past and future, chapter 14 title: past and future, XIV author: callisto24 fandom: 24 characters: Jack, Chase genre: drama, m/mslash theme: post season6, maybe spoilers for preview and trailer... can’t remember - AUending rating: NC-17 disclaimer: nothing belongs to me, no money made... deathfic warning! unbetaed, sorry * * * * *
“Goddamn, Chase!” Jack whispered, when he had regained his balance, a frightening threat audible in his voice. “Stop behaving like a kid!” Sooner, than he ever had expected Chase lashed out, landing his fist in Jack ‘ s unprotected stomach. With a muffled groan the blond bent forward, while his knees were giving way at the same time. Coughing violently he struggled to avoid hitting the floor, tried to pull himself upwards along the tile-covered wall. “Son of a bitch,” he hissed, when he was able to breathe again. “Have you completely lost your mind?” Chase drew back in shock, startled about his sudden outbreak. He felt sick, scared to death, disgusted by his loss of control. “I... I... ,” he searched for words, for an excuse, but it wasn ‘ t taking shape in his mind. His eyes locked with Jack ‘ s and the unhidden fury he met in the almost violet stare, made his nerves tingle painfully, sent hot shockwaves through his body. Jack straightened, threw an unmistakably disdainful glance at the younger man, before he left the bathroom, pushing Chase out of his way, still pressing a hand against his belly. When he passed him Chase opened his mouth in a silent attempt to deliver a useless explanation. “Save your breath, boy!” The sharp voice stopped him before he could make another effort. Jack leant against the window frame, regarding the night covering the city like a warm coat. “Accept this as an end, Chase. There is nothing else you can do.” “No, I won ‘ t.” Chase crossed the room, reaching out for the other man, who turned immediately, avoiding his grip. “Try to be an adult and take what you can ‘ t change.” The young man ‘ s world turned red, when the seething volcano came closer to eruption. “I ‘ ve taken enough,” he breathed. “And I would take more, would take anything without complaining... but... but I don ‘ t ... I won ‘ t ... there is no reason for your contempt.” “I ‘ m not contempting you, Chase. I only want to have you out of my life.” “That ‘ s not the truth... I know it.” “It is, and you better start to accept it, before it will become really ugly.” “Jack!” Chase reached out for him, but prepared Jack slipped away again. “Face the truth, you have no future here.” “I ‘ ll build one. I can do it.” Jack made another try to convince the young man, adding a subliminal plea to his demanding tone. “Do yourself a favor and give up.” “Never!” Chase responded allowing his emotions to push each reasonable thought away. “Then you will have to deal with your decision.” The blond put up his arms in order to shove the larger man out of his way. But Chase acted faster. “You love me Jack, I know you do.” He urged the smaller shape against the grey house wall, raising his hands to prop himself up against it, enclosing Jack between his arms. Jack faced him without flinching. “Don ‘ t make me say it, Chase!” He stood motionless, making no attempt to escape, but challenging the dark-haired without more words. Green eyes explored Jack ‘ s mind. “I want you to admit it. Speak the truth, Jack. Say it!” “Don ‘ t insist. You don ‘ t want to hear it.” “I want to.” Chase moved closer, reducing the space between their bodies until he could feel the other man ‘ s heat, smell his distress and he pushed further, lowered his head, breathed into his ear, slowly pressing his groin against the lean waist, trapped between him and the wall, making him aware of his arousal. Fingers closed around Chase ‘ s wrists and Jack twisted, forced Chase to meet his gaze. The blue stare hypnotized, hold him in place, opened up in honesty. “I never loved you, Chase. Right now I hate your guts and probably that ‘ s how I felt from the start. Just hadn ‘ t the strength to push you away. So - consider it my fault.” “That isn ‘ t true. You ‘ re lying to me. Don ‘ t dare to lie to me!” He tore away from Jack ‘ s grip, shifted using his elbow to fix the blond in place, immobilizing him by squeezing his throat. “I ‘ m not...,” Jack coughed. “Then prove me... give me a proof for your words.” Chase ‘ s free hand closed around Jack ‘ s now clenched fist, slammed it against the wall well- knowing he would hurt him. “Show me, that you hate me... fight me.” He pressed his whole length against him, giving the other one no room to move. “Don ‘ t pretend to be weak!” He breathed down on him. “You can do it. Defend yourself.” Angry eyes locked again, exchanging flames, until Jack lowered his gaze. “You ‘ re not worth it,” he hissed, barely parting his teeths, stiffening in disgust.
For a heartbeat the world seemed to stand still. Jack felt Chase ‘ s eyes on him, burning like fire. Then the paralyzation was gone and Chase lost whatever had held him back. He let go of Jack, but only to shove him against the wall forcefully. Same time his fists developed their own rhythm, hitting, slamming against the motionless body in front of him. Jack was holding still, looking down, avoided to see the furious features, even refused to raise his arms in front of his body in order to protect himself. Chase lashed out again and again, placed hard blows into the face, against the upper body, couldn ‘ t stop his rage from exploding. “You bloody, pathetic junkie!” He panted huskily. “Fight!” His voice sounded hoarse to himself coming from an undiscovered part of his being and he cried louder, when the shape in front of him wasn ‘ t responding. ”Show me... prove me....” He grapped his shoulders, shook him violently, but still wasn ‘ t gaining a reaction. Finally Jack ‘s hands came up, moved to the split lips, but his eyes still stared downwards, ignoring the attacker deliberately. “Feeling better now?” Jack asked low, receiving another violent blast into his stomach. “Fight me, Jack... show me your hate!” Jack coughed again, bent forward near vomiting. He stumbled, fell, but another stroke hit him into his face, urging him backwards against the wall again. “Chase... .” “Come on... defend yourself... beat me up, Jack. I know you ‘ re up to it... .” Chase was out of his mind. Jack putting up no resistance increased his anger. He pushed him violently, clinging to his anger, eager to force away his hurt and disappointment. Pressing him against the hard stone again, fixing his arms in an iron grip he leant down. “Fight”, he gasped. “Don ‘ t give me that shit!” He breathed heavily, felt the need to scream, to smash something, but instead Chase still held the other man close. “You can ‘ t... you can ‘ t do it”, he wheezed. “You can ‘ t because you ‘ re in love with me... you feel for me.” Jack closed his eyes, allowed his fatigue to rule, when he gave up the tension in his muscles, went limp. But Chase didn ‘ t care, held him in place. “Say it.” The younger man mumbled the words. “Say what you feel. Speak it out... .” He whispered into Jack ‘ s ear. The blond opened his mouth in slow motion. “Go ‘ way Chase... .” “Say it loud.” Chase shoved him against the wall. “Tell me... .” He punched Jack ‘ s face again willing to gain a reaction, but failed, closed the created distance at last and threw his arms around the downwards sinking figure. He embraced him, rubbing his body up and down in a clearly demanding manner, pressing against the smaller man as if he intended to squeeze the life out of him. “Then show me otherwise,” he panted. “Show me you love me.” Without caring about the inconsistency of his weird actions his lips found the other man ‘ s throat and he sucked on the tender skin, pulling Jack slightly upwards. His teeths glided along the soft neck while his hardness on Jack ‘ s thigh left no doubt about his already awoken passion. “I want you to prove it”, he breathed too far gone to explain the kind of that proof, too far gone to stick to words anymore. The pressure built deep in his mind couldn ‘ t be stopped from taking over, from exploding in a series of uncontrolled aggressions. Jack still refused to react. Besides his hands unconsciously trying to reject the taller man ‘ s advances, to shove him aside powerlessly, he remained limp, motionless, without defeat, his rattling breath the only sign of consciousness. Chase searched with his hot lips the other man ‘ s face, devoured the damaged mouth with his own, sucking carelessly, tasting Jack ‘ s blood on his tongue. “Show me...,” he demanded again. “Or... I ‘ ll show you.” He licked around the auricle, and turned the blond around without losing his hold on him. Biting the other ear from behind until he could hear a short gasp of pain he pushed Jack forward and forced him down on the couchtable in one motion. Pressing him down with on arm on his back he used the other hand to undo the zipper of his jeans, noticeing the belt still open... still inviting him. His weight resting on the slim body, he returned to his kissing and licking of the throat, leaving Jack no possibility to move, even if he had wanted to. Chase ‘ s hands slipped under Jack ‘ s shirt, ran up the sides and down the back, before they freed the lower body quickly. “What do you want,” Chase gasped huskily, feeling the pounding of the heart beneath him quicken its pace, when he made Jack sense his rock-hard shaft rubbing against his butt. “Don ‘ t dare...”, Jack warned him hoarsely, but Chase had already opened his own trousers and moved his aching member out of the restraining fabric. “You love me,” he grunted, unable to bear the tension any longer, and pushed his painfully pulsating cock into the soft entrance, passing the barriers without preparation, strong and merciless. Jack had never been so tight, and Chase froze when he had shoved his way in, overwhelmed by the sensations. His fingers had wandered up the slim body again, moving around Jack ‘ s chest, while Chase ‘ s weight immobilized the blond. Jack breathed heavily, but despite a strangled sound nothing could be heard from him. Chase panted, when he propped himself up and managed to pull out nearly completely, before he pushed in again, getting deeper this time. Jack had relaxed and from the squirming and the audible intake of air, Chase could tell, that he had angled right. Encouraged he repeated the action, getting better access, gliding deeper with each hard stroke. He increased the pace, found a rhythm, finally grabbed Jack ‘ s hips and pulled them up to him, slamming into the smaller body, wanting, needing more than the simple act could give. Grunting and groaning Chase searched his way to completion, taking Jack with him, riding him hard and fast, filling him again and again with his hotness, showing his desire forcefully. With a strangled cry he came, shooting his hot fluid into the welcoming flesh, shivering from the power of his release. Exhausted he collapsed on the damp body, holding the man, clinging to him in desperation, because he still felt far away from satisfaction. Then the phone rang.
Jack shifted immediately, pushed the taller man from his back, shoved him away in a sudden hurry. He stood up at once, re-gaining his balance quickly enough to pull up his jeans with shivering hands. Reaching out for support he used the wall to prevent him from stumbling, when he rushed forward towards the shrilling noise. Chase rolled around and propped himself up, intending to lean against the table. His heart still hammered in his chest and he felt his knees shaking violently. They couldn ‘ t hold his weight any longer and so he slid down until he came to a rest on the floor, encircling his legs with his arms, burying his face into the sleeves of his sweater. He listened to Jack answering the call with few, short words. Hiding in a world beyond this reality the sounds took their time until they became understandable for him, and not until then he started to wonder from a distance, that Jack wasn ‘ t mentioning his name as he was used to, changing the conversation into a personnel encounter leaving him out. “Yes.” The husky voice was heard. “You have your deal, I ‘ ll do it.” Nothing more. The connection was disrupted. Jack stared at the phone for long seconds, wetness glistening in his eyes. He turned at last, face down, fumbling with his belt until he had closed it. His gaze wandered over Chase and he swallowed dryly, taking some steps back until he rested in the middle of the room, standing there quietly, waiting for something he couldn ‘ t put in words.
Chase felt strangled. He tried to breathe, but the air resisted to enter his lungs. The anger was gone, replaced by disbelief and the undefined weight of guilt. Maybe he should stay there, physically gone, watching the end without being able to interfere anymore. His head shot up and he violently sucked, trying to force the refusing oxygen into his body. A cramp shook him and his chest burned, moving up and down uncontrolled. He winced when his world came back into sight, when Jack took shape in front of him, looking down without giving away anything. Chase ‘ s mouth formed words, but he wasn ‘ t able to say them loud, they were stiffled in his throat. “Jack”, he finally managed to croak, becoming aware of his submissive position and appearance towards the other man. The blue eyes watched him move, but showed no reaction, no single sign revealing the thoughts of their owner. Chase got up slowly, feeling awkward, when he re-arranged his clothes,drew the briefs in place covering the now flaccid penis and closed his pants under the silent stare. He wasn ‘ t ready to come nearer to Jack, than he already was, and so he remained still, asking himself if there existed a way to get over this. The passing time seemed to have no ending, though they shared only minutes in uncomfortable silence. Then Chase straightened, pushing himself forward, his flickering eyelids the only hint on his deep insecurity. Jack’s immediate startling made him pull back in shock and he had no choice but to retreat, when the other man stepped back and vanished quickly behind the bathroom door. Chase stared at it, tried to make out a sound, desperately tried to imagine what Jack intended to do. Nothing could be heard and the younger man inwardly torn by his disturbing emotions, hurt by his own behaviour felt his worry grow, the presentiment of a future disaster overcoming the sickness he felt by his memories. Unable to bear the uncertainty any longer he carefully came nearer, touching the smooth material, when he leant against it. “I ‘ m so ... forgive me.. .”, he whispered barely audible. “I ‘ ve never forced anyone... I... I don ‘ t know what ‘ s happening to me... .” He waited silently, his heart breaking by the voidness he sensed in there, hidden from his eyes. “Jack.... we... I... I ‘ ll do everything... .” Chase paused, fear overwhelming him. Adrenaline kicked in, caused a reaction before he had the chance to consider its results. He was ready to break the door open, aiming already at his target, when he noticed, that Jack hadn ‘ t made the effort to lock it. Hastily he shoved it open, blinked against the brighter light reflected by the blank tiles. Jack sat on the floor near the sink, eyes closed, head sunk back against the wall. Chase cleared his throat, while he regarded the situation, the up-rolled sleeve, the garbage can at Jack ‘ s side. Jack moved his head aside, eyes remaining like they had been. “What?” He whispered too low to demonstrate his annoyance. “Still not enough?” Chase felt the stroke hitting him and blushed, while electricity shot through his veins, making him squirm with shame. “Have you... what have you...”, he muttered hoarsely. “Nothing!” Jack breathed, opened his eyes at last. “No final trip. Still have work to do...” “Do you... .” “I ‘ m ok, Chase... ok...”, he mumbled low. “Jack.... I ‘ m so... so... .” The blond slowly moved his head again, closing his eyes again. “Forget it, Chase. I don ‘ t mind... .” “Could you ever... .” Jack opened his lips and sighed audibly before he spoke again. “Would you help me up? I want a better place to... to... .” He silenced distracted from his thought. “Sure... .” Chase came closer, gripped the smaller man carefully around his waist. Leaning his head against his shoulder he carefully pulled him up, directed him to a more comfortable setting, to the bed promising a dreamless sleep. * * * * *
Jack slept deeply, his body motionless like a corpse. Chase, on the other hand, couldn ‘ t find peace. He threw himself from one side to another, restlessly trying to drive away the demons present between this walls. Hesitating at first he had decided to take his place at Jack ‘s side again, half-fearing, half-hoping the other man would bring up the strength to chase him away. But nothing had happened. He had slipped under the covers, carefully laid an arm around Jack ‘ s shoulders, determined to let the contact appear light, almost featherly, but same time searching the warmth and the comfort of another body. Jack hadn ‘ t even stirred, in fact he seemed to relax, when Chase intensified the embrace just a little bit, just enough to assure him, that he wasn ‘ t alone. And though his sleep seemed to be the result of complete exhaustion, a break from the strains of life, the expression of unequalled sorrow never left his features. Chase stayed awake for long hours staring at the ceiling, running over the events in his mind again and again without finding a clue, a solution, a way out of the mess he ‘ d brought themselves in. Maybe Jack would forgive him, maybe he would understand... maybe it all wasn ‘ t touching him anymore. Chase felt guilty and helpless, not able to imagine how this tragedy might end. Finally he surrendered, once again reached for the alcohol to relieve the turmoil in his brain. It wasn ‘ t making things easier, flashes of Connors face, of his touch mixed with his own actions and he found himself groaning in pain, though he couldn ‘ t recognize if it was his pain or if it belonged to someone different. He dreamt of Andrew, who took him away from this place, who offered him security and an existence far away from here, but he saw himself running away from it repeatedly, over and over again as if he wasn ‘ t able to stand another life, as if his fate was already sealed. He drank more, wanted to fade away, to forget, to stop his thoughts but he couldn ‘ t reach his aim. All he could feel at last was Jack ‘ s glowing body beneath him, were his movements driving him crazy again and again, and he knew that he wouldn ‘ t be able to give this up, not until the day he would die. The damp skin still burnt on his fingertips, the scent of passion filled the room and Chase took another gulp wishing that he would be strong enough to force away the obsession holding his heart and mind imprisoned for years, concentrating on his groin, developing depth in his own soul he had never expected.
Morning came close, when he finally crawled back into the bed again, took Jack into a close embrace, resting his head against the smaller man ‘ s throat, caressing his chest with lazy, tender strokes, while his legs entangled with his. With a last sigh he drifted off to sleep, thankful for this moment. * * * * *
Hours later he woke up, sensing disturbing vibes encircling him. He was alone, he knew it at once, Jack was gone. Vaguely he remembered motions next to him, a warm body pulling back in haste, the shrilling sound he couldn ‘ t connect with a real event, the deep voice answering, agreeing and remaining silent at last. Sensations of a gaze capturing him, of blue eyes staring down on him, painful, hurt, ready to meet a fate, which left him out of the loop. Soft lips placing a last kiss on his, sweet and seducing in its innocence, tasting like farewell, like a final good bye, a bitter taste, sending cold shivers through his aching heart. He remembered reaching out for him, trying to follow, to talk, but gravity held him down, his body couldn ‘ t react like his exhausted mind tried to order him. And now it was too late. He felt, that Jack must have left earlier, that he had sunk into sleep again, maybe only dreaming what he was tempted to judge as a memory. Holding his head he managed to sit up pressing his eyelids shut against the sudden light invading from the outside. He had to do something, the whole situation made no sense. With sudden clearness he was reminded on the strange call of the last night. He hadn ‘ t payed attention, but the words Jack had spoken hadn ‘ t sounded like him. His gaze fell on the phone and he recognized it wasn ‘ t hung up. Instead the annoying sound it made, might have been the reason, why he had woken up. Slowly he stood up, rubbing his temple and approached the place destined for makingand receiving calls. Not only the phone seemed to be left in a hurry, a hastily written note caught his attention, too. Confusion made his stomach turn and above all the undeniable feeling of something horrible to happen laid its heavy weight on him. He tried to use the phone but it had given up his functions. In an inexplicable hurry he picked his clothes from the floor, slid into them, stuffed the paper into his pocket and left the apartment, without taking the time to lock the door behind him. Some strange feeling told him, that it wouldn ‘ t be necessary anymore. * * * * * Chase rushed into the building. He had run, driven by an inexplicable urge. “Chase! Thank God!” Chloe met him half-way in. “I ‘ ve just tried to reach you, but your phone isn t working.” “Where is he, Chloe?” Chase stopped panting and grabbed her arms. “He had been here... tell me what he had said.” “I ‘ m...”, Chloe startled. “Mr. Edmunds!” Bill ‘ s sharp voice reached him. “This won ‘ t be discussed down there.” He waved him up to his office. Chloe followed automatically. When they had entered he closed the door carefully. “Chase... we have some bad news.” He sighed and went around his desk, regarding his monitor concerned. “What is it?” Chase ‘ s mouth went dry. “We ‘ ve found evidence, that Heller plays a part in the organization, and still worse..., that he might have brought Connors back into the country probably with the help of Theo Stoller. Chase went pale. “He ‘ s here?”, He whispered breathlessly. That ‘ s what it all could be about. “Jack?” His voice allowed nothing more than a toneless croak. Bill glanced at him uncomfortably. “Jack knows.” He rubbed his forehead. “We learned the news today for had decided to keep us in the dark before.” “What has he done?” Chase tried to control his confusion. Bill threw an awkward glance at him. “We found hints on him collaborating.” “Beg you pardon?” Chase stared at him in disbelief, a deep chuckle breaking its way. “What are you trying to tell me?” Bill leant over his desk, pushing some buttons. “Bring Morris in here, immediately!”, he commanded. An instant later two security guards appeared, Morris walking between them. “What ‘ s that supposed to mean?” “It ‘ s a mistake”, Morris stated. “A very stupid mistake. I ‘ ve done nothing wrong.” “I believe you”, Bill answered. “But we have to be sure. Fact is that you had informations and kept them locked.” “I simply followed Jack ‘ s orders like you told me to.” “We have to put a sense into this mess.” Bill turned to the young man. “Chase...! Jack followed a trail, that led him to Stoller yesterday, maybe not yet knowing that the man had changed sides. We only can imagine, that he ‘ d find proof on Connors presence in L.A. then, but it ‘ s possible, that he had awaited him earlier. Jack and Morris had been aware of the connection between Heller and Connors and kept it secret.” He looked back to Morris. “We have to find out if you knew before yesterday about his arrival, if there were any contacts... .” Morris shook his head. “Don ‘ t shove this on me! We had hints and Jack suspects went into more than one direction. He ordered me to fake some messages, to build up connections, but dealt with the rest alone. We had no proof for anything, so he decided to act on his own. That ‘ s all I know, besides him telling me you were informed.” “Well, you noticed, that I wasn ‘ t...” “Hey... I have to trust someone... .” “I don ‘ t understand a single word,” Chase murmured impatiently. “This all sounds crazy to me.” The head of CTU ran his hands through the short hair. “Seems like Jack had showed up this morning. He left few messages, organized some equipment, technological stuff, weapons, ammunition... . And he told Morris... .” “He said, he had found a solution.” Chloe shook her head. “Tell him how he looked like!” Morris squirmed. “He looked like shit. But honestly... he always does... I mean... since China... .” He stopped, watching Chase intently. “So... you don ‘ t believe him?” Chase ‘ s head shot up. “You want to tell me that he ‘ s dealing behind your back?” “Hey!” Morris raised his hands in defense. “I ‘ m on his side, boy. Maybe he ‘ s not telling everything, but there might be reasons for his behaviour.” Bill stared through the glass searching for the right words when Chloe adressed Chase, stepped fully into his sight. “I ‘ ve went through his computer stuff. Sorry Morris... but I know how he ‘ s working and he had a reason to leave me out of this. I found... .” “You ‘ re not better than me, Chloe!” “That ‘ s not what I ‘ m saying.” Chloe rolled her eyes. “I just know his ways, the kind he ‘ s handling stuff. He ‘ s good in protecting informations, but not good enough. Especially if he intends to leave a trace...” “What trace?” “He pointed us into the direction of Heller. Washington is already informed.” Chloe ‘ s eyes met Bill ‘s, when he took over. “I wanted him to search Connors and he... it looks like he saw no other way than to offer him something, something tempting enough for the bastard to leave his hide-out.” “What would he offer?” Chase ‘ s throat hurt, when he forced out the words. Bill and Chloe changed another look and Chloe stepped closer to the young man, touching his arm. “I ‘ m sorry, Chase.” Bill looked down. “He offered your death. Jack secured the files on his hard disk, obviously expecting, that we would discover them... after... .” He gulped audibly. “You ‘ re friends, partners... and I know Jack good enough to realize, that he might have a plan, that he is trying to find another way... but right know it looks like he... he sees no other possibility than to murder you in order to destroy this Connors and his influence. It ‘ s not making much sense... I know... he... he gave us the means to keep hold of this bastard, to follow his connections. What we still need is a proof... a.... .” “A dead body, you can nail him on.” Bill nodded shortly. “Connors made the fault to come here. We won ‘ t let him go again. But we have no chance... without... .” “I know Jack wouldn ‘ t be able to kill you,” Chloe interfered. “Also he had left no trace of where he went or where Connors can be found. The whole mess is quite disturbing.” “Yes”, Chase whispered and silenced, thoughts running through his mind. “Disturbing.” Bill watched him scrutinizing. “Do you have another opinion, Chase? You lived with him during the past days. Anything we should know?” Chase ‘ s face went still paler than before and Bill felt encouraged to dig deeper. “Have you any reason to believe that he would consider your murder as a possibility. We... we noticed, that he ‘ s not himself since... for a long time now... and I ‘ m sorry we hadn ‘ t paid attention... .” “That is ridiculous, Bill.” Chloe stared at him angry. “Jack would never... never... .” “He... .” “Yes?” Bill turned back to Chase, who felt the blood vanish from his face. “He... he received a strange call yesterday... and he... .” “Go on, Chase!” “I... I would understand him considering this possibility. If he... he ‘ s only trying to do the right thing.” “What he supposes to be the right thing...”, Chloe mentioned. “You can ‘ t say that in earnest, Chase.” Chase dropped his gaze. “I don ‘ t know”, he murmured. “Really... I don ‘ t know.” “Ok.” Bill returned to his monitor. “We ‘ ll keep you here, Chase. Where do you think would he try to hide after... what can he have in his mind?” Chase shook his head. “He don ‘ t cares anymore.” Bill stared at him intently. “Think properly, Chase. You are the only one who might know!” The younger man swallowed. “I need... can I have some water?” “Sure! You ‘ ll try to remember and I ‘ ll set up security for you.” Chloe took him down but after a few steps he stood still. “What equipment had he taken with him? Maybe... .” “She handed him a bottle of water and vanished only to return after a minute with a list.” “Usual field stuff, flak jacket, guns, records... take a look.” She handed him the list. He stared down, then gave it back to her. “Excuse me for a moment.” “Chase!” Her fingers touched his slightly. “I don ‘ t believe this. There has to be another explanation.” The young man smiled at her loop-sided. “Just a moment, Chloe. Will be right back soon.” Her eyes followed him, when he headed for the washrooms. No matter how wrong their relationship might be, she would never believe that it would end with murder. * * * * *
Chase fell on the bench. He immediately went through his pockets until he caught the paper he had saved before. The adress shown on it still made no sense to him, but it was the only possibility he could see. And he needed to act quickly. He listened a moment, but when no one seemed to approach the room he slid up and opened the small window noiselessly, slipped through it outside. He crawled down the fire escape and headed for the garage, using the house wall for cover. He hid in the shadows.when three field agents who had just been busy uploading the SUV, vanished through the exit door. They were completely prepared, ready to start and as far as he coould see it, the vehicle already contained what they would need. He slid closer, knocked the single agent who arranged the bugging devices out by kicking his leg away and using his elbow to cut off the air supply until the man sank down unconsciously. A moment later he drove the car backwards and reached the streets. Chase stepped on the gas, eager not to lose a second. * * * * *
“Where is he?” Chloe stared at Bill, lips pressed together in annoyance. “Back in the washrooms.” “Chloe!” He rushed forward. “Damnit!” Bill needed one look to recognize which way Chase had taken. “Find him,” he yelled, when his gaze fell on the small paper caught under the bench. He stared at the note, turned around in a hurry. “We have an adress. Get the teams ready!” * * * * *
The last place he had expected. Jack smirked with the thought. What a stupid idea, though he had to admit that for its purpose Connors couldn ‘ t have found a better scenery. The hall stood empty at least for weeks as the dust everywhere was proving. Maybe it wasn ‘ t the season for this kind of movies. He supposed it was used primarily for filming gun battles, shootings, pyrotechnic effects or experiments. The shed definitely had seen better days. No need to hide the cameras he discovered in the corners though Jack expected an accidental intruder to wonder about the presence of various pieces of film equipment, prepared and attended by invisible hands. Jack walked through the hall missing any sign of a living person. He shivered from coldness and the hands holding the gun were damp, he feared to lose his grip on it. Anyway, what sense would it make to explore the building. Wouldn ‘ t make a change at all, neither would it offer him new conclusions. He lowered the weapon, wiped icy sweat from his forehead. The morning light shone mercilessly through the blinds, painting dirty stripes into the restless air. He was damned to wait, the only thing he could do. Jack took in a shaking breath and his knees gave in. Slowly he slid down the wall, resting on the floor, the weapon still in his trembling hand.
* * * * *
“How could this happen?” Bill screamed at the man. “Nobody is expected to come in here besides the teams.” “I... we couldn ‘ t foresee that there would be any danger... .” Bill groaned angrily. “And how on earth could he leave with the car... ?” The other man winced. “The guard mentioned that he wore a badge.” “Great. I ‘ ll teach him to watch these papers properly.” Bill cursed once again. “How soon will you be ready?” The agents moved quickly. “We ‘ re about to leave, Mr. Buchanan. Helicopters will be available each moment.” “Alright.” Bill glanced to Chloe. “Let ‘ s hope that we ‘ ll find Chase before Jack does.” * * * * *
Screeching brakes hurt his ears. Chase regarded the building. He pulled on a jacket and checked the guns he ‘ d chosen for ammunition. If Connors was here, the man would be already dead. Carefully he approached the hall. Empty and abandoned it waited for him. No cars, no hints on anything alive. * * * * *
“Don ‘ t fall asleep, Jacky-boy!” The metallic voice startled him. Jack looked up, way too dizzy to try to get on his feet. He cleared his throat, tried to fight his panic. “I ‘ m here like you wanted.” He looked up only to make out a man-seized shadow against the openings allowing the sun to penetrate the shed. “That wasn’t exactly the deal.” “It hasn ‘ t yet begun, Connors.”
“Hope you won ‘ t deceive me, Jack. My orders are clear.” “How will I know that I can trust you,” Jack breathed. “You won ‘ t,” the pitiless voice answered. “Consider it as the risk of life.” It paused. “Talking about risks. Don ‘ t you think you should seek cover? He might be out of training but above all your friend is an experted agent too. I doubt that he ‘ ll allow you to shoot him that easy without putting up a kind of defense. Self-preservation can be a powerful instinct.” Jack came up with a groan. “Thought you insisted on a show.” “A good show, Jack, a believable one. Executions are no fun.”
The blond shoved his gun back into his waistband. “I ‘ ll provide you with one,” he murmured before he drew back further into the depths of the building. Jack wasn ‘ t mistaken. The strong feeling grew, he nearly could see Chase approaching the hall, searching, testing, doubting that he had followed the right trail. He sensed his insecurity, the questions running through his mind, the desperate effort to convince himself from another reality than the one offered to him. Strange that the smile returned to his lips, an inappropriate expression concerning the seriousness of the situation. But he couldn ‘ t help it. Chase was predictable in an astonishing way, at least from time to time. Patiently he waited for the distance between them to become closed. * * * * *
Chase entered the building silently sneaking through the gap allowing him an easy access. He craved for an explanation, Jack owed him that much. Despite everything that had happened he knew the man and he knew in perfect clearness that the older man loved him, needed him, depended on him. That he would never be able to hurt him, not after all the things they had shared. They were connected deeply, their souls communicating on a higher level,their relationship proving to be more intense than any one he had ever experienced, he had ever known of before. Whatever Jack might plan, he needed him for the carrying out. And he intended to be there for him, to be there with him. That ‘ s what he owed Jack.
It was darker inside, the sun had lost its power to blind him and he needed a moment to adjust. No sound except the low humming of some working film equipment he discovered a moment later filled the space. Despite the strong feeling that he had found the right place in here the surroundings confused him more and he wasn ‘ t able to put a sense in it. It seemed to be irreal, a fake, and he remembered Jack ‘ s ability to fool nearly everyone he wanted to. Slowly he walked further inside, touching his flak jacket in an attempt to prove its presence to himself. If a performance was needed, he would be up to it. * * * * *
“I ‘ ve told you to back off, Chase. More than once.” Chase barely recognized the voice, husky and void, containing no emotion. “It ‘ s your fault, boy. I tried to keep you out of this.” “It ‘ s not in your hands, Jack. I belong in here as much as you do.” A hoarse laughter rising from nowhere vanished as soon as it was created. “You ‘ ll never learn, Chase, won ‘ t you? And now it ‘ s too late. You ‘ ve sealed your own fate.” “What shall I do Jack.... please... tell me what I should do!” The answer came fast and sharp. “Nothing. You can do nothing anymore. The die is cast, Chase.” He noticed a movement in the background. A small shape, more familiar to him than any other shape he ‘ d ever seen removed from the shadows. “I promised to shoot you right between your eyes and you know I ‘ m capable of doing it. You left me no other way. I ‘ d say I regret it, but it wouldn ‘ t be the truth. And I ‘ ve the strong feeling you know what I ‘ m talking about.”
“Jack... you won ‘ t.” “How will you know, Chase? Believe me for once. It ‘ s you or me... and... honestly... I ‘ m not sure, if kicking you from earth would be a sin.
“You don ‘ t have to pretend anything, Jack. I ‘ m on your side. We ‘ ll work it out together.”
Jack stepped out of the shadows. “You don ‘ t think that I ‘ ll work out anything together with you, Chase.”
Even from the distance Chase felt the anger behind this voice, a cold anger, determined, ready to act no matter at what costs. And for the first time he really recognized the possibility that Jack would shoot him... and that he won ‘ t regret it. Cool slimy fear ran down his spine. Maybe he should believe the worst, maybe he had lost Jack, maybe the world had lost Jack.
His view darkened, yet he could see the other man move slowly like he ‘ d seen him countless times before, pulling out his weapon, aiming the deadly instrument directly at him.
“I have no choice,” Jack spoke and the sound cracked in Chase ‘ s ears. “Make your peace, Chase. I won ‘ t ask you to forgive me for it ‘ s far too late, after all I ‘ ve done to you.”
“Jack!” Chase grabbed for his gun, not able to believe that they really were able to threaten each other. “We don ‘ t have to do this... .”
“Shut up, Chase!” Jack sounded rock-hard, merciless. “One of us is expected to die and we both know, that I ‘ m the better agent. Give in, son and don ‘ t make this last.” “Jack!” “It’s all said.” Chase watched the gun being raised slightly upwards, the last sign, the last hint on the inevitable explosion driving the deadly bullet forward until it would destroy his living aim in less than a second. His instincts gained the rule and though his insides screamed in horror he couldn ‘ t stop what seemed to be destined for him. Like watching himself from a place outside of his body he wasn ‘ t feeling, wasn ‘ t recognizing the events. His hands, reaching firmly for the gun in front, his arms, drawing the weapon upwards, his fingers, pulling the trigger. And pulling it again and again, while the force of the shots tried to drive him backwards. He shot again, meeting his aim perfectly, hitting the chest where he expected Jack to wear his protection as he always does. Jack stumbled backwards, stood motionless for a moment, while the gun slid from his fingers. Chase looked up, someone dealt with a camera and weird sounds made him shake though he wasn ‘ t knowing if they only could be heard in his imagination.
Tears blurred his sight and increased the impression of irreality. Through the grey fog he watched Jack crumple and fall, sliding down the wall which had stopped his retreat. With a strangled cry Chase dropped his gun and ran forward. He had met him where he had intended to, the jacket would have protected his life. But when he came nearer he knew. He noticed the blood dripping from the corner of Jack ‘ s mouth before he could see the dark spots forming on his shirt where the hot fluid seeped from the fresh wounds. “No...,” Chase shouted in panic. The blue eyes wide open in pain burnt into his heart. “No,” he whispered, when he fell down on his knees beside the other man. “You did it,” Jack breathed, clutching at the fabric of his sweater. “I... I hadn ‘ t....” Chase bent over him, frantically searching a way to stop the bleeding. The material covering the injured chest was already soaked with the blood oozing from the damaged body. “Jack.... why... how could you?” Chase felt the stream of tears running down his cheeks while he clung to the pale figure beneath him. “Hold on Jack,” he stammered. “There will be help here soon... just stay strong... please... .” Jack coughed. A torrent of blood emitted from his mouth and the whole body shuddered violently. Chase took the shaking man into his arms pulling him slightly upwards, rocking him tenderly while the screams which wanted to escape him were sticked in his throat. “You may not... you may not...,” he managed to groan between the painful sobs influencing his movements. Another cough shook the blond and Jack pressed his eyes shut for a moment. When the motion had stilled his trembling fingers came up and touched Chase ‘ s cheek featherly leaving red traces on the pale skin. “You did right,” Jack whispered nearly audible and Chase pulled him closer, brought his lips to his ear in order to understand him better while his tears mixed with the blood on the other man ‘ s face. “I ‘ ll be with... him again... .” Jack took in his breath shakily, his eyes searched for Chase ‘ s. The green stare blinded by the salty water met Jack ‘ s breaking gaze. “You can ‘ t do that to me, Jack.... you can ‘ t...,” Chase pleaded. “Don ‘ t leave me... please... .” He held Jack tight in a forceful embrace clinging to the hope that his hold would provide him with the sparkle of life they both knew was fading away. “I ‘ m sorry...” Jack ‘ s lips moved in a fruitless attempt to articulate the words and his gaze wandered to the high ceiling above them. His eyes stared into the void, seemed to see what no living being was able to see, before he took in his last breath.
Chase still rocked him in his arms feeling his last tremble, sensing the tension leave his body, seeing how the blue eyes became empty when the heart finally stopped its fight.
An overwhelming silence covered them. Chase felt the world stop turning for an instant, believed his own heart had stopped to beat. But it hadn ‘ t. The blood still pumped through his veins, the hands still clung to the motionless body and the tears continued to fall. But he was silent now, no sound escaped his mouth though it remained open to let the cries out which builded up inside of him. A heartbeat lasted an eternity when Chase gave in to the sorrow. He kissed the hair, the forehead, the lips not minding about the blood. His own clothes were already soaked with it and it wasn ‘ t bothering him, nothing was important but the lifeless shape in his arms.
“Well done, Edmunds.” A voice demanded attention. “You ‘ d better run before CTU insits on an explanation.” Chase ignored it, ignored the hoarse laughter following. He stopped stroking the limp form, moved his hand to his pocket, and pulled an object out. Tenderly, lovingly he removed from Jack ‘ s body and leant him against the wall for support. He drew his fingers into his own, opened them carefully. Chase watched the silver chain gliding into the bloody hand and closed the fingers around the symbol connected with it. “I hope you both will find your peace,” he whispered and pressed his lips on the the hand which had been able to be strong and weak at the same time.
In one fluid motion he let go and stood up unexpectedly, whirling around while he grabbed the weapon stuffed into the back of his jeans. “Die, you goddamn bastard,” he shouted, his voice clanging cold in his ears, and fired. He fired until the magazine was empty and still pulled the trigger more sensing than seeing the man above him stagger slightly forward before he tumbled down, fell from where he had hidden until he hit the hard ground.
He still tried to fill the motionless body with bullets when the teams broke into the building screaming their orders, taking over the lead. He put up no resistance when they disarmed him, cuffed his hands roughly behind his back. He never wondered when Bill followed the agents taking in the situation: Jack ‘ s dead body leaning against the wall, Chase arrested and another smashed corpse beside him. “Chase!” He came nearer, eyes wide in shock. “What happened?” Chase stared at him, his gaze clouded, his mind returning from a secret hide-out. “I ‘ ve killed Connors,” he muttered still out of reality. “I ‘ ve killed him. It ‘ s what Jack wanted, what he had died for.” A desperate smile played around his lips when he met Bill ‘ s gaze. The older man stepped closer, laid a hand on his shoulder. “This isn ‘ t Connors,” he said. “Nobody is here in spite of Theo Stoller. Connor is gone.” Chase glanced at him in confusion, not able to understand the words. He looked back at Jack and his mind refused to overcome the sight. Finally he broke down, his thoughts drifting away from the trap he found himself enclosed.