broken.
“Not at first, but when I saw those photos in the fertility clinic, and realized how many kids could be affected. It was the only option I could come up with.” She motioned towards the man.
“No! I don’t want to kill anyone!” Duke shouted.
“You don’t have a choice!” She argued back. I watched as she pulled out one of Simon’s blades and saw how Duke froze when he saw it.
“No.” He sounded so broken.
“Please Duke, think of his kids. Think about what you would do if one of those kids was Jean.” She tried to reason with him. I watched as he stepped back, shaking his head.
“I won’t kill a man! I’m not my father!” He screamed, knocking the knife from her hand.
“Audrey what the fuck!” I also shouted.
“It’s the only way!” She put her hands up.
“There’s always another way.” I spat, grabbing the man’s son as gently as I could and started to walk him back to his family.
“Duke.” I heard her say as I got further away. I didn’t hear much after I reached the side of the road and let the boy return to his mother.
“Hey.” I walked over to Duke who returned from the forest a few minutes later. He looked so shaken up.
“Nate.” He whined as he wrapped himself into my arms.
“I got you Duke. I’ve got you.” I ran my hands through his hair and held him close. I couldn’t feel him, but I could see from the way he sthat that he was probably crying.
“I want to go home to Jean.” He muttered into my shoulder.
“Yeah, let’s do that then. The boy will go to the hospital and we will figure out a way to solve this without you killing anyone.” I rubbed his arm.
“Home.” He stated, pulling from me and wiping his eyes dry.
“Go head to the Bronco, I’m going to go talk to Audrey about how out of line she was.” I fixed his cardigan and gave him a small soft smile.
“Okay.” He tried to return the smile but I could tell he was too emotionally exhausted to get anything decent out.
“Audrey what the fuck!” I screamed when I saw her. Duke and Tommy were both in my truck and the family had gone to the hospital. Harry Nix had died from organ failure and was driven out in a bodybag.
“I did what I thought was right!” She argued again.
“What the fuck, you come to me telling me you have forty-six days left. Then you call Duke to make him use his trouble, something we both know he hates! Seriously what is going on in your fucking head?” I asked.
“Says the guy who got a tattoo that stands for Duke’s death!” She grabbed my arm.
“I got it, I got it in case Duke lost his goddamn mind. I got it to protect him and Jean. I regret that I have it. But I will never make him do something he hates!” I shook my head and pulled my arm away.
“Yeah? Never knew having a crush on someone meant you wanted to kill them.” She spat.
“Don’t.” I pointed at her. “Don’t you fucking dare.”
With that I turned and walked to my truck where Duke was sitting in the passenger seat looking like a shell of himself.
“You want to go home?” I asked.
“Jean.”
“Yeah we’ll get Jean.” I rubbed his knee. He nodded and I took that as my sign to start driving.

Chapter Text

I watched as the front door opened and Audrey walked in. Nate was sitting in an armchair with Jean fast asleep on his chest while we waited for her. I couldn’t stop reliving the moment in my head where I killed a man.
“So the ME messaged me. All of those kids have made a miraculous recovery.” She stated, sitting on the couch next to me.
“That’s good to hear.” Nate grunted.
“I’m sure you both already knew that?” She raised an eyebrow at me.
“And?” I asked.
“What happened?” She crossed her arms.
“I went up, towards the clearing after Nate and Tommy. I saw that boy with his mom and couldn’t stop thinking about Jean.” I drew in a deep breath.
“He died before the ambulance got there, what did you do?” She sounded pissed but I only did what she wanted.
“I went back while you were calling for it. I covered his mouth and nose, and made him stop breathing. I killed him, like you wanted.” I grumbled, reaching for my glass of scotch.
“I’m sorry Duke.” She apologized.
“Don’t, I did what you wanted. Happy.” I finished my drink and stood up. I motioned towards the door. “I’m sure you know how to let yourself out.”
“Duke. Nathan.” She tried.
“No Audrey, not right now.” Nate spoke up. He had also stood and was following behind me with Jean.
I stepped into my room and felt my chest tightening. Nate placed a hand on my back as he slid around me to place Jean in her crib.
“Nate.” I felt my chest constrict and I knew my voice wobbled.
“I know.” He was in front of me with his arms out.
“I didn’t want to.” I tugged him into a hug and felt as his body relaxed against me.
“I know you didn’t. She should have never made you even consider doing that.” He brushed his hand through my hair.
“I’m a monster.” I cried.
“No you are not. You’re a good man, and I’ve been a dick these last few months without realizing that.” I felt him move us towards my bed.
“I’m yucky.” I laughed a little.
“I don’t care. We can wash these sheets in the morning.” He huffed sitting on the edge of my bed.
“Can I at least get undressed first.” I tried to stop the tears.
“Of course.” I felt him pop my belt and slide it off.
“I’m sorry I’ve been so destructive recently.” I pulled off my shirt.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me. And I started fights that didn’t need to be started.” He let me pull off his shirt before he tugged me down into my bed.
“Are we okay?” I asked, my head on his chest.
“Right now? Yeah, we are okay.” He ran his hand up and down my arm which was across his torso.
“I really didn’t want to kill him.” I admitted.
“I know. I don’t know why Audrey didn’t. Hopefully she figures her shit out before she disappears.” I felt him kiss my head and suddenly everything was okay in the world.
“Me too.” I agreed, closing my eyes and actually feeling like I could sleep for the first time in two weeks.
“Goodnight Duke.” His voice was soft. I hummed in response as sleep grabbed me hard.

Chapter Text

“Pancakes?” I asked as I eventually made it into the kitchen.
“Yeah, I figured it was a good start.” Duke shrugged as he cooked in a pair of loose jeans.
“Always down for pancakes.” I kissed Jean's head as she babbled happily from her high chair.
“Good, strawberry or blueberry syrup?” He asked, motioning to the fridge.
“Oh wow we are domestic.” I laughed, opening the fridge and pulling out both syrups. “Both mind you.”
“Of course Chief.” He also gave a soft laugh though I could see he was more busy focusing on not letting his mind wander off.
“Hey, I can manage to not burn the pancakes. Sit down.” I rubbed his arms from behind.
“You sure?” He stacked the first round onto a plate.
“If I burn them we have four edible pancakes we can share.” I huffed and slowly moved him away from the stove.
“Am I really that spaced out today?” He asked as he slumped down at the table.
“Yeah.” I admitted starting the second batch.
“Fuck.” He groaned.
“It’s fine Duke. Did you feed Jean?” I asked.
“Hm, yes?” He sounded unsure and I tilted my head to look at him. “No? I don’t know.”
“Okay, I’ll finish this up and get you something proper to eat and then I’ll make sure she has been fed.” I announced.
“Thanks Nate.” He smiled. I slid the plate of cooked pancakes onto the table with the syrups and I made sure to hand him his own plate so he could take how many he wanted.
“Always.” I set my hand on his shoulder and made sure he turned so he could see it even if I was the one without feeling.
“You know, you’re a really good dad.” Duke hummed as he watched me pick up Jean and place a bottle in front of her. I looked up at him and tilted my head a little.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“I mean you’re a really good dad. Or you could be one I guess is the better way to say it.” He motioned to the way I was sitting with Jean.
“I’d like to be a dad, you know that.” I hummed.
“You already kind of are her dad.” Duke stopped eating and watched me.
“What are you getting at Duke?” I brought a towel up to catch the spit up.
“Nate, you’ve already been helping me raise her for the last five months, why not help with the rest.” He shrugged.
“Are you asking me to help you raise your daughter as a co-parent?” I set her back into her highchair so I could eat my pancakes.
“I think so.” He admitted.
“Adding strings to our friendship.” I teased.
“Making it so you’re too emotionally attached to arrest me ever again.” He laughed.
“Hm, so what? Am I like her other dad now?” I looked towards Jean.
“Well I’m Daddy, you can be Papa.” He offered.
“God, we really are domestic.” I repeated. “Sure I’ll be Papa.”
“Nice, well Papa can change her diaper. I’m going to go get dressed.” Duke stood and started to clear away the plates since we were done eating.
“Asshole.” I called out.
“Oh don’t I know it!” He called back with another laugh.
A little while later I got called in for a homicide at an ATM and had to say goodbye.

“So, what’s the deal with that tattoo?” Tommy asked while we watched the video over again.
“It’s a small town thing.” I explained, covering mine up.
“If it was in a different place I would have questions.” He laughed.
“Yeah well, I got it at a hard time in life.” I closed the security footage.
“What’s it mean?” He shoved his hands into his pockets.
“Something different to everyone. For me, it’s a bad mistake.” I hated talking about the tattoo.
“Audrey mentioned it had something to do with that crook that hangs around.” He pushed again.
“Duke isn’t a crook anymore. He’s legit and has his own restaurant. We take care of his daughter together, and he’s been more help than you can imagine. Trust me, it’s a stupid choice for me.” I remarked.
“Oh, didn’t know y’all were that close.” He hummed.
“Weren't always. But, like I said he changed. We both did.” I got into my truck, checking my phone to see a message about another murder.
“You headed back to the station?” He leaned on my door.
“No, got a case at the swimming center, you head back for this case.” I advised.
“Yes Chief.” He gave me a short salute before he walked off to his own car.

Chapter Text

I ducked under the caution tape and flashed Nate and Audrey a wide smile as I approached them.
“Why are you here Duke?” Nate sounded annoyed.
“It was daddy-daughter swimming class down the hall. Heard there was a murder and brought little Jean over to say hi before we left.” I made her wave.
“Hi princess.” His face grew softer as he saw her.
“Yeah, she’s got you wrapped up around her little finger. So what happened?” I asked, looking over at the very dead woman on the side of the pool.
“Someone’s trouble, that's for sure.” Nate explained. He lifted Jean from the carrier and into his arms, which let me approach the water and the body.
“Hers?” I asked.
“Don’t know.” Audrey finally butt in.
“Odd.” I looked at her leg. “Looks like she got bit by a shark.”
“Yes we are aware Duke.” Nate spoke up from behind me.
“Of course you are, we go fishing together.” I stood back up and returned to them.
“Issue is, how did it attack the swim teacher?” Audrey stated again.
“I don’t know, but I’m sure if you want me to kill them I’ll be around for that.” I shot her a snarky smile before I turned back to Nathan.
“Duke, are you going to head home?” He asked.
“Just wanted to say hi to papa, I’ll be doing errands so I may stop in for lunch?” I offered.
“Papa?”
“Yeah, I’ll make sure we can make time for lunch. Goodbye princess, be good for daddy.” He leaned down and kissed her head.
“Seriously papa?” Audrey parroted.
“Yes, because some people here trust me.” I remarked. Nate flashed a tired smile but gave me a small nod goodbye.
“I’ll see you for lunch, Duke.” He huffed.
“Bye Chief.” I waved as I walked back over to the caution tape and out of the building.
“Bye Duke, bye princess.” I heard him call out as we walked further away. I couldn’t help but smile.

Chapter Text

I groaned as I sat back in my chair. Vince and Dave had to just ruin my whole day. Now I had to find out who the guard was and why they wanted Audrey and Duke. And why I was dumb enough to get the tattoo.
“Hey.” Duke announced as he walked into my office. Jean was still strapped to his chest.
“What do you want, Duke?” I huffed.
“You seemed stressed earlier, wanted to ask if you needed any help.” He sat down across from me.
“No, I don’t.” I groaned.
“Nathan we have to go.” Audrey stepped into the room.
“See, I have to go.” I stood up and started for the door. I heard the chair back up and his footsteps, obviously he was following us.
“Don’t you have something better to do, Duke?” Audrey asked.
“Um.” He didn’t respond but he also didn’t stop following us.
On cue, we heard something crash and rushed down the road to see water slam into a car.
“Hey! Someone’s in there!” Duke shouted as he ran ahead of us and tried to get the door open.
“Don’t! Not with Jean!” I yelled at him, pulling the door open. He stepped back and Audrey moved to help me get the guy out of his car.
“Fish?” He murmured as water flushed out of the car.
“Yeah. Sir, are you okay?” Audrey asked.
“I was, and then I wasn’t when that water hit me.” The man explained.
“Have you been around the swimming pool recently?” She asked again.
“No, I hate the water.” He stated.
“Okay, I’ll call you a ride home and a tow truck for your car.” I offered.
“Thank you.” He leaned against the door and I realized he was bleeding.
“Audrey, blood.” I remarked.
“Duke, go away.” She commanded him. I watched as fear and pain crossed his face before he nodded and walked away, back into the station.
A few minutes later we were down in the coroner's office looking at yet another victim. This one drowned in his shower.
“Wow.” Duke popped up again.
“Get the fuck out Duke.” I snapped at him. He was still holding Jean and she could get sick.
“Right.” He left once more. I couldn’t help but feel guilty, I had only just learned the name of the tattooed people and he kept showing up like a lost puppy.
“Go talk to him.” Audrey advised.
“Yeah, okay.” I nodded and walked towards my office where he was sitting with two bags on my desk. Right. Lunch.
“Duke, I can’t do lunch today. Maybe later, just not today.” I explained. His face fell again as he looked at the bags.
“Yeah no worries! I’ll save them for dinner. It will reheat great.” He smiled up at me.
“Yeah, dinner sounds amazing. I promise I’ll be home on time.” I kissed Jean's head.
“You better.” He hummed. Someone knocked at the door and I turned to see Audrey.
“Hey, I can’t contact Daphne. Duke, want to ride along?” She offered.
“Yeah sure.” He got up and carried the food over to my mini-fridge and tucked it inside.
“Be safe. You still have Jean.” I pointed to his chest.
“I will be.” He promised before leaving with Audrey. I hated that I was breaking promises for him.

Chapter Text

I turned around in the passenger seat to check on Jean as she slept happily in the back seat.
“So, why is Nate papa now?” Audrey asked as we pulled to a stop in front of Daphne’s house.
“Figured if something happened he would be able to care for her best. Plus we co-parent together already, might as well give him a proper title.” I shrugged.
“No one’s home.” A man called out. I turned and saw he was a little twitchy.
“You are?” Audrey stepped closer to him.
“Her neighbor. You’re looking for Daphne right? No one's home. She parks her car out front.” He explained.
“She didn’t come home then?” I stepped closer.
“No, not after her shift last night. She works at the pool, but she just started in medicine too. But I know she isn’t home.” He started to twitch more.
“Hey man, you okay?” He shook his head slightly.
“Yeah, just a little itchy.” He broke off into a scream as small crabs crawled from under his clothes. They quickly covered his body and Audrey screamed at me to call the ambulance. I did and stood watching as he fell to the ground screaming.
Nathan called us after that to return to the station so we did. A lot of back and forth in one day.
“Hey.” I tried once more. He looked down at his paperwork, going over the list of victims.
“Any leads?” He asked Audrey.
“Just Daphne, the next victim was her neighbor.” She answered. Suddenly I felt like a fly on the wall.
“What about the guy from the car?” Nate wondered.
“Maybe it didn’t ring any bells?” She sat down across from him.
“Or he lied.” I spoke up.
“Right, let’s find him then.” Nathan grabbed his car keys and started for the door.
“Hey, where were you?” I asked. His shirtsleeves were rolled up and I could see that tattoo. I guess he realized that too because he rolled them back down.
“Nowhere. Let’s go.” He sounded angry.
I just nodded and let myself be guided to his truck. I got Jean strapped in before I climbed in behind Nate. We arrived and saw the house had broken windows and the front door was locked. I spotted his phone, then him.
“Guys!” I called them over.
“Sir! Hey, we are here to help.” Audrey knelt next to him.
“Duke, watch your hand, he’s bleeding. What if he’s the troubled man.” Nate warned me. He looked so angry with me. I backed up, worried I would make it worse.
“That’s a lot of blood. I’ll call the ambulance.” Audrey announced.
“Don’t worry I have a first aid kit in my truck, I’ll be right back.” With that Nathan ran off.

Chapter Text

When I got back Duke was on the ground spitting up water. He was drowning and I was frozen watching Audrey perform CPR. Finally he spit up the water and started to breathe again. I rushed over and helped him up so he didn’t choke.
“Hey, hey what happened.” My heart was pounding. Duke almost died and I was being a dick to him so I didn’t tell him about the Guard.
“I was drowning.” He stated.
“Daphne.”
“Yeah I think when he crashed her car, that she survived and everything she is seeing, the people she is searching for help from are all dying.” Duke coughed out.
“That makes sense.” I quickly helped him to the truck where I had him sit in the back next to Jean.
“Hey princess.” He breathed out as he looked at her.
“I know I’m her papa now, but don’t go dying because you can.” I looked around before I tugged him into a hug.
“I won’t. I wasn’t trying. I just don’t understand how I was on her list.” He hugged me back.
“Maybe one of the calls you made earlier went through?” Audrey asked.
“Maybe.” I pulled away from Duke.
“He said she went over a cliff. Where would she be?” Audrey filled me in.
“Without railing there’s four curves on the cliff side road.” Duke thought about it.
“And with sharks and small crabs?” I offered.
“One turn! I know where she is.” He announced. I grabbed his shoulder and leaned in close.
“Are you sure you’re okay to do this?” I asked.
“I am Nate, I promise.” He rested his hand on mine and leaned back.
“Okay. Let’s go.” I pulled away, pulling myself into my driver’s seat.
The drive was long and agonizing. At any point Duke could almost die again and it scared me.
“Look, she’s down there!” Duke announced as we walked up to the edge.
“Here go tie this to the truck.” I handed him the bundle of rope. I really didn’t want him getting hurt.
“Yay, fun.” He groaned as he took it from me and walked away.
“I hope we have enough rope to get her up.” I leaned down. “Tides coming in.”
“I’ll go down first, if she sees me, I’m immune.” Audrey offered.
As soon as she said that we heard the rope go and a thump as someone went down it.
“Duke! What the fuck!” I screamed as I watched him climb down.
“I got it.” He gave me a tired smile.
“Duke!” I called again but he was already halfway down the cliff.
“You think he’s going to kill her?” Audrey asked.
“Don’t put words in my mouth. That was all you. I just don’t want him to die.” I spat at her. All I could do was watch in horror as he got to her car.
He walked around to her side of the car and I could hear small shouts before he stood up and those silver eyes looked back at me. I froze, watching him pull out his knife and lean back down. I flinched, I won’t lie. Then he ripped the door open and pulled out the steering wheel, and I just knew.
“Duke.” I hummed as we watched the ambulance pull away.
“I wasn’t going to kill her.” He huffed, his hands inside the truck as he played with Jean.
“I was going to say thank you.” I leaned on the truck next to him.
“Oh?” He got this playful smile on his face.
“I’m just worried about you. I thought you were going to die today. And with Jean so close by. It frazzled me.” I watched him lower a hand and take my own.
“Then let’s go home to ease those worries.” He offered.
“Actually, I can drop you off but I have work to continue. Another case. Busy day.” I laughed.
“A lot of murder in Haven.” He nodded. “Take us home then.”
“Can do.” I smiled and pulled away from him to get into the driver's seat of the truck.

Chapter Text

I couldn’t stop myself from pacing back and forth in the kitchen. Jean was asleep, it was almost midnight, and Nate wasn’t home. I was worried. Needless to say I was also starving and pissed.
“Duke? Everything okay?” Nate’s voice rang out. I turned on my heels and looked at the very tired Chief.
“Where the hell were you?” I asked.
“Working, had a case that started this morning, needed to work on it more.” He explained.
“So you missed lunch and dinner?” I pushed. I saw realization dawn on him as he looked between me and the table.
“I missed dinner.” He parroted.
“Yeah.” I huffed. “I was worried you were dead. Thanks for that.”
“Duke, I didn't mean to miss dinner. I lost track of time.” He reached out to me but I brushed past him. He was home, and safe.
“It’s okay. I understand.” I tried to reassure him but I felt heavy.
“Duke, I swear. Here, let me heat something up and we can have dinner. Please?” He grabbed my shirt and I paused.
“Look, I know why you were late. Just. Can we please not? I just wanted to make sure you got home.” I asked.
“You know?” He sounded scared.
“Yeah, so don’t worry. Trust me, it won’t be an issue anymore.” I promised, reaching for my bedroom door.
“Duke.” His voice was wobbly and strained.
“Dinner’s in the fridge if you want to heat it up.” I announced. I slipped into my bedroom and closed the door quietly behind me.
I looked out across my room and saw the little crib next to my bed and suddenly I wasn’t able to hold it together anymore. I covered my mouth as I slid to the floor. Hot tears fell from my eyes.
I couldn’t understand why I thought, hoped, he was different. Why I thought he wouldn’t be scared of my trouble, or think differently of me because of it. Audrey confirmed he was scared when I used it to help Daphne. So why did it hurt so much?
I eventually crawled into my bed when Nathan got done throwing things around outside. It wasn’t a nice sleep but when I opened my eyes it was to my baby girl sitting up with the sun behind her.
“I don’t scare you?” I asked her. She babbled and reached for me. “Right, you don’t know better.”
A soft knock came from the door and I held my breath, praying he would just go to work already.
“Duke?” His voice sounded rough.
“Hm.” I didn’t bother to do more.
“Duke, can we talk? Please?” He opened my door a crack. Probably to see me on my stomach, my hand out holding up Jean while she sat.
“Sure, whatever.” I huffed.
“Can we talk in the living room?” His voice got closer and I realized he was inching towards me.
“Don’t worry, I won’t go silver eyes and hurt you or Jean.” I grunted, not making an effort to get up.
“What? Duke what are you on about?” I felt his weight dip down my bed and his hand on my back.
“You and Audrey both thought I was going to kill that girl. It’s why you’ve been avoiding me.” I focused on my hand, where I was holding up my daughter.
“I didn’t. I haven’t been intentionally avoiding you either.” His hand was replaced by his arms as he slowly laid down behind me.
“You really did have a case?” I asked.
“Yes. Someone got killed yesterday morning, and it’s not trouble related. It’s a serial killer and if I keep you away from it you and Jean remain safe. Even Audrey isn’t near it. I’m the Chief, it’s my job. So yes for once I won’t tell you about a case and you can’t tag along.” He explained.
“You really don’t think I’m a monster?” I pulled my hand away from Jean as I slowly turned to face him.
“You proved yesterday you are more than your family’s legacy. You’re stopping that from hitting Jean and it’s the best thing a person can do.” Nathan sat up against my pillows.
“Thought I was a monster.” I hummed, curling up against his side.
“Never.” He shifted a bit and then I saw Jean. He had moved her to join our cuddle session.
“And the killer?” I asked.
“I’ll probably be working weird on call hours. Doing that and the regular investigations will keep me busy. You just need to keep running your restaurant, raising this little girl, and keeping yourself safe.” He pulled Jean up against his chest and I watched as she curled up against him.
“I can try.” I agreed.
“Thank you.” Nathan hummed.

Chapter Text

“Nate!” Duke basically ran into my office.
“I’m busy.” I smiled up at him.
“Yeah and Audrey told me it’s your day off. So.” He drew out the so. I watched as he slipped outside again and returned with little Jean. The happy little five month old bouncing in his arms.
“She’s in a swimsuit.” I noted.
“She is. And I have one on under my shorts and you have one packed in her diaper bag. Swim day. Let’s go!” His smile was contagious.
“Ugh, fine.” I stretched and stood up. I had been working way too much.
“Great. Audrey said she was going to grab a few people and we would make a proper day of it.” With that he was guiding me outside to the Landrover.
“Aren’t you worried about going near the water?” I wondered. It had only been a few days since he was drowning on land.
“I almost died on land, not by the water. I’m sure I’ll be fine.” He got Jean all buckled in before he opened the passenger door for me.
“That’s true.” I agreed, hopping into the passenger seat.
“Hey, have you seen Audrey and Claire recently?” Duke asked as he drove down the road towards the beach.
“Audrey and her therapist? I’ve seen them.” I didn’t know where he was going with this.
“You see the hickey Claire was sporting yesterday?” He commented.
“Oh that kind of seen! Yes, they are so hooking up!” I laughed. Duke got this soft look to his face as he continued to drive.
“She’s got to enjoy it while she’s still here I guess.” He finally spoke up as we got closer to the beach.
“At least Claire knows what she got into.” I agreed. When we pulled to a stop I saw a few people scattered around with blankets and a few coolers.
“So, you get into the back, get changed, and I’ll go get Jean here covered in sunblock. Deal?” He leaned over the center console and I watched his hand squeeze my thigh.
“Yeah, sounds good.” I unbuckled. Duke leaned over the center console and unbuckled Jean before he sat back down.
“Right. Let’s go!” He popped open his door and I quickly grabbed him and kissed him. “Nate, what was that for?”
“Nothing, just. Wanted to see if I could feel it.” I lied. I got out and quickly walked around to the back of the Landrover, stealing my swim trunks from the diaper bag.
“Could you?” He asked, wrapping his arms around me as he looked around.
“No.” I gave a small pout.
“Hm, shame.” He gave me a small kiss again and I couldn’t stop myself from wrapping my arms around his neck.
“This is new.” I admitted.
“Friends with benefits.” He shrugged.
“I like that.” I cut him off from replying with another short kiss before I pushed him away so he could get his daughter and I could get dressed.
“Hey! Why are you guys so late?” Audrey asked as she ran up to steal Jean from Duke.
“Traffic.” I lied.
“Hit every red light on the way here.” Duke joined in.
“Shame. Come on, we got a few familiar faces around here!” She quickly made her escape with Jean and I saw Claire smile when she saw the baby.
Meg, Bill, Claire, Dwight, and Tommy were all resting on blankets and chairs around the water. For our town it was calm.
“Hello friends.” Duke greeted.
“You gonna get your hand off the Chief?” Tommy asked. I watched Duke move away from me and realized his hand had been on my back. I felt bad that I couldn’t feel that.
“He’s just helping me not kick a rock.” I explained. Duke handed me the diaper bag and I pulled out our towels after I put down our chairs.
“So, you’ve been taking her to Daddy-Daughter swimming classes, how good is she?” Audrey asked, returning to us with small baby floaters on Jean.
“She can kick her legs. I have a small inflatable seat for her, if you want me to blow it up.” I watched Duke set up the chairs and I threw the towels over top.
“Yeah! I want to go swimming with my niece.” She did a little dance and I smiled.
“Okay, let us get set up and you can go swimming with baby girl.” I huffed as I sat down on my chair and pulled out the floaty.
“So wait, you two live together, have a daughter together, but aren’t together?” Tommy asked.
“His daughter, I’m just a double dad.” I corrected.
“And besides, who hasn’t wanted to fuck the Nathan Wuornos.” Duke chimed in. I laughed and threw water at him.
“Rude, really rude” he stuck his tongue out at me.
“Sorry, would you rather we arrest you?” I teased.
“Oh can we use the cuffs again?” I groaned as Duke broke out laughing.
“You two have?” Audrey asked, rather shocked.
“Back when I could feel a few months ago. I’m gay, he’s Bi. Figured it was an easy way to feel things.” I shrugged.
“Wow.” Tommy gawked.
“Was that one of the times we had to babysit her?” Meg asked, sitting up from her towel.
“No, unlike you where you drop her off when you want dick, we just did it in a different room. I’m not leaving my daughter anywhere just because I’m horny.” Duke commented.
“I thought we came to swim not to discuss our sex lives.” I groaned.
“Audrey, have fun with the floaty.” Duke announced before he picked me up and carried me into the water.
“You dick!” I screamed.
“Yep.”
With that Duke laughed as he slowly guided us both into the water. I couldn’t help but smile at the way he looked. I figured one afternoon of relaxing wouldn’t hurt.

Chapter Text

“So, first day off where you’re not running around. How do you feel?” I asked, laying in my chair.
“Calm. Everything’s been so hectic recently.” Nathan looked over at me from where he had been sitting.
“You’ve been working too much.” I agreed.
“It’s just this case.” Nathan huffed. I turned a little more and saw he was watching Jean.
“Then maybe you just need to focus on us.” I offered.
“What, like arrest you for being a bad person?” Nathan struggled.
“Horrible, try harder. Until then, come on. Up you come.” I stood up and took Jean off his chest.
“Ugh, fine.” He groaned as he stood up. “What do you plan to do?”
“I plan to take you on a small walk with Jean and I.” I grabbed his hand and guided him along the beach.
“How has my princess been?” He asked after a few minutes.
“Missing you. With all these odd hours you’re gone.” I admitted.
“She can’t tell, however I’m sure that was just her Daddy being a bit needy.” Nathan gave a soft hum. He reached out and picked her hand up to hold it in his.
“It has gotten lonely. And hard. She’s so cranky when we aren’t both home at night. It’s like she can tell.” I let him have his moment.
“Maybe she can, maybe she is psychic.” He joked.
“Now where on earth would she get that?” I asked, amused.
“We don’t know what troubles your ancestors had, or Betty’s. Could be our little psychic baby.” He gave a playful shrug.
“Horrible influence you are.” I teased, nudging his side a little.
“I thought that was you.” He laughed and I felt my heart beat a little faster. He was so beautiful that way. Relaxed and at ease.
“Maybe we are tag teaming it.” I couldn’t help but walk a little closer to him. Maybe I could get around to confessing on the trip.

Chapter Text

“I appreciated today.” I hummed getting into the shower.
“Of course.” Duke remarked, finishing up brushing his teeth.
“You wanna save water?” I winked, leaving the curtain open.
“An open invitation already? I mean, I accept.” Duke tugged off his boxers, the only thing he was wearing, and joined me inside the shower.
“Hi.” I smiled as water ran down his chest.
“The water’s a bit cold Nate, let me fix that.” Duke slid around me and twisted the knobs a bit.
“Thank you.”
“Wouldn’t want you to get cold.” He laughed, turning me around so I couldn’t see him.
“What do you plan to do?” I asked, closing my eyes.
“First, I’m rubbing your shoulders, you seem tense and I need to help you out.” His voice was smooth by my ear.
“Hm, I appreciate it even if I can’t feel it.” I knew his hands were covering my eyes, the world had gotten darker, and I knew I had managed to tip my head back.
“I’ll tell you everything I do to you.” His voice didn’t move.
“You gonna wash my hair too?” I teased him.
“I will if you want me to.” He sounded genuine.
“I’ll let you.”
“I’ll wash your hair after I work out these knots in your shoulders. Fuck you’re tense.” His voice was lower.
“Honey I’m sure I’m a lot more than just tense.” I teased earning a low groan from him.
“Your words have too much power over me Nate.” He grunted.
“Are you complaining?” I tried to act innocent.
He uncovered my eyes and I blinked a bit as I got adjusted to the light once again.
“No, I suppose not. But I do like to be the one who teases and coaxes the other, you know this.” I saw his hair along my neck and turned as he pulled away from leaving a dark hickey on my shoulder.
“Fuck Duke.” I let out a breathy moan.
“Oh, seeing what I do to you turns you on.” He hummed against my ear.
“I can’t feel it, so when I see it.” I watched him turn me around and leave another hickey on my chest which broke me off into another moan. “When I see it I can imagine what it feels like.”
“And we both know just how oh so sensitive you are.” He left another mark and then I watched as he got on his knees.
“What are you doing?” I asked, both very turned on and very confused.
“I’m going to suck you off, while you watch me.” He hummed. At the angle I had I could see him smile as he saw how hard I had gotten from just a few fucking hickies.
“Ah, a shower and a show.” I reached my hand down and slid my fingers through his hair. He gave a small moan as I tugged.
“Be a good boy and enjoy this show.” With that he had his mouth wrapped around my dick.
“I will.” I moaned out, watching as he pulled his head back before taking his tongue and slipping it along the side of my shaft. I thought of how it would feel and that brought out another deeper moan.
He did that a few more times before my breath hitched and I grabbed the side of the shower. I saw him smirk before he took me back into his mouth fully and gave a few more, short, tugs.
“Duke.” I came with his name on my lips. He smiled and stayed still for a bit before pulling off and wiping his mouth. I helped him stand back up.
“Beautiful.” He hummed, his hands falling to my hips.
“I could say the same. Quite the show.” I leaned into his arms and he turned me around so he could actually help me shower.
“Maybe after this you could help me out with my little problem.” He offered into my ear. I moaned at the idea, but let him do what he was doing just so the water didn’t turn cold with only one of us able to notice.

Chapter Text

A few days after the beach trip was when the gollum of lady justice happened. I called Nate scared, Jean had been in the restaurant just behind a door. He sent Tommy who arrested me and put Jean into overnight care.
“Duke?” Nate asked as he walked into Tommy’s office.
“They arrested me.” I explained showing him my handcuffs.
“Where’s Jean?” He unlocked my cuffs and let me stand up.
“I don’t know, ask him. I got arrested even though I was the one being attacked.” I grunted. I was pissed he hadn’t cared when I told him over the phone Jean was there.
“Is she okay?” He set a hand on my shoulder.
“Yes, because she was in my office. I called you because you’re her other dad, what the fuck!” I stormed over to the care center and saw Jean sitting in a high chair.
“I was busy with that serial killer case, Duke. I know it’s fucked up but I need you to understand how much I spent all night worried for you two.” He explained.
“And you just got back so you couldn’t get her sooner?” I bit back.
“Yes. Jean Wuornos.” He told the cop.
“Wuornos?” I asked.
“When you’re involved I have a way for my last name to come up so she doesn’t get taken away.” He explained curtly.
“Right, bad apple.” I grumbled.
“You’re not a bad apple. We both know this, I just know that people are one way with their thoughts in this town. My name holds more power than yours.” Nathan handed me Jean.
“You promise?” I asked, looking at him.
“Duke, I’ve been up all night working. You know how hard that is when all I can think about is if you’re okay. If Jean was safe. We will find this woman, I promise.” He squeezed my arm. Soon we walked back to his office to see Audrey looking down at a few reporters.
“Another person got attacked.” She spoke up when she saw us enter.
“Another body part?” I asked, sitting down on the couch.
“All of her bones, broken. We are going to head down to the hospital to look at her report. Were you here all night?” Audrey eyed me.
“Nate couldn’t bail me out till morning.” I huffed.
“I said I was sorry.” He crossed his arms as he sat across from me.
“No you didn’t, but whatever. Like you said, serial killer work is more important.” I wallowed.
“Nate.” Audrey scolded.
“I was out in the field, I couldn’t come back.” Nate motioned towards the door and Audrey quickly got up and walked out.
I waited for them to finish their conversation and for the police escort back home. Seeing as my car was in the shop I needed Nathan to drive me anyways. Instead I was a tag along to the hospital.
“Duke, you’ll stay with me tonight.” Audrey explained as we walked along the hospital corridor.
“I’ll have you know, I sleep in the raw.” I joked. Nathan gave a small groan as he cocked an eyebrow at me.
“You’ll sleep on the couch.” She advised.
“You know, she’s using you as bait?” Nate asked. He was bouncing Jean in his arms.
“I know, that’s why you are on baby duty.” I laughed, turning to catch up with the detective.

Chapter Text

“Duke? Hey I’m home.” I called out. I had been working with the guard all the last two days, Duke got attacked again, then the judge, then the guard prison escaped, and then Duke tried to get the gollum to kill himself. I just wanted to curl up and sleep for a week.
“Took you long enough.” He called out from the kitchen. He was right, I was late. I had just finished my visit with Jordan.
“Yeah, I had to follow up on a prisoner transfer I had to overlook. Sorry if I missed dinner.” I walked into the kitchen to see Duke glaring at me.
“Glad your day was better than mine. Want to tell me why Jean was with Meg the last two days?” Duke crossed his arms.
“I watched her for a little bit, then I got called out to work on the serial killer case. Asked Meg to watch her until I could again. Your issues got sorted faster than mine.” I admitted.
“Why aren’t we communicating anymore Nathan?” Duke asked.
“I don’t know, things recently have just been so messy. With Audrey, this killer, everything. It’s a lot and I keep putting you two on the back burner.” I was honest.
“I’m sorry I keep taking all my anger out on you. It’s just, I feel like you’re the only constant I have right now. I feel like nothing else is making sense.” Duke leaned against the counter.
“And I’m sorry I make you feel that way. That you can’t trust me. I wish I could tell you about this case, it’s eating me up inside that I can’t tell you about any of it. I want to, but if I do you could die.” I admitted.
“It’s that bad?”
“God, Duke it’s so bad. I’m barely able to sleep, Audrey called me with a really fucked up thing about the killer. All I want is for all of this to stop.” I stepped closer, setting my shit on the table.
“Can we try to communicate better?” He watched me.
“Just not about my case? Seriously Duke if I could tell you I would in a heartbeat. It’s not safe though.” He opened his arms to me.
“Tattoo guy?” He asked while I shoved myself into his arms.
“Yes, but he’s building a woman out of skin. That’s as much as I can tell you. Please just accept this because I can’t let you die.” I heard my voice break as I started crying.
“I promise I won’t push anymore. Just one more thing, is this why you’re never home anymore?” He tilted my head up.
“I have a person, who shall remain unnamed, helping me. She wants me to meet her after dark, so we both stay safe. She’s troubled, and I’ve been helping her with that too. She tried to kiss me today, can you believe it?” I rested my head on his shoulder.
“Does she know you’re into men?” His voice was soft.
“Yeah, she’s okay now. Just, it’s a lot to keep in and I know if I tell you now it will only hurt.” I saw him nod.
“I appreciate you telling me why you’re being so secretive. Come on, help me make dinner. I know you can’t live without my cooking.” He tried to lighten the mood.
“Thank you for understanding.” I stood up straighter.
“We need more of that.” He smiled. For once everything felt okay again.
“How was your day?” I asked earnestly.
“You know, the reason she attacked the Gull. I have an overdue alcohol license. Five thousand dollars to get it cleaned.” He explained as he got to work cutting up some peppers.
“I’ll pay for it.” I watched him stop and turn to me slowly.
“What?”
“I’ll pay for the license. God knows I make more than enough being Chief.” I leaned onto the counter.
“Evil man, evil.” Duke smiled and resumed chopping.
“I try.” I laughed.

Chapter Text

I groaned as I woke up. Nathan was asleep next to me, probably feeling great because he couldn’t feel.
“What time is it?” He asked, sitting up a little. I smiled at all the hickeys and bites I had managed to get on him.
“Um, four in the morning.” I grumbled as I looked at my clock.
“Fuck, too early.” He pulled the blanket over himself.
“I can head to my room if you want.” I offered.
“No, you can stay. Already got a good fuck out of you, may as well be nice.” He hugged his pillow. I watched as the light from a streetlight shined through the window and highlighted his body.
“I appreciate it.” I didn’t look away. He was hot, I could wrap my arms around him and never let go. I had been falling in love with him for years, but he’d never love me back. To him it was just good sex he couldn’t feel.
“Please stop thinking.” Nathan turned to face me.
“How?”
“You get still and breathe heavily when you’re deep in thought.” He explained.
“Oh. Fair.” I agreed.
“What are you thinking about?” He turned a little more.
“How old Jean would have to be to safely live on the Rouge.” I lied.
“Oh?”
“Yeah, for like traveling and if we want to go on trips. I’m sure having a toddler on board would be stressful.” I continued.
“Maybe. You’re thinking about that now?” I felt a hand cross my chest and take one of my own.
“Yeah. I’m sure there are days you can’t wait to get to work just so you don’t have to see me. Maybe having that boat when she’s older will be a way for you to have space at home.” It was probably true.
“I like how hectic you two make it here.” He played with my hand in the dark, moving my fingers even if he couldn’t feel them.
“Really?”
“Yeah. Just. When you two moved in what, five almost six months ago, I thought it was fucking insane. But then I got used to it all. It’s weird when it’s quiet now.” He continued to watch my hand.
“God, she’s almost half a year old.” I groaned.
“Yeah, it’s crazy.” Nathan squeezed my hand. “Can we host a birthday party for her? A halfway birthday party. So Audrey can be there? She’ll leave when baby girl is barely eight months.”
“I’ll arrange it.” I offered.
“I’ll invite her.” He smiled.
“Come here.” I patted my chest. He quickly pulled himself into my arms and just as fast his breathing evened out. “God why does it hurt to love you?”

Chapter Text

“Are you seriously putting her in a little princess dress?” I laughed as I leaned on the doorway.
“Yeah! Look at her, she’s adorable!” Duke held Jean so it looked like she was standing.
“I know I always call her my princess, but yes I have to agree she is far cuter like this.” I smiled.
“I was going to dress up but I got the baby carrier where she can sit on my back, figured regular clothes, dressed up my baby, win-win.” Duke smiled.
“You headed to the station for the party?” I asked.
“Yeah, you want to drive together?” He kissed her head before putting her into her rocker for a moment.
“No actually, I have the case. I’ll be late.” I felt bad.
“I’ll save you a virgin drink then. I’m not drinking because of her. Don’t want to risk it.” Duke hummed, stepping closer to me.
“I’ll appreciate it when I can drink it.” I smiled, reaching out to touch his shirt. I wanted to see the way my hands moved with it.
“I’ll hold you to it. So, no costume tonight? Even working?” Duke adjusted my button up.
“No, just a regular old cop. I think I look like my father.” I admitted looking down at myself.
“You look like you.” Duke's voice was soft.
“I don’t feel it.” I admitted.
“That case?” Duke set Jean on the bed and joined me in the doorway.
“Yeah.” I told him.
“I really hope you get a break in there soon. You’re working yourself to the wires.” I felt bad lying to him, especially with how open he was being.
“Hopefully.” I paused looking up at him. “I have to go meet my informant soon, will you promise to take photos of her with a pumpkin or two?”
“I will. I’ll see you at the party.” He gave me a short hug before he picked up Jean and carried her over. “Say bye bye Papa.”
She babbled.
“Bye princess. Behave for your Daddy.” I kissed her head before turning to leave.

Chapter Text

“Why did you have Jean in that house?” Nathan asked once he finally got home.
“Wouldn’t leave her at a party with zero sober adults. Figured a cop, a shrink, and a teen could manage to watch her at the car.” I huffed and turned to face him, my arms crossed.
“I’m sorry I pointed a gun at you.” He sat on the couch.
“You could have hurt Jean.” I agreed.
“I know, I felt so sick. God I felt like a monster.” He rested his head in his hands.
“Why did you care more about Jordan than us? I understand me, but Jean?” I couldn’t sit, I could barely stand still.
“She’s my informant for the undercover thing I’m doing.” He explained curtly.
“Yeah, and she knows that, and she also knows about Jean. Also when do you help people commit crimes?” I asked. He looked up at me in shock.
“You know too?”
“Let me guess Audrey tore you a new asshole?” I rested my hand on my hip.
“Yeah. Just, Duke. These people I’m trying to get in with. They are the people with the tattoos.” He looked anywhere but me.
“I told Audrey. I overheard your whole conversation with Jordan. She seems to be in love with you by the way.” I finally sat down next to him.
“She took me out for a drink at the cemetery before I got the call. I told her about how I’m into men. Again.” He relaxed a little.
“Yeah? Does she believe it?” I rested my head on my knees.
“Talked with her earlier about everything. She believes it now. She also said she won’t tell the Guard about Jean. That their issues with you stay with you.” He looked at me with so much pain.
“What issues do they have with me?” I asked.
“Blood.”
“Right.”
“How come you’re okay with breaking the law for her? But when I got in trouble for parking a little wrong I was screamed at for weeks.” I wanted a genuine answer.
“Living with you has made me reckless and soft.” He leaned his head back against the couch.
“Oh.”
“If it makes you feel any better, now that you know, I don’t have to lie to you anymore about who I’m meeting or where I’m going since that asshole house man fucked it.” He tilted his head a little.
“I mean. I appreciate it. Just.” I took a deep breath. “Don’t bring it home to Jean? I can’t do this to her. She can’t grow up how I did.”
“I won’t. I’m sorry I made you lose your trust in me.” He tried to smile.
“We made a deal to always talk about these things. To be open and understanding. Not much of that happened last night with everything going on. We are doing better now.” I grabbed his hand.
“Duke, are you okay?” He asked.
“I was scared. When you and I were getting everyone out, and you got stuck.” I admitted.
“I’m sorry.”
“Hey, you’re forgiven. Can’t let you go living in guilt now can I?” I pulled him into me.
“Guess you’re right.” His body relaxed a little.
“Want to eat some leftover candy and watch shitty movies?” I wanted to lighten the mood.
“Is Jean asleep?” He lifted his head off my shoulder.
“Last night really scared her. She’s out like a light.” I started to move my body more horizontally.
“Then yeah. I think things in this town are only going to get worse and we need all the us time we can get.” He yawned a little before stretching out against me.
“What’s new in Haven?” I laughed.

Chapter Text

I scratched the back of my neck as I walked into the kitchen. I couldn’t feel anything but I knew it was probably a habit I’d never lose.
“Hey.” Duke didn’t look up from Jean.
“Hey.” I slid behind him and reached for a bowl to make breakfast.
“You’re up late.” Duke noted.
“Yeah well, my bed was very comfortable.” I shrugged.
“You can’t feel your bed.” Duke called my bullshit.
“Nope. But, guess what.” I hummed, making myself cereal.
“Hm, what?” I watched as his hand moved into my field of vision and I turned towards it. I watched as he rested a hand on my waist.
“I finally have a day off.” I remarked.
“No guard? No work? You’re home?” His voice sounded so shocked.
“Duke, I’ve been so busy, I think besides when we have sex, I haven’t been in my own bed in the last month more than two nights a week. I’m living in my car and at the station.” I turned to face him.
“I mean, yeah, I guess.” Duke pulled back and I saw his eyes flickering down towards his hands.
“Am I bleeding?” I asked worriedly.
“Hm? No. Just.” He looked away.
“Take your time.” I smiled.
“Hm, yeah. I was just thinking about how we should go to the park today. Or we can stay in?” He quickly started to clean up around the kitchen. We both cleaned when nervous.
“When is your flight to Colorado with Audrey?” I asked.
“Two days. Then we will be home in four.” He paused and looked at Jean.
“I’ll protect her with my life, Duke. Ain’t nothing going to happen to her.” I walked up to him and placed my hand on his chest.
“Will you take her to Meg's at the first sign of anything bad with work?” He asked worriedly.
“Yes. I’ll take her to Meg’s.” I fixed his shirt and smoothed it out.
“Then we should go out today before you leave.” He changed the subject.
“I’ll pack her diaper bag and get dressed. You can get her dressed and get some lunch made for us?” I turned back to my cereal.
“I’ll also cook a proper breakfast. Your cereal is soggy.” Duke gagged.
“I can’t feel it.”
“No but it makes me feel gross so I’m making pancakes.” I saw his hand on my shoulder and I gave a short nod.

Chapter Text

“Papa!” I announced as I entered the room with Jean strapped to my chest.
“Hi Duke. Hello my princess.” Nate’s face grew soft as he saw Jean.
“She just had a diaper change, and was fed. She’s ready for a nap.” I quickly took off the carrier after Nathan stole Jean from it.
“I can see that. Hello my beautiful little one.” He kissed her head. Ever since she turned seven months and started to crawl around Nate had become way more clingy with her.
“You and babies are so weird.” Audrey gawked.
“He’s got a soft spot for them.” I leaned back against the doorway.
“And their dads.” Nate smiled up at me.
“Ah, I’m a special man.” I winked back.
“Gross.”
“Are you ready to go? I have my bag packed and the Landrover ready.” I asked Audrey.
“Just about. Give me my damn niece.” Audrey grabbed at Jean.
“Fine, only because you get to spend two whole days alone with her father. Oh the fun.” Nathan quickly walked up to me.
“We are at the police station, you really wanna cop a feel here?” I muttered.
“No, just. Please keep Audrey safe?” He almost pressed himself against me.
“I will. I’ll make sure she gets home in one piece.” I made sure he watched as I fixed his tie, so I didn’t strangle him.
“Can you also make sure you come home in one piece too? I’d like to not have my daughter grow up without her other dad.” Nathan sighed.
“Your daughter?” I asked.
“Fuck did that slip out? You call me her other dad so I just, I assumed. Shit sorry.” Nate quickly started to close off.
“No, I’m happy you finally got around to calling her yours. Makes me feel like less of a burden to you. We can talk more when I get home.” I patted his arm.
“Right. yeah! Don’t miss your flight!” Nate stole Jean back and gave her a small kiss on the cheek.
“Bye baby.” I said to both of them.
“Say bye bye daddy.” Nathan cooed to Jean and helped her do a small wave. She caught on and her little arm pumped excitedly.
“Bye Nate! Be safe.” Audrey called out as she walked out.
“I’ll see you both when I get home.” I gave them one last smile before I turned and left the room.

Chapter Text

I nudged my office door open as I carried in a bottle for Jean and food for myself. Standing over Jean looking very concerned and confused was Jordan.
“Nice baby?” She tilted her head at me.
“Hi Jordan. Yeah, Duke is out of town so she’s got me for the next two days.” I smiled down at my daughter.
“Why would you babysit for Crocker?” She asked, sitting down.
“Huh? I’m not babysitting for him. Seriously, how have people not put two and two together? I’m her other dad.” I explained.
“Wait? When Duke called you Papa in the house? He said ‘Papa won’t shoot you’, that was about you?” She sat forward.
“Yeah.” I grimaced at the memory.
“He was telling your daughter you wouldn’t hurt them.” Her face grew drawn. “He genuinely loves her.”
“More than anything in the world. She’s everything to him. Without her he was falling apart with the law and his restaurant. With her, he’s been legit, he’s trying to be a good dad.” I explained.
“Nate, is Duke the man you’re in love with?” She asked, poking at a file.
“Yeah.” I sighed.
“I’ll start to ruminate that Duke Crocker is a good father with the Guard. Based on what you’ve told me and how he’s acted, he’s a better man than his father ever was.” Jordan picked up the file.
“Thank you.”
“Right what I came here for. The bolt gun killer, you want to know how he is in the guard? How can I identify him?” She asked.
“These.” I showed her the photos of the ATM robbery.
“What did he do to that woman?” Jordan looked up at me.
“It’s bad.” I flipped over the board and showed her all of the victims and crime photos.
“Oh god.” She covered her mouth.
“Yeah.” I agreed.
“I’ll help you find him. The killer, I think I know who it is and I don’t like that because he’s why I came here.” She then explained her missing friend.
“Okay, you look into that. I really want to eat my lunch. Duke made me a sandwich and he made specific instructions so that it didn’t get soggy.” I said, motioning to my food.
“You’re whipped.” She laughed.
“Extremely.” I admitted.
“Wait, this is the guy who fucks you on the down low?” She quickly got excited.
“Oh god, why did I ever tell you this?” I groaned. “Yes.”
“Boy!” She smacked me.
“Sorry.” I shrugged.
“Hey, Nate, we have a dead body. You able to drop spawn anywhere?” Tommy stepped into my room.
“Can I feed her first?” I held up her bottle.
“Yeah, just hurry.” He sighed.
“Hurry, like she knows we have to be fast.” I picked up Jean and started to feed her.
“Hey, I can drop her off or watch her.” Jordan offered.
“I have a rule from Duke that she goes to her aunt's house. Meg and Bill?” I told her.
“Finish getting her fed and I’ll do everything. I promise.” She put a hand on my shoulder.
“Yeah, okay. Thank you.” I replied earnestly. I set her down and grabbed my lunch as I motioned for Jordan to follow me to get the car seat so I could use my truck to get to the crime scene.

Chapter Text

It all sounded like cotton. I heard Audrey say something about Nate and then I saw him lying there. I ran up to him and pulled him into my arms.
“What happened?” Audrey asked.
“That girl, she shot him.” Tommy pointed in the direction of the girl he was shooting at.
“Nate?” My voice was so small.
“Duke, we have to find her before sundown. Nate said she can resurrect people before sundown.” Audrey grabbed my hand.
“What do you mean?” I looked at her.
“That girl killed Nate.” I heard the words leave Tommy’s mouth, but all I understood was the pure bullshit he was trying to make up.
After that everything moved in slow motion. I was walking in a haze following the blood trail the girl left behind, and I was just working on autopilot with the thought of Nathan being dead rattling in my head.
“You okay?” Tommy asked. I tried to not punch him.
“Worried about how I’m going to raise Jean without Nate. What his last thoughts were. Whether he will come home tonight.” I responded. Tommy gave a twitchy reaction.
“We will find his killer.” Tommy tried to reassure me.
“I know.” My mind was already racing with all the ways I’d kill Tommy. I stopped when my pocket buzzed from my phone.
“Hey Audrey.”
‘Don’t react to what I’m going to tell you.’ She didn’t even wait for me to answer. ‘Found her sister. Tommy killed Nathan.’
“I know.” I told her.
‘How?’ She asked.
“Figured. Keep looking there and I’ll handle things over here.” I looked at Tommy and gave him a thin lipped smile.
“All good?” He asked as I hung up the phone.
“Yeah, nothing where she is. She is gonna keep looking around while we look here.” I told him.
“Hm.” He stepped ahead of me. I set my phone back in my pocket. I spotted an axe and quickly put my hair into a small bun as I walked over to it.
“Hey, wow! What are you doing?” Tommy asked after I wedged it from the wood.
“She could be armed. You said earlier, no guns.” I explained, swinging the axe a little.
“Right.” He pulled a gun out and aimed it at me, it looked too light to be loaded so I didn’t move.
“What? Going back on protocol?” I asked as he flipped the gun around.
“Yeah.” He smiled.
“Good boy.” I shot him a fake smile as I held the definitely empty gun in my hand.
“Come on, let’s go inside.” He motioned me to follow him.
“Yeah.” I made sure he heard me put the axe back down before I picked it back up and hid it behind my back.
He kept asking me about the trip to Colorado as we walked around and eventually I got very tired of it.
“You know, I’d recommend shutting the fuck up.” I watched as he pulled a gun on me.
“What caught you on?” He smirked.
“I know Nathan and I know he wouldn’t get shot like that at that angle if she was in the car when he got shot.” I aimed the empty gun at him.
“You know that’s not loaded right?” He sneered.
“I know.” I slammed it up into his chin as I brought the axe around and tried to get him with it.
“Fucker!” He got the axe away from me and delivered a few punches. I dropped the unloaded gun and got his loaded one across the room. He clipped me across the jaw and I laughed as I wiped the blood away.
“Nathan doesn’t know I’m in love with him, and because of you he may never know. However there is one rule when it comes to Nathan Wuornos.” I laughed.
“Oh yeah?” Tommy asked. “What’s that?”
“That you don’t fucking touch the father of my daughter.” I slammed my fist into his face and watched as his blood spread into my skin. Then I felt the world grow lighter as I threw another punch that sent him across the room.
“You’re fucking crazy if you think he’s ever going to love you even if he does survive.” Tommy laughed as he coughed up blood.
“You’re fucking crazy if you think you will.” I slammed my boot down onto his chest and listened as it crunched.
I kicked the shit out of him for a moment and then grabbed him and threw him into another wall. He had gotten his gun back as I crossed the room and I watched as Jordan stepped out and grabbed his neck causing him to convulse in pain. I went to get him up when she grabbed my arm.
“That hurt!” I yelled as the world came back from the searing hot pain.
“Fuck I left the keys in the ignition.” She huffed as she pulled her gloves on. The engine started and we heard it pull out.
“How is Nathan?” I asked.
“Still dead. Jean is at Meg’s, she is safe. I took her there myself.” She helped me get to my Landrover.
“Thank you.” I started driving.
“You really love him?” She asked.
“I’m falling apart without him.” I admitted. “Not that the guard cares what I feel or think, but Jean and him, they are my everything.”
“I believe it.” She gave me a small smile.
“Yeah, well. I can’t fall apart right now. That’s for later me to worry about when the house starts to crumble.” I said, giving her a small smile.
“Here.” She pointed to the house. I pulled in next to Tommy’s car and quickly ran inside. Nathan was laying on the floor.
“Duke, can you test her blood?” Audrey asked.
“Yeah.” I quickly ran into the kitchen and grabbed a knife.
“What? No!” The woman screamed as I returned and cut her hand open. She wasn’t troubled.
“No.” My heart shattered.
“Fuck.” Audrey muttered.
“Can I?” I asked, motioning to his body.
“Duke, go ahead.” Audrey let me and I quickly dropped to the floor next to him. I felt the tears well up in my eyes before falling down onto his face.
“You promised I’d come home to you. That you would be safe.” I smacked him a little. “You can’t leave me. You can’t leave Jean. Please, please Nate. I love you, you can’t leave.”
I cried as I held him tightly against my chest. Audrey held me from behind as she spoke to the dead girl's sister. I quickly scooted away from Nathan as I felt the world grow light.
“Audrey.” I huffed.
“Silver.” She nodded. “Touch them, please?” She asked the woman. Moria agreed and silently touched both her sister and Nate. I watched as Nathan opened his eyes and looked at Audrey with a small smile. He was alive.

Chapter Text

I walked out onto the patio to where Duke was playing music to Jean as people talked and partied around us. He had this soft look to him as she sat watching intently.
“People are making tacos in my honor.” I sat next to him.
“Taco Tuesday.” He explained.
“Hm.” I leaned my head against his shoulder as I brought my knees up to my chest.
“Don’t ever fucking do that again.” Duke huffed.
“Die? I don’t plan on it.” I laughed.
“Good, Jean needs you.” He motioned to the little girl who upon seeing me quickly started to crawl over to me.
“I need her too.” I wasn’t talking about her.
“I was worried we wouldn’t ever get you back.” He admitted. His hand was hovering over mine.
“I’m sorry.” I took it.
“Can we try a little harder to not die?” He stuck his free hand out and held Jean to reach us.
“I think we can. After today's case, with everyone dying and being brought back to life, I think I can do without a lot of it for now.” I let out a heavy breath.
“Can I clear the air from here on out?” He looked down at me.
“Yeah.” I tilted my head a little to make eye contact.
“In Colorado that’s all for Audrey to tell you, but I did make out with her a little.” He explained.
“Was it good?” I gave a small laugh.
“She’s a good kisser.” He admitted.
“She kind of is.” I agreed.
“Says the gay man.” Duke laughed.
“Hm.” I shrugged. “I can feel her so every time she kissed me I thought of a man.”
“Is he hot?” Duke asked.
“Extremely.” I looked at him.
“I’m glad you’re back.” I saw him move and I assume he squeezed me a little tighter.
“Me too.” I wanted to tell him so much, I wanted to kiss him, to hold him close, to be with him. Unfortunately I didn’t, and I just sat against him, wishing I would.

Chapter Text

“I want to feel.” Nathan crawled into bed with me. It was dark, Jean was well asleep.
“I’m sorry.” I rubbed his arms and saw his lack of a reaction.
“I want to have horrible kinky sex.” Nathan sat down on my stomach.
“Okay, hello.” I held his hips so he wouldn’t fall off.
“Please hear me out before you get super upset.” Nathan actually sounded scared.
“You’ve been thinking about this.” I acknowledged.
“Yes.” He didn’t look me in the eye. “I want to keep the mirror. Everything we have done so far is on the table, however. I want you to use your trouble.”
“What?” I sat up a little.
“I want you to use your trouble on me. I want to feel Duke, maybe super strength will do something.” He sounded so depressed.
“Come on.” I sat up and slowly stood with him in my arms. I carried him to his room and gently laid him down.
“Are we fighting in here?” He asked.
“No, I’m gonna fuck you as you watch yourself in the mirror.” I explained. I looked around his room for something sharp.
“I got new toys.” Nathan hummed.
“Oh?” I smirked and opened the bedside table seeing some knives, and a few silk ropes. “Oh.”
“Wanted to be prepared.” Nate slowly moved so he was sitting. It didn’t help that he was in only his boxers.
“Fuck, you’re gonna kill me.” I groaned, pulling out some blue silk and the knives which were black with blue designs. “Blue?”
“Your favorite color.” Nate shrugged.
“A cockring?” I smirked, planning on using it later.
“Seemed fun, I can't feel it but it would be fun to not have control over that stuff.” He leaned back as I kneeled over his lap and slowly tied the silk to the hook we had installed a few weeks before.
“Good to know.” I smiled. Nathan placed his hand on my thighs and I saw when I looked closely that he was already hard.
“You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to.” Nathan rested his head against my lower stomach and looked up at me, those blue eyes screaming with need.
“Fuck.” I muttered looking down at him. “No, I'm gonna do this. I’m gonna make you feel.”
“Promise?”
“I’ll try my hardest.” I brushed my hand against his cheek and then into his hair. He couldn’t feel me but I watched his eyes close and I knew he was hoping he was leaning into my hand, he was.
“Thank you.” Nathan hummed. His voice vibrated right on my fucking dick and I knew I was whipped for the evening.
“Anything for you.” I meant it. I lifted him up so he was facing the long mirror that we had angled to capture everything perfectly for him to watch.
“I know I can’t feel it but you’re always so gentle with me.” Nathan’s eyes had opened and he was watching the mirror, watching me as I worked the silk around his body.
“Because, I know how fragile you are. Just because you can’t feel doesn’t mean you're invincible. Which is why, at any point tonight, if I think I’ve broken something or hurt you, we stop.” I tilted his head as I wrapped the silk along his chest.
“Reasonable.” Nathan gave a soft moan as he watched me leave a dark hickey just below where his button ups stopped. I slid his boxers off next so that the rest of the process was way easier.
“Outside of that, what boundaries do you have tonight?” I pulled the silk tight, forcing his arms back. I shoved my finger between his skin and the silk to know how tight it was and found myself confident that it wouldn’t hurt him.
“I’d like you to kiss me. Outside of that and your trouble, I have no problem with anything. I want everything you want to give me. I’ll tell you when I need to stop.” I reached down to his wrists and propped him up more so that his wrists and ankles were tied together.
“I can respect that.” I smiled, testing how much give he had to wiggle around. Luckily he was always flexible.
“Audrey asked about the hook the other night.” Nathan laughed. Looking up a little at the hook.
“Oh? What did you tell her?” I asked, a bit intrigued.
“It was for a few lights.” He hummed, letting me rub my hands down over his shoulders. He was watching still, eyes trained on my hands.
“Did she believe you?” I pulled my hand up and tipped his head back.
“She acted as if she did.” Nathan looked me in the eyes and gave a low moan.
“Imagine if she only knew the things I do to you with that.” I found joy in the way his body twitched at the idea of someone knowing what we did. “Your body likes that idea.”
“I do too.” He hummed, I was still holding his jaw and watched as he tried to look back at the mirror.
“Beg.” I whispered into his ear.
“Duke.” Nathan whined. His body twisted a bit, since his thighs were tied down to his calves he was hovering about an inch off the bed, which meant he was able to twist as much as he wanted.
“Nathan, I told you to beg.” I made my voice more stern, I had to also tighten my grip as he was doing a surprisingly good job of wriggling free.
“Please, let me look.” He tried.
“Not good enough.” I slid so I was standing in front of him, now fully blocking him in case he was able to get free.
“I want to watch, please let me watch. Duke please! I want to see you as you use me.” He was crying a little, easily wound up as always.
“Here’s a deal. You can look but you have to only watch. Or, you can’t look and I’ll tell you everything for a duration of my choosing and you can do whatever you want.” I proposed.
“First! Please!” He didn’t think it over.
“Are you sure?” I asked.
“Duke! Please.” He whined, his words drawn out as his eyes closed briefly.
“Good boy.” I praised and watched his pale skin turn a light red.
I stepped away from him and watched as he tracked me while I moved slowly to sit on the armchair in the corner of the room. Nathan pouted as he slowly realized what I had offered.
“Evil man.” He huffed.
“You haven’t complained yet.” I winked and slowly slid my pants and boxers down to my thighs.
“Fuck.” Nathan’s voice came out almost like a chirp a bird would give off. It was honestly kind of adorable to hear.
“What was that?” I smirked, watching his eyes focus on me once again. He scowled, well, he actually pouted again but definitely tried to scowl.
“Said fuck.” He wiggled a bit and I realized he thought he would be able to cross his arms. He couldn’t.
“Eventually.” I shrugged, slouching into the chair. I made sure my hips were high as I lazily started to dance my hand around my dick.
“Duke.” He whined. His voice strained and needy. I listened to him whimpering, whining, and moaning as he wiggled and twisted. He couldn’t feel his body, but I could see it and I was doing a number.
“Look at that, you can’t feel it but you are seconds away from cumming.” I pointed out to him, finally grabbing my dick to actually start masturbating.
“I want you to touch me.” His head dipped back with a moan and I watched as he came.
“Fuck, look at you.” I gasped. Nathan’s body grew slack and he swung a little as the haze of his orgasm hit him. He couldn’t feel but his body still reacted. Now his brain was filling in the spaces.
“Please.” His voice was soft.
“You want me to fuck you now?” I asked, pumping a few more times before I stood up and kicked my pants and boxers off.
“Please.” He repeated.
“You’re so beautiful like this.” I grabbed his jaw and forced him to look up at me. Nathan whimpered.
Nathan didn’t respond as he watched me with hazy eyes. Those blue eyes were so bright that I wanted to lean down and kiss him.
“Fuck.” I groaned as I realized he said I could, so I did. His lips were soft, a bit rough with a few small scabs from when he bit them. I made sure he could tell I was kissing him so I pulled on his lips, biting as I let him become able to taste me.
“Duke.” He moaned into the kiss and started to kiss back a bit harder than a lazy kiss.
I hummed into the kiss, letting him hear I was listening. We fought for a bit as we kissed, he was fighting for dominance.
“You taste.” He hummed. Pulling his head back a little. Clearly the fogginess from kissing for a while hit him.
“I taste?” I teased.
“Like caramel and whiskey.” He breathed out a little.
“Is that a good thing? I did have a few drinks before I went to my room.” I admitted, slowly moving so I was behind him.
“It’s addictive.” I draped my hands around his chest and watched his eyes fall on the mirror and that beautiful pink hue covered his face.
“I’m addictive?” I kept pushing.
“Extremely.”
“That’s good to know.” I picked up one of the knives and trailed it down his torso. “Where do you want me to cut you?”
“My thigh, it will keep bleeding for a bit but won’t make me have issues.” Nathan whined, I saw his mouth break open as he watched the blade move.
“You’ve done your research.” I smiled, resting my head against his chin as I slipped the knife down further, barely skimming past his dick as I made my way to his thigh.
“Been learning for you.” He huffed, growing very hard again. His refractory period was always incredibly fast.
“Such a good boy.” I slowly cut into his thigh, about an inch or two inch long slit. We both watched as the blood started to pool. I shoved my thigh between his legs as the first few drops fell.
“Silver.” Nathan gasped as he watched the mirror. His eyes were half lidded but when I looked up I saw my own reflection, my eyes bright silver. That coupled with the fact Nathan felt like a rag doll under my hands. It scared me, but hearing his needy moans turned me on.
“God you’re such a tease.” I grumbled, setting the knife down and grabbing his waist. His skin started to bruise under my strength.
“How?” He moaned into my ear, I squeezed a little harder.
“This makes you horny. Being scared of me, of this. You like it. You are so fucking hard and I’ve only cut you.” I slipped my hand over his cut and pulled it away to see the blood soak in, I gave a small pout.
“How’d you react if I could put my mouth over that cut and suck it dry?” That earned a loud moan.
“Duke!” He slammed his head back into my arms.
“What?”
“Please, please fuck me!” He whimpered, he fucking whimpered again.
“I guess I have made you wait long enough.” I hummed, sitting up a bit and reached for the lube. The cut was still bleeding but I left it alone so I didn’t hurt him as I prepped him.
“Finally.” He breathed out, watching me as I uncapped the bottle and covered a few of my fingers. This was why he was tied up.
“Are you ready to watch?” I asked, sitting behind him so he was sitting on my lap in a way that he could see what I was doing.
“Yes!” He tipped his head forward and released a breathy moan.
“Okay.” I smiled and slowly started to prep him, teasing him with it wouldn’t do much but I could still give him a show.
I watched as he flushed, and listened to him moan. He was watching my hand work inside of him until I decided he was ready.
“You ready big guy?” I asked, kissing along his jaw. I was careful, I never left marks where his clothes couldn’t hide them.
“Please!” He begged. I smiled and grabbed the lube again, this time making sure my dick didn’t just rip into him and cause damage neither of us would notice.
“Ima go in nice and slow.” I instructed as I lifted him up a little so I could actually push into him.
“Okay.” His words were wobbly. I checked, no he hadn’t cum again but he was getting close.
“Look how beautiful you are.” I hummed, my hand cupped his thigh and I let myself become super strong again as I started to find a pace while I fucked him.
“All marked up.” He hummed with a low moan.
“Just because you wanted it.” I teased him. My other hand found his hip and I left a bruise there.
“Yes!” He cried. I felt myself growing close just from the sounds he was making.
“M close love. You ready?” I left a few more bruises on his thighs and waist.
“Please.” He cried before I saw him cum in the mirror's reflection. I gave a low grunt as I came as well.
“Was that good enough to feel?” I asked after he calmed down in my arms.
“My brain is hazed. Was good.” He muttered, leaning his head on my shoulder.
“Then let’s get your thigh wrapped up and get you to bed. You were such a good boy.” I untied him and took his full weight down onto myself.
“Okay.” He muttered sleepily. I kissed him again on the lips before I slowly moved him down on the bed and took stock of the damage.
“We are doing this again sometime.” I announced, more to myself as he was already falling asleep.
“Mkay.” He whispered. In that light all I could imagine was him just being mine, and it hurt how much I wished it was real.

Chapter Text

“Oh you have a son? I have a daughter.” I heard Duke laughing at the bar as I walked inside.
“Oh? How old?” The man behind the bar asked as I slowly approached them.
“Crap, she’s seven months old.” Duke answered.
“My boy is turning six.” The man smiled. He saw me approaching and gave a small wave. “Hi sir, welcome.”
“Nathan.” Duke let out a heavy sigh.
“Hello, I’m popping in for lunch. Care to find a place to eat?” I asked Duke.
“Yeah sure, hey I hope your kid likes that golden doubloon.” Duke gave a small wave to the man before we both headed for the bar.
“Who was that man?” I asked.
“My grandfather.” He sighed as he sat down.
“Shit.”
“Yeah.” Duke set down his own beer and took a sip.
“Roy Crocker was a bartender?” I asked, amused.
“Apparently murdering troubled people isn’t the only genetic trait I got.” Duke tipped his glass.
“Jean is fine.” I felt he should know as soon as possible.
“She is? That’s good. I didn’t mean to just drop her off and disappear.” Duke leaned back in his chair.
“Audrey said something was off about the town, that Vince and Dave were gone. Then we got your letter.” I explained. “She’s still in the car where we left her, she’s still safe.”
“That’s. Fuck.” Duke gave a small huff. “That’s good.”
“Hey, she’s our girl. Audrey will take care of her while we work out how to get back to our own time. So what’s the deal with Grandpa Crocker.” I tipped my own beer.
“He dies today, by Sarah.” Duke muttered.
“Like, Audrey’s Sarah?” I watched him pass me his father’s and grandfather's journal. The page was flipped to Roy’s obituary.
“Yeah. Today, he died. And unfortunately for us both, I have saved his life already.” Duke gave a soft groan as he covered his eyes with his arm.
“Which could be why the Haven Herald is gone.” I remarked on what Audrey had told me, though the memories were hazy as if being in the past made me remember what had changed.
“No but, the thing is he always died because of Sarah. She wasn’t in the brawl fight.” Duke explained.
“What would happen if you killed him? I know you hate it, but he would still die today and you would lose your trouble.” I offered.
“Trust me Nate, I’ve considered it. Spent a lot of time in the Police Station thinking about it. Fun fact, the guard is here.” Duke grumbled.
“How about you find out why Sarah killed your Grandfather, or kill him yourself. I will go down to the station and find out about the guard.” I slowly stood up.
“How?”
“I have the ink Duke, may as well use it.” I lifted the sleeve and showed off my ink. Duke's face paled as he saw and I quickly pulled it back down. “I’m sorry. I’ll remove it once we are done with the guard.”
“It’s okay.” He sounded hollow. “Go find out what you can with the guard.”
“Be safe Duke. I’ll come back as soon as I’m done.” I squeezed his arm and headed out the door.
Turns out finding that out was easier said than done as I found both Sarah and the man who had sent us back in time relatively quickly, even having time to talk to Sarah on the beach and get to know her better for Audrey.
“Hey I’m, Duke?” I asked upon returning to the bar. Duke was tied up and based on what he told me earlier about Roy being made to kill troubled people I was startled.
“Hey. Sorry.” He winced as I untied him.
“Are you okay?” I helped him up.
“Yeah. He’s going to kill Sarah.” Duke leaned on the counter for support.
“Then let’s go save Sarah.” I rubbed his shoulder. He gave me a sharp nod and off we went.

Chapter Text

“Are we gonna talk about what happened in 1955?” I leaned over the back of the couch to watch Nathan play with Jean on the living room floor.
“What, that we had a threesome in the back of a car?” He looked up at me.
“Yeah!”
“Nope.” He popped the P.
“Why not?” I made an effort to roll over the top of the couch and onto the floor with a ceremonious thud.
“Because, how the fuck do we tell Audrey that we had a fucking threesome with her?” He lifted up a blue ring for Jean and she grabbed it, smacking his hand and then thighs about twelve times in a minute.
“You know what I’ve been thinking about.” I scooted over to them.
“What?”
“We forgot a condom and Sarah has a son.” I slowly moved onto my stomach and tickled my daughter.
“Yeah?” Nathan looked down at me.
“You could be James’ dad.” I watched him grow pale.
“Fuck you.” He hissed.
“I’m sorry.” I looked back at Jean, she was busy laughing at the fact that I was tickling her.
“You really think it’s possible?” He asked after a few more moments.
“I have no idea.” I genuinely didn’t.
“Guess we will just need to wait and see then.” I felt Nathan rest his hand on my back and I couldn’t stop the smile from splitting across my face.
“At least we know you’ll be good with a child.” I hummed looking at the little girl. My little world.
“Yeah.” Nathan agreed.

Chapter Text

“Baby.” I made grabby hands toward Jean.
“What?” Duke looked up from where he was rocking her back and forth in the kitchen.
“Give me the baby.” I explained, opening my arms from where I sat on the couch.
“Right.” Duke came over and kneeled with one leg between mine and the other stretched toward the ground.
“Thank you.” I hummed as I pulled her down into my arms. She giggled and curled up against my chest.
“She’s so comfortable with you.” Duke hummed, not making an effort to move.
“I’m cuddly.” I smile, looking down at the baby girl who was fast asleep in my chest.
“I’ll agree to that.” Duke gave a soft grunt and he laid back into the other side of the couch. His legs linked with mine.
“She’s getting so big.” I gave a small pout.
“She is.”
“They always say blink and you miss it. Sometimes it scares me how right that is.” I lamented.
“Blink again and she will be old enough to take care of us.” Duke joked.
“God don’t remind me. It scares me how quickly it’s going to go by. I’m scared I’ll blink and then she will be walking down the aisle next to you.” I admitted to him.
“My daughter may get married before me.” Duke's face grew sad.
“You were married before. Technically you’re a widower.” I set my hand on his calf.
“Don’t remind me.” He paused. “That was a marriage of convenience not of love. Sure the sex was okay, but I never loved Evi.”
“I know what that’s like.”
“Have you ever been in love?” He asked.
“Once.” I studied his face. “It didn’t end the way I wanted it to.”
“Oh.”
“It’s okay, I’m fine with watching people fall in love from the side lines.” I didn’t want him to worry.
“I was in love before too.”
“What were they like?” I saw his face soften as he looked at us.
“Exactly who I needed at the wrong time.” He smiled.
“Same.” I agreed.
“To failed love?” He made a mock toast gesture.
“To failed love.” I joined him in on the gesture and we did a small cheer.

Chapter Text

“Hey, Papa. Damn my clothes look good on you.” I smiled at Nate while he was hunched over his desk doing some paperwork. He looked up and gave a small smile when he saw me and Jean.
“Hey Duke, Princess. Also I grabbed the first thing I could see. Why are you here?” Nathan stood up and quickly took her from the carrier on my chest.
“Figured we are on the same lunch break today. Maybe you could spend some time with Jean?” I brushed my hand through her curls.
“I’d love to, however we had a little girl become abandoned by her father and the driver of their transport car. The guard.” He let out a heavy sigh.
“Shit. Is the girl okay?” I asked, stepping a bit closer to him.
“Yeah, just. Making me think about James.” Nathan met my eyes.
“James?” I asked, confused.
“He’s Sarah’s son.” He started to slowly rock Jean as he held her closer.
“You’re in need of a break.” I placed a hand on his shoulder.
“I can’t take one yet unfortunately. Hey, I’ll get her down for her nap, you can see if Audrey needs help.” He moved around his desk and set Jean into her little rocker.
“Can we leave her in here?” I asked, realizing he had his coat on.
“I have to go talk to Jordan, but you can leave her in here and she will nap just fine. I’ll crack a window if you’re so worried.” He rejoined me. His tie was wonky from having a baby hold it so I fixed it for him.
“She’s crawling now Nate, I’m always worried.” I gave him a small smile.
“Go see what Audrey needs if she needs anything. She’s got Claire in there with the kid, so maybe all is okay and you can come in here and nap on my couch.” He gave a small wink.
“You got it, Chief.” I gave him a small wink in return before I headed out towards Audrey’s office.
“Duke?” Audrey looked surprised.
“Are you in Nathan’s clothes?” Claire asked.
“He’s in mine.” I shrugged with a smile. “Speaking of Nate, do you need any help with this little one?”
“Yes, she won’t talk to us.” Audrey explained.
“Ah, so what are you in for?” I slid down onto the couch next to the girl. She looked up at me weirdly. “Does she have a lawyer? Her snacks? Her knight in shining armor?”
“You’re funny.” She laughed. I looked up at Audrey with a smile.
“I’m Duke.” I extended my hand out to her.
“I’m Ginger.” She shook my hand.
“Shit, I need to get down to the coroners. Can you actually watch her until we get back?” Audrey asked, looking at her phone.
“Leave her with me.” I rested on the couch. Jean was in the next room over and would be fine.
“You look like a pirate.” Ginger said after a moment.
“I do? I hope so. I once lived on a boat.” I laughed.
“You did? With a Mrs. Pirate and kids?” She looked interested.
“No Mrs. Pirate.” I thought about Nathan, the feelings I had for him were still very strong. “I do have a daughter though. She’s in the next room.”
“What’s she like?” Ginger sat a bit closer to me.
“She’s just a baby right now, but she’s very sassy. Pouts like my friend Nathan. You met Nathan right?” I asked.
“Is he the weird man with the vest and tie?” She tilted her head a little.
“Yeah. He’s a bit weird, he’s got this thing called a trouble where he can’t feel anything.” I explained. “It makes him have issues.”
“That must be hard.” She pouted a bit.
“I think it is.”
“So why aren’t you living on your boat anymore?” She had an excited look on her face.
“Hm, that’s because I live with Nathan now. He’s helping me raise my daughter. But we do take my boat out sometimes.” I winked.
“Cool! Hey, um can we get food?” She did look a little hungry.
“Can’t take you out of the station kiddo. I’m sorry.” I felt bad saying no to her.
“What about for ice cream? We should go get ice cream.” I looked around and realizing no one was around I nodded and slowly stood up.
“No one is stopping us, and I do have a weak spot for ice cream. Okay, stay here let me get my daughter and we can go.” I slipped out of the room to grab Jean and her diaper bag which I had left by the door.

Chapter Text

“What do you mean you took her out of the station?” I raised my voice at Duke while we stood outside by the ice cream cart.
“She wanted ice cream and I didn’t want to keep her cooped up inside. Figured Jean could nap and we could go for a walk and be back at the station before anything happened.” He shrugged.
“Fuck, Duke! You can’t just listen this one time?” I was worried because the Guard didn’t know anything and apparently Ginger’s father had kidnapped her.
“I didn’t think she would get kidnapped Nathan! That’s why I called you, I figured you could help me!” He bit back, covering Jean’s ears so she wouldn’t wake up.
“Shit.” My face fell. “Okay you go that way and we will go this way. Please be safe.”
“Keep your phone on as well!” Audrey announced as we started to walk away.
“I will!” He quickly turned and started walking away. I wanted to apologize but I figured I could do it after we found Ginger.
Unfortunately what we did find was a body, stabbed by himself. Ginger had been there since Audrey recognized her teddy bear.
“What if it’s not her father?” Audrey looked up at me.
“What do you mean?” I asked, curious.
“In the car and here it’s possible, however what if in the station Duke didn’t actually come up with the plan to get ice cream.” She continued.
“What if Ginger was the reason they came to Haven?” I got worried. She was alone, and had killed a member of the Guard.
“I need to call Duke.” She pulled out her phone. It was silent for a while and I only got her end of the call but by the look on her face it wasn’t good.
“We need to go to the Gull.” She quickly shoved her phone into her pocket and started for the Bronco.
“Right.” The anxiety building in my chest was almost too much as we drove to his restaurant. Logistically he would be there, the Rouge, or at home.
“His truck!” She called out as we pulled up to the Gull.
“Duke!” I screamed as I saw Duke on the balcony railing. I didn’t even bother with my car, I just got out and ran up to the balcony. He fell.
“Duke!” Audrey screamed as she saw him land onto the deck below. My heart was beating so fucking loud.
“Duke, Duke?” I ran down and knelt beside him. He groaned against my touch.
“Nate.” Audrey spoke up.
“Yeah?” I didn’t look up from Duke.
“Jean.”
“What?” I looked up, sure enough Jean was fast asleep but her arm was broken, visibly so. “What happened?”
“She got cut and Duke touched it, got this cool eye color and then her arm was broken. I told her to forget about the pain and sleep.” Ginger spoke up.
“Shit, Duke.” I sighed and looked down at the man who had snuggled into my hand.
“Duke! Get up! You’re fine!” Ginger screamed.
“I’m fine.” Duke stood up and then quickly fell over into a chair with a pained grunt. I tried to catch him but failed.
“You deal with Ginger. I need to get Duke to bed and then we need to get Jean looked at.” I started ranting.
“Nate, we can’t take Jean to the hospital yet. Not with everything the way it is right now.” She gave me this look that made me feel like if I didn’t agree I would be the next person off that balcony.
“Okay. Okay! I’ll get Duke up into your apartment. He needs to rest.” I sighed.
I lifted Duke up and carried him up into Audrey’s apartment. Once he was in her bed I saw him open his eyes a little.
“Nate?” He asked.
“I’m right here Duke.” I sat on the bed and brushed my hand through his hair.
“I love you Nate.” He muttered before slipping into sleep. I sat there for a few more minutes just processing that.
“I love you too Duke.” I leaned down and kissed his forehead before slipping outside. Too many emotions flushing through my body.

Chapter Text

I groaned as I rolled over in bed. It wasn’t mine and that made me sit up. I let out a sharp hiss as pain coursed through my body.
“Hey buddy.” Audrey smiled.
“Fuck happened?” I asked.
“Mind controlled by a child. Jordan tried to kidnap Ginger. Something she said about you got him all riled up because when he got back from talking to Ginger’s uncle he had a gun on her. She’s cuffed downstairs.” Audrey filled me in.
“Shit.”
“Yeah, and Nathan is falling apart right now, I can’t help.” She shrugged.
“I’ve got him.” I slid out of the bed and started downstairs. My whole body hurt.
“Tell me!” Nathan’s scream shot out of my restaurant.
“Nate?” I asked, worried. He turned to look at me and seemed to relax a bit. On his chest was Jean, fast asleep.
“Duke.” He sighed. Stepping away from the table where Jordan was locked up. That’s when I saw Jean's arm.
“Fuck.” I covered my mouth and leaned onto a table.
“Hey, it’s okay.” He grabbed my hand.
“Her arm.” I looked at it.
“Your trouble kicked in because Ginger here cut her hand and when you went to hold her you touched her blood. You didn’t do it on purpose, and after all this bullshit she will be fine. Ginger has her sleeping now.” He brought his hand up to my cheek and I let out a heavy breath.
“I’m sorry baby girl.” I leaned down and kissed her head.
“She will be okay.” Nathan remarked.
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
“You good Duke?” Audrey placed her hand on my back.
“Yeah, I’m good. Can I?” I asked, motioning to the carrier.
“Always.” Nathan and I got the carrier strapped to my chest and Jean comfortably inside.
“I love you my little one.” I muttered into her hair.
“Okay, back to you.” Nathan turned back to Jordan.
Eventually, with my help working with Ginger, we got her to tell us where Ginger’s father was.
“Why did you need Ginger?” He asked again.
“As reassurance for Audrey.” Jordan remarked.
“She’s immune.” Nathan spat.
“You aren’t.” She looked back at me. “He clearly isn’t.”
“Why do you need reassurance?” Nathan slammed his hand down on the table.
“In case she won’t go into the barn. She has to go into the barn. When she leaves, so does the barn and the troubles!” Jordan cried out.
“What?” I breathed out. “How do you know that?”
“The guard has been around far longer than you think.” She sneered at me.
“Duke.” Nathan turned to me.
“Yeah?” I stepped closer and watched as he reached a hand out to touch Jean.
“We need to get into that house.” He explained.
“I’ll ask Ginger.” I squeezed his arm. He gave me a sharp nod before he turned back to Jordan.
“First jail, next, we are getting that little girl's father and then we are getting her as far away from here as possible.” His voice was level.
“When Audrey leaves, Haven becomes a Haven again.” Jordan tried again.
“Shut up.” Nate snapped.
I stepped outside and saw Ginger sitting on the steps. She looked sad but seemed to lighten up when she saw me.
“I’m sorry about Jean. I got jealous.” She apologized.
“It’s okay. She won’t remember any of this anyways.” I sat next to her.
“You’re not mad?” She asked.
“Not with you. You couldn’t control it. I know what it’s like to hurt someone I care about when my trouble first started.” I rubbed her back.
“Nathan?”
“How’d you know?” I looked at her in shock.
“He was scared when you fell off the balcony. Like really scared.” She stated.
“Oh.” I looked down at the ground. “Didn’t think he would care.”
“Like my dad?”
“Your dad cares. It’s just. I’m the reason Nathan is the way he is. He may like me as a friend but he wouldn’t care if I disappeared tomorrow. Your dad however is probably freaking out wanting to find you.” I explained.
“He cares. I promise.” She smiled.
“So does your dad, and we found him so I need your help one last time.” I brushed my hand through Jean’s hair.
“Jean wake up.” She said to Jean. The little one started to whimper and cry and I quickly started to coo to her.
“That too, but we need your help to make the men who took your father to either sleep or go away.” I stood up and started to sway.
“I can help you. I’ll do it.” She placed a hand on Jean’s back. “You don’t feel the pain.”
“Thank you.” Jean started to calm down and cooed into my chest as she used her uninjured arm to hold my shirt tightly. I pulled Ginger into a small hug.

Chapter Text

I let out a heavy groan as the man pulled a gun on all of us. It was turning into a very fucking long day.
“Don’t!” The man yelled as Duke moved to pick up a gun. A shot rang out and I looked to see him frozen, his hands covering Jean who started to cry.
“Put your fucking gun down.” I threatened.
“Or what?” He sneered.
“Drop your gun and leave us alone!” Ginger yelled at him.
“Awe, shame that your trouble is sated now that you’re with daddy.” The man mocked.
“You let them leave and I’ll let Jordan out.” I stepped over a bit, blocking Duke and Jean.
“That mark mean anything anymore?” He asked.
“No, not anymore.” I snapped back. I checked on Duke again before I turned back to the man. He nodded.
“Leave.” He motioned to the door. Audrey grabbed Ginger and helped her and her father out. “You’re a coward Nathan.”
“No, just not a fucking dumbass.” I made sure Duke was out before I stepped out of the house.
“You okay?” He asked me.
“I’m fine, did you get shot?” I checked him over.
“No, it hit the wall behind me. She’s just a bit startled. She really needs to go to the hospital though.” He looked down at her arm with a sad expression.
“I can take her if you know of somewhere safe for them to stay until all this bullshit is over.” I brushed my hand through Jean’s curls, her cries turned into small whimpers.
“I do. Let’s get back to the Gull and we can get it all sorted.” He grabbed my shoulder.
Once we got back to the Gull Duke gave me Jean and kissed her head.
“You good?” I asked, setting a hand on his chest.
“I’ll be fine. Just, try not to let the whole town fall apart while I’m gone.” He winked.
“I’ll try, you’re a very large hole to fill.” I joked back. He gave Jean one last kiss on her head.
“I’ll be home as soon as possible.” He looked up at me and gave me a soft smile.
“I’ll hold you to that.”
“Alright Ginger, you ready to go on a pirate adventure?” Duke turned and made a show to the little girl.
“Yes!” She cheered.
“Good! Now I’m gonna take you and your dad somewhere safe.” He knelt down next to her.
“Will you visit me with your daughter and Mrs. Pirate?” She asked.
“I will try.” He looked back at us with this soft smile.
“Good! I like Nathan!” She smiled brightly. I watched Duke turn red before he looked back at her and lowered his voice.
I watched with a smug smile on my face. Enjoying how he looked and reacted to people assuming we were a couple.
“Why are you so smug?” Audrey nudged me.
“Duke told me he loves me when he was in your apartment. I don’t think he remembers but he told me. I plan to make that man my boyfriend.” I replied with ease.
“I believe it.” She rested her head on my shoulder.
“Alright! We are off! By my love.” Duke kissed Jean's cheek as soon as he stood back up. “Be good for Papa. Bye Audrey!”
“Bye Duke!” Audrey waved to him.
“Bye Duke.” I hummed. He gave me another smile before he hopped into his Landrover and started to drive off.

Chapter Text

I let out a sigh as I finally got back into town a day later. I had called Nathan and he said they were still in the hospital so I changed clothes before I turned back around and went straight for the hospital.
“I’m here for Jean Crocker.” I told the receptionist.
“Relationship?”
“I’m her father, my friend brought her in because I wasn’t in town.” I explained.
“Friend’s name.” She eyed me skeptically.
“Chief Nathan Wuornos.” I smiled.
“Right.”
I stood there for a few minutes as she just squinted at me. She didn’t move to look up a room, or tell me anything, which made me worried.
“Do you want me to call Nathan?” I asked.
“No.” Yet she still didn’t do anything.
“Okay.” I hummed and stepped a little bit away from her counter and sent a quick ‘here’ text to Nate.
“Crocker?” A woman asked.
“Yes! Hi! Do you know where my daughter is?” I saw a woman in nice clothes standing at a door.
“I do, however you need to come with us.” She had a stern look on her face.
“Right, okay.” I followed her into the room and found it to be a small office.
“Okay, we are just going to ask you a few questions before we let you see your daughter.” She set down a notepad and I knew what was happening. Of course they thought badly of me.
“Anything.” I sat down across from her.
“How did your daughter get hurt?” She started.
“I was playing with her while watching over a girl for the Chief. We were playing pirates and I accidentally broke her arm. Trust me I’ve been beating myself up about it since it happened.” I explained.
“And why did it take so long for her to come to a hospital?” She continued.
“Ah, so I got injured too, and then the girl almost got kidnapped so I was unable to leave for about two hours because I was unconscious. Nathan and Audrey were busy on the case and couldn’t find a way to get her to the hospital and stay with her while I recovered.” I acknowledged.
“Her labs and Nathan both said she was injured about five to six hours before we got her. What happened to the other three?” She eyed me with a grimace.
“The girl's dad was kidnapped and so we had to go get him and then Nathan told me he would bring Jean here so I could take the girl and her dad to the house they were staying at outside of town.” I skipped all the trouble bits.
“Right.” She looked back at her notes. “And you are aware that breaking a baby’s arm is incredibly hard to do, especially on accident?” She pursed her lips.
“I’m not a weak man. Listen, please, after her arm broke I fell off the balcony of my restaurant. I don’t care if you don’t believe me, but it genuinely was an accident.” I leaned back in the chair.
“Right. And you just so happened to have the Chief of police just with you?” She flipped to another page.
“Yeah, I live with Nathan. He helps me with Jean.” I was losing this conversation.
“Right. Is there anywhere you can stay while we continue our investigation?” She asked, bluntly.
“My boat.” I felt my mouth go dry.
“Good, you’ll need to be away from her while we investigate.” She stood up and walked away.
“Duke?” Nathan stepped through the door. I wiped my face dry, I had started crying.
“How’d you get here so fast?” I clung to him as he hugged me.
“You’ve been here for thirty minutes. What happened?” He pulled away and I felt his hands on my face as he cleaned off the tears.
“I can’t.” I sucked in a deep breath. “I can’t see Jean right now.”
“What?” He pulled back even more, confused.
“They think I hurt her on purpose.” I felt a sob threatening to come from my mouth.
“Oh Duke.” His voice grew soft.
“My baby.” I cried, that loud sob breaking free.
“Shh, I know.” His hands were in my hair and my head was against his chest.
“M sorry.” I continued to cry.
“It’s gonna be okay. I’ll get all this sorted out and you can see her again. Where are they gonna have her be?” He pulled up another chair and sat down, holding my hands.
“With you.”
“Where will you be?” He looked stern.
“My boat.” I tried to smile.
“Duke.”
“It will be okay. Maybe I’m not supposed to have a family.” I tried to laugh.
“Duke.” His voice was thin.
“It’s okay. I’m going to go home.” I stood up and headed for the door.
“I’ll come visit you soon. Okay?” He put a hand on my back.
“Just can’t have Jean.” I muttered. My heart was shattering.
“That’s why we have Meg.” He rubbed my back slightly. I gave a silent nod and headed for the door again. This time I made it to my car and down the road before I felt my heart explode and I was crying again. I had to find a way to prove myself to them. All of them.

Chapter Text

I let out a sigh as I finally got back into town a day later. I had called Nathan and he said they were still in the hospital so I changed clothes before I turned back around and went straight for the hospital.
“I’m here for Jean Crocker.” I told the receptionist.
“Relationship?”
“I’m her father, my friend brought her in because I wasn’t in town.” I explained.
“Friend’s name.” She eyed me skeptically.
“Chief Nathan Wuornos.” I smiled.
“Right.”
I stood there for a few minutes as she just squinted at me. She didn’t move to look up a room, or tell me anything, which made me worried.
“Do you want me to call Nathan?” I asked.
“No.” Yet she still didn’t do anything.
“Okay.” I hummed and stepped a little bit away from her counter and sent a quick ‘here’ text to Nate.
“Crocker?” A woman asked.
“Yes! Hi! Do you know where my daughter is?” I saw a woman in nice clothes standing at a door.
“I do, however you need to come with us.” She had a stern look on her face.
“Right, okay.” I followed her into the room and found it to be a small office.
“Okay, we are just going to ask you a few questions before we let you see your daughter.” She set down a notepad and I knew what was happening. Of course they thought badly of me.
“Anything.” I sat down across from her.
“How did your daughter get hurt?” She started.
“I was playing with her while watching over a girl for the Chief. We were playing pirates and I accidentally broke her arm. Trust me I’ve been beating myself up about it since it happened.” I explained.
“And why did it take so long for her to come to a hospital?” She continued.
“Ah, so I got injured too, and then the girl almost got kidnapped so I was unable to leave for about two hours because I was unconscious. Nathan and Audrey were busy on the case and couldn’t find a way to get her to the hospital and stay with her while I recovered.” I acknowledged.
“Her labs and Nathan both said she was injured about five to six hours before we got her. What happened to the other three?” She eyed me with a grimace.
“The girl's dad was kidnapped and so we had to go get him and then Nathan told me he would bring Jean here so I could take the girl and her dad to the house they were staying at outside of town.” I skipped all the trouble bits.
“Right.” She looked back at her notes. “And you are aware that breaking a baby’s arm is incredibly hard to do, especially on accident?” She pursed her lips.
“I’m not a weak man. Listen, please, after her arm broke I fell off the balcony of my restaurant. I don’t care if you don’t believe me, but it genuinely was an accident.” I leaned back in the chair.
“Right. And you had the Chief of police just with you?” She flipped to another page.
“Yeah, I live with Nathan. He helps me with Jean.” I was losing this conversation.
“Right. Is there anywhere you can stay while we continue our investigation?” She asked, bluntly.
“My boat.” I felt my mouth go dry.
“Good, you’ll need to be away from her while we investigate.” She stood up and walked away.
“Duke?” Nathan stepped through the door. I wiped my face dry, I had started crying.
“How’d you get here so fast?” I clung to him as he hugged me.
“You’ve been here for thirty minutes. What happened?” He pulled away and I felt his hands on my face as he cleaned off the tears.
“I can’t.” I sucked in a deep breath. “I can’t see Jean right now.”
“What?” He pulled back even more, confused.
“They think I hurt her on purpose.” I felt a sob threatening to come from my mouth.
“Oh Duke.” His voice grew soft.
“My baby.” I cried, that loud sob breaking free.
“Shh, I know.” His hands were in my hair and my head was against his chest.
“M sorry.” I continued to cry.
“It’s gonna be okay. I’ll get all this sorted out and you can see her again. Where are they gonna have her be?” He pulled up another chair and sat down, holding my hands.
“With you.”
“Where will you be?” He looked stern.
“My boat.” I tried to smile.
“Duke.”
“It will be okay. Maybe I’m not supposed to have a family.” I tried to laugh.
“Duke.” His voice was thin.
“It’s okay. I’m going to go home.” I stood up and headed for the door.
“I’ll come visit you soon. Okay?” He put a hand on my back.
“Just can’t have Jean.” I muttered. My heart was shattering.
“That’s why we have Meg.” He rubbed my back slightly. I gave a silent nod and headed for the door again. This time I made it to my car and down the road before I felt my heart explode and I was crying again. I had to find a way to prove myself to them. All of them.

Chapter Text

I knocked on the door of the Rouge. Duke didn’t respond to my texts and I was a bit worried.
“Hm?” He grunted as the door opened. Great, he was drunk.
“Let me in.” I sighed.
“Okay.” He stumbled away from the door, not bothering to latch it. He always latched it.
“How are you?” I looked around the boat at the fucking mess.
“Still alive.” He flopped onto the couch.
“Duke.” I groaned. I knelt next to him and brushed his hair from his face. He groaned and turned away from me.
“No.”
“You need to sober up please.” I brushed my hand against his arm.
“No!” He shoved himself further into the couch.
“Fine, then I’m leaving.” I gave him an empty threat.
“No.” His voice was so little. I looked down and saw him holding my shirt. He had started to cry.
“Then you need to let me help you get sober.” I sighed.
“Okay.” He nodded.
I stood up and walked into the kitchen. I flinched when I saw it was mostly alcohol glasses and very little food dishes. I grabbed him a water glass and returned to the couch where he was just staring at the wall.
“Duke?” I kneed his leg slightly.
“Hm.”
“Water.”
“Ah.” He made grabby hands towards the glass.
“Please drink. Can you manage for a bit while I go to the Gull and get us lunch? I’m hungry and it slipped my mind.” I brushed my hand through his hair again.
“Yes.” He nodded. I leaned down and kissed his forehead before I was out the door and at the Gull.
“Hey, is Duke okay? He’s been a no show for three days. Some CPS people came by and asked for him, we said he was at home but they said he moved out.” Tracy asked as soon as she saw me.
“Jean got hurt because of Duke’s trouble. He’s locked himself away on the boat because he can’t be around her. I’m bringing him lunch. He’s really fucked up over it.” I explained.
“I’ll make sure to bring him food before and after my next few shifts. Are you okay?” She started making an order for me to take.
“I miss Duke. I was going to ask him out when he got back but then CPS had to show up. It’s just. A lot right now.” I gave a heavy sigh.
“Ah so you figured out he loves you?” She smiled.
“I did.” I nodded.
“Does he know?”
“Unfortunately not. I’m hopeful that I can ask him out soon.” I crossed my fingers.
“I wish you luck Nate. You’ve done good for him, he’s really been better.” She smiled and handed me a bag of food.
“Thanks.” I waved to her and the cook before stepping out and returning to the boat.
“Nate?” He called out.
“Yeah, it’s me Duke.” I hummed as I set down the food on the coffee table. The water glass was empty.
“I finished it.” He motioned towards the glass.
“Thank you. Now be honest, when was the last time you ate?” I asked.
“Hm, two days ago?” He sat up and started to dig into the pasta Tracy gave us.
“Duke.” I whined. “You need to take better care of yourself.”
“It’s hard.” He muttered around food.
“I know. I miss you being at home.” I scooted until I was sitting against him.
“I just wanna go home.” He curled up under my arm.
“Soon. I promise.” I rubbed his arm.
“You know, Jean started babbling? She’ll be talking soon. Which means I may not be around when she does.” He got this distant look to him.
“You will.” I tried to reassure him.
“I can’t do anything right for her!” He kinda yelled.
“You’re doing everything right for her Duke. They’ll realize soon that you genuinely wouldn’t hurt her and then you can come home.” I forced him to look at me.
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
“I really do miss you.” He said after a few moments of silence.
“Me too. Especially after what Audrey found regarding the bolt gun killer. You being away gives me anxiety.” I admitted.
“What happened?” He asked.
“It’s a skinwalker trouble. Meaning they could be in anyone’s skin.” I gave a small shudder.
“Fuck, really?” He fumbled and I was laying on the couch under him.
“Yeah.” I brushed his hair up and out of his face.
“Nate, that’s fucking creepy.” Duke stated.
“Wanna test our troubles?” I laughed. Duke nodded and grabbed a knife way too quickly.
“Could we? Actually?” He sat back a bit, but actually on my lap.
“Always Duke.” I extended my hand and he sliced it. The blood turned his eyes silver, and as usual I couldn’t feel shit.
“Am I?” He sounded worried.
“You’re my Duke.” I squeezed his hand.
“Ah.” He nodded as his eyes turned back to normal and he looked down at my hand.
“I don’t feel it.” I sat up a little.
“Cool.” He nodded and just stared at the way my hand stopped bleeding.
“I can prove it when you sober up.” I winked.
“Oh?” He looked at me with this blank expression. “Oh!”
“There you go.” I hummed.
“Sobering up for sure.” He finished his food quickly and made an effort to clean up the ‘dishes’.
“I appreciate it.” I started to clean up his living room area, helping him where I could.
“Have you ever been told how amazing you are?” I saw his arms wrap around my torso and I turned my head to see him.
“Probably.” I laughed.
“Well you are. Thank you Nate. Love you man.” He squeezed a bit, I saw how his arms curled inward and it made me sad that I couldn’t feel him.
“You too buddy.” It wasn’t the right time. I had to wait for the right time.

Chapter Text

I stepped into the abandoned building. It looked like an old fishing shed or a crappy little factory. Of course it didn’t help that what I was walking up to was a few tanks with bodies inside. Nope not bodies, those were skins.
“Nathan, is this that shit you told me about yesterday?” I groaned, stepping closer to Nathan.
“You told him?” Audrey looked at me.
“Yes, I did. And I tested him.” Nathan’s cheeks flushed a little.
“You tested him?” Claire shot us a confused look.
“Silver eyes. They never lie.” I gave a small pout.
“Hey, they are what make me know it’s you.” Nathan set a hand on my shoulder and I nodded softly.
“Right, this is the bolt gun killer’s base. He was Tommy, and now he’s someone else. He wants to be in our circle so he could and will be one of us.” Audrey announced.
“So I’m in the clear and you’re in the clear?” I asked.
“Why would Audrey be in the clear?” Claire cocked an eyebrow.
“She’s immune to the troubles, meaning if they were going to kill her and skin her it wouldn’t do anything.” I offered.
“He has a point.” Nathan agreed.
“Have you two spent time apart since you did your test?” Claire asked one more time. Fuck she was being kind of a bitch.
“Yes.” I cut in before Nathan could.
“Then either one of you could be the skinwalker.” She shrugged. “ we all need to be tested.”
“Whatever.” I huffed. Nathan gave me a soft look and I couldn’t help but stand closer to him.
“Right so until we figure out who it is we are all going to the station.” Audrey advised.
“Jean.” I breathed out, worry overtaking my whole body.
“Hey.” Nathan grabbed my arm. “Hey, she’s with Meg and Bill. She is safe.”
“Fuck.” I nodded a little. “Are they?”
“Made Bill upset and his food turned sour. Meg is Meg, trust me I’m well aware because she brought up how you refuse to piss her off.”
“Thank you Nate.” I sighed, my body deflating a bit.
The drive to the police station was long, I was trying to rattle off the differences in Nathan between yesterday and today, coming up with nothing. Which relieved me to no end.
“Duke.” Nathan smiled as he watched me walk into the station. I was the only one who drove alone so that made sense why he was worried for me.
“I don’t want to do this.” I warned him.
“I know.” He rested a hand on my shoulder and pulled me into his office.
“Nate, they are going to make me use my trouble, I just.” I sat down on his couch.
“Audrey is with Claire right now. Then you’ll go in. I’ll be right after you so if they do you can leave and I’ll join you right after.” He sat down next to me.
“It’s not you.” It felt like I was trying to convince myself.
“No it’s not. I can’t feel you.” He let out a heavy sigh as his hand rested on my thigh.
“Would the skinwalker know about our um, personal relationship?” I broached.
“Which part? How we fucked when I could feel again that one time? How we have a hook above my bed for.” I covered his mouth with a startled laugh.
“Nathan, you’re ruining me.” I sighed, pulling my hand from his mouth.
“Good.” He winked at me.
“After everything is done we should really talk about where the fuck this relationship is going. I’m just saying. Because clearly we skipped a line.” I leaned back into the couch.
“There was a line?” Nathan cocked an eyebrow at me.
“I don’t know actually.” I gave a soft sigh and looked at Nathan again. He was watching me and he was so soft about it. It made me certain that if I asked him on a date he would say yes. However I didn’t want to ask him out while my own daughter wasn’t with me.
“We are a damn sight.” Nathan leaned back, his head resting on my shoulder as I wrapped my arm around him.
“Duke.” Audrey interrupted. Because of course she did as I was fucking getting somewhere!
“Yeah yeah, I’m coming.” I waved her off. “Wish me luck Nate.”
“You don’t need luck. You’re a pirate.” He moved as she left the room, then his lips were on mine and I felt like I would be okay.
“And you’re Pinocchio.” I hummed into the kiss, letting him have a taste before I pulled away.
“I’ll see you after this, Duke.” He gave a small smile that just made me know he understood I was really me.
“Me first?”
“Yes Duke, you’re the easiest to test.” She sighed.
“Audrey.”
“Duke.” She mocked my tone.
“Fine.” I huffed, settling into the shitty metal chair I really spent way too much time in.
“Like Audrey said, your test is the easiest.” Claire stood behind her, arms crossed.
“Okay.” I leaned back in the chair and gave them both an expectant look.
“We will just give you the blood of a troubled person.” Claire continued.
“No! Absolutely the fuck not!” I slammed my hands onto the table. I was sure Nathan could hear me.
“Then you’re the shapeshifter.” She snapped.
“M not.”
“Prove it.” She rested a hand on her hip, fuckin bitch.
“Audrey, what happened with us in Colorado, when we.” I paused and looked at Claire. “Kissed.”
“You kissed Duke?” Claire butted in.
“Yes, anyways, that was after we learned that the Colorado kid was your son.” I finished.
“I think the skinwalker would know he was my son.” Audrey argued, that playful glint in her eyes.
“True, however I’ve only told Nathan and now Claire about the kiss.” I crossed my arms. “When Nathan died, Jordan had to stop me from killing Tommy. I almost did, fuck did I get close. She told me Nathan needed me more and I dropped everything. I begged Nate to come back, because I love him. And this skinwalker is fucking that up because I’m so fucking close to getting my daughter back and Nathan.” I sucked in a deep breath.
“That’s Duke.” Audrey rested her hand in mine.
“No shit.” I grumbled.
“Go let Nathan know it’s his turn.” She squeezed a little and I nodded, standing up.
“Duke.” Nathan sounded worried.
“You’re up.” I gave him a small smile. “I’ll see you in your office.”

Chapter Text

“I feel bleh.” I grumbled, wrapping my arms around Duke from behind in the kitchen. It was too nice having him be home.
“You can’t feel.” Duke laughed.
“No but my brain is like, woosh.” I made a sound so he understood where my brain was.
“M, same.” He nodded to me as he started to cook up some pancakes.
“Duke? Nathan?” Audrey's voice rang out.
I pulled back from Duke for three reasons. One, we weren’t a couple, or at least not yet. Two, I was in his shirt, boxers, and nothing else. Three, he was in loose pants that showed off a lot of scratch marks and bruises, and my thighs matched.
“Audrey!” I screamed, sliding behind the fridge as she walked into the kitchen.
“Oh you’re still together good!” She smiled, sitting down at the kitchen table where if she turned her head I was in full view.
“We left the station together.” Duke held it together better than I probably was.
“No I meant this morning. There was a trouble and when I came to find you.” She paused, making a point to let me know she saw me. “I found you both in bed together.”
“You didn’t wake me up?” I huffed, stepping out from behind the fridge.
“No.”
“Why not?” Duke piped in, sliding a stack of pancakes on the counter for me to take.
“Couldn't.” She shrugged.
“Couldn’t or wouldn’t?” I set the plate on the table and grabbed our syrups.
“Couldn’t. You were stuck in comas.” She explained.
“Fuck.” I almost dropped the syrups.
“Called Meg, Jean is fine.” She threw her hands up.
“How’d you learn it was a coma and not just a good nap?” Duke made a show of resting a hand on my back as he took one of the syrups from me.
“The guy who caused it was in the same coma, it was killing people slowly. The whole town. Everything’s okay, no one died. However it’s also totally five pm.” She bit her lip.
“Fuck you, pancakes.” I crossed my arms, sitting down.
“Hm, yep.” Duke agreed, absentmindedly kissing my head before sitting next to me. I watched his every move, which is how I knew that asshole kissed my head.
“Asshole.” I hissed.
“Hm?”
“I.” I stopped and looked at Audrey. “Did you see that?”
“Maybe.” She got this shitty grin on her face.
“I hate you both.” I huffed.
“Shame.” They both remarked at the same time.
“Really hate you.”
“Nate, pancakes.” Duke shoved a plate in my direction.
“Mm.” I tried to argue back but fell short. Maybe I was being snappy. I cut my pancakes and poured my syrup. After one bite I felt a lot better. “Sorry.”
“You’re fine.” Duke rested against the table.
“Also identified one of the victims. Her death led to the man being in a coma.” She handed over a file to me where I saw she had filled in some details on Jane doe.
“That’s good, still not any closer to knowing who the skinwalker is?” I asked, remembering how my interview with her went, how I had to bring up calling Jean my little Cherub in the ambulance the day she was born.
“No.”
“Wonderful.” Duke grumbled.
“Will we keep having to test each other?” I brought up the fear that was growing in my mind.
“I know you both want to get Jean back, and with CPS finally getting off our fucking backs because everyone and everything is pointing to Duke being a good dad, after this everything will be okay.” Audrey reassured us.
“Really?” Duke rasped out.
“Yeah, they called me yesterday before everyone went to sleep. You’ll get Jean back fully after the Hunter’s Storm.” She explained.
“Oh Audrey.” I reached out to take her hand in mine.
“Hey, I learned it’s okay to be able to know when I’m leaving, because then I can actually enjoy what I have and say goodbye on my own terms.” She gave me a little squeeze.
“M, fine.” I agreed.
“Is this really why you wanted to come here and talk with us while we eat breakfast?” Duke asked, shoving a small stack of pancakes into his mouth.
“It’s like five pm.” Audrey pointed out.
“Break fast. I’m breaking my fast, so fuck off.” He playfully shoved his fork in her direction.
“Oh you didn’t do that with.” I threw my fork at her.
“No!”
“Oh so you?” She winked.
“God.” I try to make myself smaller as her and Duke started laughing.
“Easy baby.” Duke grabbed my arm and I watched him pull me against him.
“Hm?” He hadn’t ever called me a nickname before.
“You almost fell off the bench.” He explained.
“Can I take my pancakes to my room?” I wanted to curl up in bed and die.
“If you don’t wobble.” Audrey joked again.
“I don’t wobble!” I argued.
“You wobble. Whatever Duke did to you, you are wobbling.” She quickly got up as I threw my knife at her. “And that’s my cue!”
With that she left as fast as she had arrived. I turned to Duke, sure I was a few shades of red.
“Breakfast!” Was all that asshole had to say.

Chapter Text

I stretched lazily on Nathan’s couch. Meg still had Jean so I was taking my time watching as Nathan got dressed for his shift. He had a small blush on his face as he worked to hide all of the bruises and bites on his body.
“Okay so, I have Jeanine coming by the Gull around lunch time, maybe we could get something to eat after?” I offered while he fucked with his gun holster.
“I’ll try.” He huffed. I sat up a bit and made a motion for him to come closer.
“You gonna tell me what happened last night after you went to see Audrey?” I asked, taking his gun holster into my hands and helping him get it on.
“I can’t, not yet.” I watched him look me over.
“Nate.” I took his hands into mine.
“Mm?”
“I know you can’t talk about it.” I pulled him down onto my lap. “But I want you to know I’m still here. I’m still your pirate.”
“I just wish this all was over already. I know I don’t want Audrey to leave, and that we are trying. But sometimes, I wish everything would stop.” He took a deep breath.
“Me too.” I rested my hands on his hips, shoving my thumbs into the belt loops.
“You ever wish you weren’t troubled?” He asked after watching me for a moment.
“All the time.” I lamented.
“I feel guilty that a little part of me wants Audrey to disappear.” He hunched forward.
“You want to be able to feel again.” I explained.
“Yeah.” He took his hands and brushed them over my button up.
“Even if she stays and doesn’t have to leave, we will find a way for you to feel again.” I pulled his hands up and kissed the back of them.
“I guess you’re right.” He leaned down before his phone started to ring from his back pocket.
“You have a shift to get to.” I sighed.
“Hello?” He answered the phone, his face morphing into one of annoyance. “I’ll be there.”
“What’s up?”
“Murder at the highschool.” He sighed.
“Oh speaking of, we got invited to the reunion.” I announced as he slipped off the couch.
“Ugh.” He groaned before slipping out the front door with a small laugh.

Chapter Text

“That kid, that’s Paul.” I grumbled looking down at the body.
“You mean his son?” Audrey asked, hopeful.
“No, like that’s him. That’s how he looked as a teenager.” I turned and saw the banner in the gymnasium that read ‘Haven High Ten Year Reunion’.
“Is this, oh my god! Nathan, is this your highschool reunion?” She slapped my arm a little.
“Ow.” I rubbed my arm. “And yes, unfortunately.”
“Wow, are you planning to go?” She asked in awe.
“No.” I spotted a few people walking in and let out a deep groan. “Fuck.”
“Your graduating class?”
“Yes.”
“Oh?”
“That first one is Denise, the popular cheerleader. Middle one is Robbie, class dork. That last one is Jeanine, prom queen.” I curtly explained.
“Nathan?” Denise called out.
“Shit.” I hissed.
“Oh wow! It really is you!” She walked over. I felt Audrey’s hand on my back and I knew I couldn’t just walk off.
“Hey Denise. Robbie, Jeanine.” I greeted all three of them.
“It’s Robert now.” Robert hummed.
“Sorry.”
“Can you believe how rich Robbie is?” Denise laughed, rambling about how wealthy he was. I felt the tug to roll my eyes at this bullshit.
“Mhm.”
“How are you doing Nathan?” Jeanine asked me. I looked down at Audrey before looking back at them.
“M good.” I took a little pause seeing they wanted the juicy details. “Have a daughter now.”
“You have a kid?” Denise almost screamed. “With who?”
“Um.” I looked at Audrey and she gave me a thumbs up. “Duke.”
“Holy shit, Duke? Really?” Jeanine laughed.
“Yeah.”
“How’d you manage that?” Denise sounded a bit cocky.
“Hold.” I put a finger up and pulled out my wallet, turning it so they could see the photo of Duke at the park with a barely one month old Jean.
“Oh she is darling.” Jeanine hummed.
“Yeah, she’s my world. Duke’s a great dad too.” I couldn’t stop myself from smiling.
“Who would have thought?” Robert huffed. I gave a short nod.
“Definitely not me.” I agreed. My phone went off and I gave a short smile before I turned to take it.
“Wournos.”
‘We have the facial reconstruction results.’ Lucassi explained into the phone.
“We will be there soon.” I turned back to Audrey. She had asked a few questions to the trio and they all looked a bit worse for wear.
“All good?” She asked.
“Um, no. We need to get back to the station. It was good to see you all, goodbye.” I almost hauled ass outside of the gym.
“Another victim?” She gave me a skeptical look.
“The skinwalker.” I felt her hand on my back tense. I could tell she was expecting the worst, and so was I.

Chapter Text

“Nate?” I asked, slipping into his office. Vince, Dave, and Dwight were already waiting.
“Ah!” Audrey shot up.
“Right thigh.” I grumbled and made a slicing motion.
“It’s Duke!” Nathan blurted out, his face a deep scarlet.
“Fair enough.” Audrey eyed us skeptically, but sat down at her desk while I sat down directly across from them.
“We finally got the results on all of the body parts, we can form a face now.” Nathan explained.
“We can see who they will become?” I asked, hopeful.
“Yes.”
“Cool. Hey, quick question, why aren’t we waiting for Claire to do this?” The room grew silent.
“The skinwalker took her.” Nathan said softly.
“Shit.” I looked at Audrey. “I’m sorry Audrey.”
“It’s okay, I wasn’t gonna be here much longer anyways, it’s better that she never had to deal with me being gone.” She choked a little.
“I’m still sorry. I know that pain.” I walked around the desk and brought her up into a hug.
“Thanks Duke.” She squeezed my arm. “Right let’s see who the skinwalker is making.”
The software started and we all watched as it started to form a face.
“Holy shit.”
“Fuck.”
“What?” Nathan looked at Audrey and I as we both recognized the woman.
“That’s?” Audrey's voice fell through.
“Arla.” I finished for her.
“Who’s that?” Nathan asked.
“Arla is James’s wife. Arla Cogan.” I breathed out.
“Oh.” Nathan nodded. I saw him pull back.
“Why would a skinwalker need Arla’s skin?” Dave asked.
“I think the skinwalker is Arla.” I theorized.
“And now she needs her old face again? Why?” Audrey wondered out loud.
“I don’t know, but I’m sure we can figure it out.” I squeezed her shoulder.
“Duke can you talk to some of your people to figure anything out?” Nathan asked me.
“You know I’ve been legit.” I reasoned.
“Can you?” He pouted. He fucking pouted!
“Yes, fine.” And I folded for him.
“Okay, please be safe.” He reached out and squeezed my hand.
“I will try.” I winked back before slipping out of the office.

Chapter Text

I was startled when a kid ran into my office as Audrey and I talked about the situation at hand. And the reunion.
“Look at me!” The boy screamed. I instantly recognized him as Duke.
“Hey, it’s okay, we are looking at you.” Audrey went into mom mode.
“Duke?” I stifled a laugh.
“Yes!” He screamed.
“Duke?” Audrey repeated.
“Nate.” Duke whined. Shit he was adorable.
“That’s Duke all right.” I smiled softly.
“I knew Nathan was adorable as a kid, but this? Oh my god! You’re so adorable!” Audrey pulled Duke into a hug.
“Help.” Duke reached a hand out for me.
“Audrey let him breathe.” I took his hand, it looked soft unlike it was when he was an adult.
“You want to tell me what happened?” I asked softly.
“Can.” He paused and looked at Audrey. “Can I tell you in private?”
“Audrey?” I asked, hopeful.
“Of course.” She nodded and slipped out of the room.
“Jeanine was at the Gull, and then Arla showed up wanting my help to get Audrey into the barn so she could get her husband back. Actually a sad story there. Anyways, then I went outside to breathe and I found a box on my deck. Inside was a snake, then I was in the water and a teen and my head hurts.” He rattled out.
“Duke, we will come back to Arla later.” I brought my hand up to his face and brushed it over the smooth skin. He didn’t have facial hair yet which meant he was around sixteen or seventeen.
“Please.” He whined.
“Did you see who attacked you?” I slowly backed up and sat on the edge of my desk.
“No. Just the snake in the box.” He shrugged.
“Hm.” I bit my lip. “Can I bring Audrey back in?”
“Yeah. Just, don’t tell her about Arla yet?” He sounded scared.
“I won’t.” I squeezed his hand. “Audrey?”
“Yes?” She popped into the room scarily fast.
“We are ready for you.” I rubbed my thumb over the back of his hand. I couldn’t feel it but I knew Duke was panicking. He always had horrible panic attacks at that age.
“Okay.” She sat down in the chair near us.
“So you saw Jeanine?” I asked.
“Yes.” He coughed a bit. I realized he was in very drenched clothes and his hair was sticking to his head.
“Here.” I pulled my jacket off my chair and wrapped it around him.
“Thanks.” He held it close to himself. “And Robbie.”
“Robert was there?” I leaned back.
“Yeah, Jeanine called me an asshole when I had to leave. I didn’t see anyone else who’d have stood out.” He trailed off.
“The snake.” I mentioned.
“Why?” He genuinely seemed confused.
“Remember senior year? You put a snake in someone's locker.” I laughed a little at the memory.
“It was the only one unlocked.” Duke shrugged.
“Pretty snake.” I hummed, looking at Audrey. “I called her Sprout.”
“Sprout? You named the snake?” She laughed.
“Duke found her in the hallway and brought her over to me to try and scare me. Turns out I wasn’t as scared of snakes as we assumed.” I reminisced.
“He took her from me and cuddled her. Named her Sprout and had her in a tank in his room for four more years, she wasn’t young when we got her.” Duke continued the story.
“Garland let you keep her?” Audrey gasped.
“Yep.” I popped the p.
“You think the troubled person was the owner of that locker?” Audrey wondered.
“It’s possible. They could be reliving the old days and seeking revenge on people. The reunion may be bringing up old memories.” I offered.
“I was also kind of a bully in school. I acted out a lot, my life was falling apart and I didn’t know what to do.” Duke’s voice got quiet.
“Now you do. You’ve got to get back into your normal body, for Jean.” I paused. “For me.”
“I will.” He smiled softly.
“Denise got killed.” I brought up.
“Oh shit.”
“Yeah.”
“What does this mean?” Duke worried.
“It means we are going to a highschool reunion.” I announced.

Chapter Text

“Duke?” Someone asked, Jeanine.
“Junior.” Nathan held my back.
“Oh right, you did mention a kid! Lord help the child if he’s anything like his dad.” She scoffed.
“In Duke’s defense he’s been very overworked with our daughter, that’s why he’s not here now.” Nathan defended me.
“Your daughter?” She paused and looked between Nathan and I.
“Yeah, we’ve got an eight month old little girl. He’s at home taking care of her.” Nathan lied.
“I forgot that you and he.” She paused looking at Audrey.
“We aren’t public.” Nathan’s hand squeezed the small of my back.
“Yeah, my dads aren’t that into public affection, the relationship is new.” I chipped in.
“Oh! That makes so much sense then! I remember you were in the AV club.” She started to laugh before growing silent. “Sorry.”
“Oh none taken. His father and I haven’t had the chance to make things official or public due to all the things happening in town right now.” Nathan’s hand slipped away from my back.
“Well with you as a father he won’t be as much of a screw up as his father.” She tried and failed to whisper.
“Nope, let's hope not.” I heard my voice crack.
“Hey Jeanine, would you mind dancing with him? I just need to talk to Officer Parker.” Nathan stepped closer to Audrey.
“Of course. Come on cutie.” She smiled and pulled me away. I turned to them begging for help but he was already talking with Audrey.

Chapter Text

“Have you told him yet?” Audrey asked while we watched Duke with Jeanine.
“Hm?”
“That you’re in love with him.” She hummed.
“Ah! What no!” I whipped around to look at her. She had this smug smile on her face.
“Nathan, you’ve not looked away from him all day. Anyone with two eyes can see it.” She rested a hand on my arm.
“It’s just.” I paused and stole another glance at the boy that would become my Duke. “That’s the boy I fell in love with. That one. That boy who carried me to the hospital when I first got my trouble ever. And he grew up into a man I can’t fucking live without.”
“I know.” Her hand moved to my back.
“He was just so magnetic. Everyone loved him at this age, girls wanted him and guys wanted to be him.” I continued.
“Nate?”
“Yeah?” I looked back at her.
“Two things. One, I leave tomorrow and I swear to fucking god if you don’t confess to him before I leave I will come back in twenty-seven years and beat the actual shit out of you.” She took a deep breath.
I made a hand motion for her to carry the fuck on.
“Secondly, I think I know who the killer is.” She gave me a smug smile.
“And who would that be?” I looked around the gym and saw a lot of faces I could have lived without ever seeing again.
“You remember Robert?” She asked like I didn’t remember the guy who kept giving me motivational speeches every time I talked to him.
“No.” I remarked sarcastically.
“A little less sass next time.” She slapped me on the arm.
“What about him?” I crossed my arms.
“He was there when Paul asked out Jeanine, and when Denise made comments. Maybe he was also there when Jeanine was with Duke.” She rambled.
“Please explain?” I was actually getting confused.
“Robert may have a crush on Jeanine and because of this he’s reverting to his old self to make things better to be with her.” She gave a half-assed shrug.
“Alright let’s go find Robert.” I huffed and we started for the door.
Duke was still dancing awkwardly with Jeanine and with one glance he was following after us.

Chapter Text

“You were adorable as a teenager again.” Nathan raised a beer bottle up and let me clink it with my own.
“I’ve always been adorable.” I tapped his knee with my own and watched him readjust himself so I could sit with him on the chair.
“I know.” He rested his head on my shoulder while I shifted my legs so they stretched out over his.
“You really were adorable, Duke.” Audrey piped in. She had this lost look on her face.
“Glad to know you got to see what we looked like as teens before you left.” I gave her a reassuring smile.
“Yeah, Nathan was adorable too. Shame he wasn’t more popular, he would have gotten all the men he wanted.” She joked.
“I had Duke.” Nathan muttered.
“Thought you guys weren’t that close?” She took a sip of beer.
“We were, or at least occasionally.” I felt Nathan wrap his free arm around my back and even if he couldn’t feel it I shifted a bit more so he didn’t have an asleep arm.
“Oh you remember?” I teased.
“I remember you standing up for me when kids still bullied me. Shoved that one jock into a locker because he wanted to.” Nathan’s voice caught in his throat.
“He wanted to jump Nate for being gay.” I finished, not saying the exact words that had been ingrained in my head for over a decade.
“Shit.” She hissed.
“It’s okay!” He perked up, a facade but it felt good seeing it anyways.
“I’ll always have your back Nate.” I held him close in the very small chair that definitely wasn’t made for two grown men.
“You know what’s weird.” Audrey spoke up again, once more distant.
“Hm?”
“I’ll get to see the Hunter Meteor shower.” She gave a sad laugh.
“That’s true.” I agreed.
“Never thought I would once I learned it meant I would be leaving.” She continued.
“We will make your last day as memorable as we can.” I raised my glass to her.
“Thank you guys.” Audrey paused. “Shame I won’t see Jean again.”
“We will keep your photos around so she grows up knowing how badass her aunt is.” Nathan piped in, finally broken from his thoughts.
“You guys are genuinely amazing.” Another pause, this time longer as she took a drink and looked outside. “I think I’ll retire for the night.”
“Hm yes she will retire for the evening.” I laughed at the way she spoke.
“Oh shut up.” She smiled, a genuine smile.
“We will see you in the morning.” I waved her off.
“Love you Audrey.” Nathan spoke up abruptly.
“I love you guys too.” Her smile softened as she made her way out of the room.
“Duke.” I felt Nathan’s weight shift until he was hovering over me.
“Yes?” I asked.
“Can I do something?” He sounded worried.
“Anything.” I was worried Arla stole his skin for a second.
A second later I knew it was my Nathan because I was being kissed and he couldn’t feel it.
“Shit Nate.” I breathed out once he pulled away.
“I’ve been wanting to do that without sex for a while.” He flushed.
“Me too.” I pulled him back down into a soft kiss.
“Can we just kiss and not worry about figuring this shit out until after Audrey’s stuff?” He asked between a few more needy kisses.
“If you want.” I brushed his hair back from his face.
“Good.” He smiled and I wanted to get on my knees and worship whichever god gave me this.
A soft knock came from the door and I groaned while Nathan pulled away from me.
“I’ll get it.” He tapped the gun strapped to his hip.
“Be safe, I’ll go get us some drinks.” I kissed him again as we both stood up. I saw Dwight enter and decided to ignore it because Nathan would tell me later.
“So what did Dwight want?” I asked, rejoining him by the door.
“Just that people really want Audrey to go into the barn.” He sighed.
“I know we will miss her, but clearly the majority think that’s the best option.” I lamented.
“You think she should go?” Nate asked.
“I don’t want her to, but if she has to go for our troubles to go away, for all troubles. I think we can survive three decades without her.” I shrugged.
“She won’t be herself when she comes back.” He pouted. Fuck Nathan pouted!
“I know.” I pulled him into a hug.
“I hate this Duke.” He hissed.
“Me too. Everything will be figured out tomorrow. I promise.” I hated seeing the snarky man in my arms be so full of fear and confusion. I just prayed everything would sort itself out the next day.

Chapter Text

I watched Duke stretching a bit before we climbed the stairs up to Audrey’s apartment. She was leaving and we wanted to spend the last day with her trying to find a way.
“You okay there?” I asked, jumping the last step.
“Yeah. You’d think Manny would be in for his shift.” He grumbled.
“Maybe he.” The words caught in my throat. In front of Audrey’s door was her deck chair and table thrown around.
I pulled out my gun as Duke led the way into the apartment.
“Manny.” Duke whispered as he slid next to the man to check his pulse. I could tell by the way his face fell that Manny wasn’t just unconscious.
“Arla must’ve taken Audrey at gunpoint.” I growled out. The panic started to set in. Audrey was going to leave.
“She probably took her to find the barn.” Duke hummed.
“If.” My breath rattled. “If they find it.” I heard how panicked I was.
“Troubles disappear.” Duke finished.
“Is that all you’re thinking about?” I couldn’t stop myself from yelling at him.
“No.” He stood up. “But it’s the truth.”
“You fucking!” He punched me as I lunged at him.
“You feel that?” He grabbed my arms. I hadn't.
“No.”
“So they didn’t find it yet.” He sighed.
“Where would Arla take her?” Duke muttered to himself.
“I don’t know, what if she took her where you found the barn the first time?” I offered, coming down from the panic attack.
“Kick’em Jenny Neck.” Duke sighed, running a hand through his hair, pulling some strands from the bun.
“We should go there.” I watched him go over to the railing I’d seen him fall off a few days before. I wanted to grab and hold him away from the edge.
“It’s only accessible by boat. And she fucking stole mine.” He grunted.
“What?” I joined him at the edge. We had just left the boat!
“She stole my fucking boat!” Duke slammed his hands down on the railing. I grabbed his shirt and tugged him back a bit.
“Then let’s figure out another way to find her.” I tugged him again, this time forcing him back from the railing.
“Yeah. Okay.” He nodded in agreement.