DAISY

Jason's birthday passed by quickly, with me doing exactly as I said. I cooked him the best meal ever and we had a romantic date, but in our apartment and not outside. It was perfect, until I ruined the moment and decided to get personal by asking him questions about his parents and family. To say he cut me off rudely was an understatement. He just stood up and left to go stand out on the balcony, probably deep in thought. I didn't bother him the rest of the night and left early this morning to go to the mall while it was still empty.

It was almost Christmas and I could only imagine how full the shops were going to be. I found myself in the males section in a clothing store in the town's resident mall, trying to find something that Jason might like. It was only fitting I got him a birthday gift, since he had received none besides from Alexis giving him a slap over the head and wishing him happy birthday. I couldn't say the same for Ace, since the guy was missing in action since the last time I saw him. Jason wasn't lying when he said that he never celebrated his birthday.

I couldn't believe it. Who didn't celebrate their birthday? It was supposed to be your favourite day of the year. Well, for most people it should. You recieved endless wishes from family and friends and don't get me started on the birthday cake and presents. Cake doesn't taste as good as it does on birthdays.

I could never say that I really enjoyed my birthdays, but I did look forward to it. I always have. People back at my old home always wished me happy birthdays and some even bought me gifts, like Cassandra and Lucien to be precise. She was never the best friend, but for my birthday's she always bought me cake and she would break into the neighbours garden just to pick me one of the daisy's that they grew. It was always thoughtful and somehow I knew she cared, even though she always acted blunt and cold.

I looked through the rails of men's shirts, and the price tags were alarming. Besides, none of the shirts looked suitable for Jason. He wore dark clothing, jeans, t-shirts and leather jackets. At this store there were mostly old men shirts and cardigans. I cringed when I assessed a men's cardigan in the colour beige. It wasn't bad, but I imagined Jason's expression if I were to buy him this. He would look horrified of the concept of having to wear a cotton cardigan. I wanted to laugh out loud as I imagined his expression.

"Why are you in the men's section, Daisy?" A familiar voice asked.

I turned around in surprise only to see Ace. Thank god, he would definitely know what Jason liked.

"Ace! Thank god you're here." I sighed in relief, placing a hand on his shoulder.

He raised a brow in question. "I'm glad that my presence in needed but why exactly. . . Is it needed?"

"I need to find Jason a birthday present, but I don't know what he would like."

His mouth formed and 'O' shape.

"What do you think I should get him? A T-shirt? A keychain. . . a belt. . . or maybe a wallet? Does he need a another leather jacket? Actually, hold that thought I think that leather jackets are out of my price range. Does he like chains or wrist watches?"

I sounded pathetic, asking my boyfriend's brother what I should get him for his birthday. It sounded like I didn't know Jason well enough.

"Want some advice, pretty Daisy?" He offered, leaning against a nearby railing.

"Uh, sure." I frowned.

"Don't get him anything." He said simply, shrugging and stuffing his hands into his jeans pockets afterwards.

"Uhm, okay. That's the worst advice ever." I scoffed.

"I'm serious. The last time I told him happy birthday, he literally punched me in the face," I stared at him in shock. "I didn't wish him this year. In fact, I didn't even go in a five mile radius of him, to not risk getting clocked in the face again."

"Okay. . . Why is he like this?"

"He. . . our mother. . . never mind. It's not my story to tell. You should ask him." He advised, turning around to walk away.

"Wait, Ace. If you're not gonna tell me, please just help me find him something nice for his birthday." I said desperately.

He shot me a small smile. "You know him. What do you think?"

"Uh. . ." I let out a breath. "Well, the things he loves most are his car, his leather jacket and his chain. That one with the dragon pendent? He never takes it off. In fact, he wears it all the time. In the shower, while he sleeps, while we-" I cut myself off immediately and blushed in embarrassment, looking away.

"While you what, Daisy?" He chuckled.

"That's not important." I dismissed it quickly.

"So, given all those things that he cherishes what does that say about him?" He asked.

"Well. . . He sure is sentimental." I commented.

"Yep. He won't want any meaningless present you give him. Give him something that he can keep, that will remind him of you."

My face scrunch up in excitement, an idea suddenly popping into my head.

"Gosh, I have an idea. Thank you, you actually were of use." I said excitedly before giving him a pat on the shoulder.

"I'm glad to be here for you to use." He mocked a hurt expression.

"Thank you, Ace." I gave him a friendly hug before leaving the shop.

I knew exactly what to get Jason for his birthday present.

***

When I left the mall after atleast a half hour of deciding my options on what colours Jason liked most, I was surprised to see Ace outside the mall as I exited it.

"What are you still doing here?" I asked.

"I thought I would offer you a lift, given that you got here with public transit I assume."

"You assume correctly." I smiled. "The bus is not as bad in the early mornings."

"I wouldn't know since I've never had to take the bus."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah, my father got Jason and I a car on our sixteenth birthday. He got his before me of course."

"Must have been nice." I said, forcing a smile.

The Black family was never perfect, I knew this because of some of the stories Jason had told me. But neither was my family. I was cut off of them since I was eleven. My parents died, and I got separated from my brother and sister. I haven't even spoken to my sister yet, and I had to admit I was afraid to. I was afraid to face her for many reasons. My point was that atleast Jason and Ace still have a parent left, that could support them if they ever ran out of cash or needed a place to crash. I had no one to support me financially. When my savings ran up, I'd be broke. I couldn't be dependent on Jason, because if we broke up I would be alone and helpless. I wanted to atleast buy the groceries if he was going to insist on paying the rent by himself.

"It was. Come on." he said, motioning me to follow him. I followed him through the parking lot all the way to his car, and of course it was just as expensive looking as Jason's. Black and shiny, with slightly tinted windows. Did all gang members drive around looking so suspicious in their vehicles? Way to blend in.

"So, what have you gotten Jason for his birthday?" I heard Ace's voice ask when he pulled up onto the road.

"Can't tell, you're gonna think that I'm weird." I said sheepishly.

"Well, it must be small since you have the tiniest gift bag in your hand."

"It is small, but meaningful. To me atleast, I hope it is to Jason as well."

"He's a hard nut to crack, but it's coming from you so I'm sure he will love it." he assured me.

"I'm not so sure. He seems so off lately." I commented.

"How do you mean?"

"He's being evasive. Barely answering my questions, especially when it's about him. I mean, I'm his girlfriend he can talk to me about anything." I said sadly.

"Like I said, hard nut to crack."

"It's either that or he's not feeling us anymore. Actually no, that can't be the case since he literally forced me to move in with him and he's been intimate lately, physically but not emotionally. What could it be? Does it have something to do with his birthday?" I couldn't help but ask. I felt confused and washed with self doubt. I shouldn't be having these doubts since he confessed his love for me at every chance he got. But I just wanted him to really open up to me more about himself and his parents. About his other life. I felt like there was a part of him that I didn't know at all.

"Don't doubt for a second that he loves you though. He can't shut the hell up about you and talks about you endlessly. About how you've made him a better person, and about how you make him happy."

A small smile appeared on my face.

"So he might be acting closed off and guarded, but it's nothing you can't handle right?" He faced me for a second and shot me a smile.

"Right." I agreed. He was right. This was Jason we were talking about. My Jason. I should've just talk to him.

"So, I'm still curious. What did you get him for his birthday?"

I sighed and pulled the small velvety box out of the blue gift bag. I opened the black box to reveal two necklaces. One for me and one for Jason. It had a pendent of a heart on it, with a dull-ish almost maroon colour inside the heart. One half of the heart was on the gold chain and the other on the silver chain. It was both shiny and glossy, and perfect for Jason and I to wear. To symbolize our love. I hope he loved it as much as I did, because if he didn't I would be heavily disappointed.

Who was I kidding? Of course he would love it. If he wore the chain, random bimbos would know that he was off limits. I wouldn't have to get my claws out for them to know.

"Two halves of a complete heart. That's adorable." Ace chuckled, glancing at the box in my hands.

"Do you think he will like it?" I asked unsurely.

"I think so yeah."

I grinned now feeling excited to give it to him.

"Thank you for helping."

"No problem."

"Can you just drop me off as Sweet Kisses? I think there's a position available there."

"Position? As in a job?"

"Yep."

"Why do you want a job?"

"Well, my folks are dead so I have no one to rely on for money." I said, absentmindedly. When I registered my words, I immediately froze. Oh, crap.

"Wait, your parents are dead?" He frowned.

"Uh. . ." I laughed nervously. "Did I say folks? I'm just kidding." I shrugged it off, trying to keep my expression neutral. If Ace heard what I thought he did, there was no way he wouldn't tell Jason. And if Jason heard it from him and not me, he was going to be pissed.

"Okay. . ." He said, sounding as if he didn't believe me at all. I didn't blame him. "Here you are." The car stopped in front of the main block, where many shops were situated including Sweet Kisses.

"Thanks for the ride, Ace. I'll see you soon." I mumbled, before grabbing my things and exiting the car as quickly as possible.

I heard his car drive away as I made my way into my favourite coffee shop. When I entered the door made a little jungle sound. The warmth of the shop enveloped me and I sighed. I made my way over to the front counter to see Clary, a barista that I once met and who I occasionally conversed with.

"Hey, Clary." I greeted her, smiling.

"Oh hey, Daisy." She smiled back, her smile immediately lighting up the room. "What can I do for you?"

"The usual please, a chocolate frappé. And I was wondering if that position was still open. I need a job and this place is the first place that I thought of." I said sheepishly.

Her eyes seemed to brighten.

"You want the job? Ah, that's perfect! I was afraid to work with some stranger who I wouldn't get along with but you're perfect. When do you want to start?"

I giggled at her enthusiasm. I was really glad that the post was still available.

"Immediately if that's possible."

"Yes, of course. Is tomorrow okay? As you noticed there are no waitresses and some people actually sit here all day and expect to be served. There are actually no requirements or anything. As long as you're customer friendly and you can balance two trays of coffee on your arms, you'll qualify for the job." She chuckled. She handed me me my beverage when it was finished.

"Awesome! Where's your boss? Won't he want to know about the hiring?"

"It's a she actually. She left the hiring to me. I guess you can say I worked here long already and she trusts my opinion."

"That's great. Thanks for hiring me so easily."

"You seem like a good person and I trust you won't let us down."

"I won't." I assured her, sipping from my coffee.

"Great. I will be right back I just need to go and get you our signature apron at the back. Our old waitress washed it out so it would be fine. Will you watch the shop quickly?" She asked.

"Sure."

She send me a smile before disappearing to the back. I sighed and rest back against the counter. I was so glad to have gotten the job since I just spend about my last money on Jason's present. I still had to buy all my friends Christmas gifts before Christmas arrived. I was gonna need a bit of cash for that.

I was about to take a seat on one of the stools near the front counter when I noticed a very pissed looking Jason entering the shop. My eyebrows shot up in surprise. I didn't expect him to be here. His eyes scanned the entire shop before they landed on me, and if possible his glare hardened.

He stalked towards me and I could feel my body slowly sinking against the stool.

"Hey, Jason." I smiled when he reached me, acting as if I wasn't guilty of leaving the apartment early in the morning without his knowledge. He breathed heavily, before inhaling deeply.

"Daisy," he began calmly. Too calmly. I gave him a sheepish smile. "Where the fuck have you been?"

There it was.

"I'm sorry but I had to go to the mall for something. I needed to buy-"

"I don't give a shit about what you wanted to buy. You don't leave the apartment so early without telling me." he said, running his hands though his hair in frustration. "I have a lot of fucking enemies and when you were no where to be found this morning I panicked. You're not even answering your damn phone!"

I immediately felt guilty. I shouldn't have put my phone off.

"I'm sorry, Jason." I said in shame.

"No you're not. You wouldn't have acted so fucking careless if you were."

"Stop swearing, we're in public." I said softly, hoping that the people in the shop couldn't hear us.

"I don't give a shit. Come on, we're going." He demanded, grabbing my hand. I shrugged my hand from his causing him to narrow his eyes at our parted hands.

"Wait, I'm just waiting for Clary quickly she'll be back in a bit."

"Who the hell is Clary?"

"The person giving me a job. I need this job and you're not gonna spoil it for me." I said sternly.

"Job? Why the fuck do you need a job? I told you I will pay the rent." He was growing more frustrated, and I just hoped to god that he didn't unleash his anger in public. Goodness, he should really consider anger management. I knew that what I'd done didn't make me the innocent one here, but normal couples dealt with it at home and not in public.

"Not for the rent, Jason. I need money obviously for groceries, personal things and just generally need it for your every day costs like taxi fare and-"

"Fuck, Daisy. Are you serious?" He scowled, grabbing my hand and pulling me towards him. My body hit his chest and I immediately frowned. "I will give you money for anything you need. You don't need a damn job."

"Yes, I do." I said strongly.

"Don't fucking start with me. We're leaving, come on."

"No." I denied stubbornly. "You don't get to tell me what to do. I'm not some possession you can order around."

His eyes immediately darkened. "You're mine. You belong to me."

"No." I pulled out of his grasp. "I'm your girlfriend, your equal. I'm not your possession."

I couldn't believe he was acting this way. Like an absolute asshole. He was fine just the other day. This had to do something with his birthday, or the fact that I asked about his parents last night. Gee, this was the perfect sequal to his birthday.

He was about to say something, when a voice stopped him.

"Uh, Daisy. . ." Clary trailed off, awkwardly looking between Jason and I. She held a piece of black material in her hands.

"Clary I'll be right with you." I smiled kindly at her. "I just need to sort something out."

"No, there's nothing to sort out. If you want to stay, then stay. And find your own way back home." Jason said darkly before turning around and storming out.

I stared at his retreating figure, feeling an ache in my heart. Something was bothering him for him to act that way, and I needed to find out. I turned to Clary to see her release a deep breath.

"That was intense. Why are you still talking to Jason Black?" She asked curiosly.

"He's actually my boyfriend." I said.

"Seriously? When did that happen?" She asked in surprise.

"A few weeks ago."

"Wow. . ." She trailed off.

"I know you're thinking that I'm crazy for dating him. He's dangerous, I could get hurt, he doesn't exactly have a good history with the female population, and you're right, but trust me he's not that bad. Or at least he isn't towards me."

"I believe you. He seemed pretty angry a few seconds ago though."

"I know, and it's all my fault." I groaned.

"I'm not gonna ask why because it's none of my business." She chuckled. "But here, you can wear any clothing with this apron on and preferably heels." She handed me the black material. I took it and layered it over my body to see how it would look. It was all black with a pink cupcake print on the middle. It was cute and simple.

"This is so cute." I gushed. "Thanks so much, Clary. This means a lot."

"Ah, no problem." She waved it off.

"Should I keep it or. . .?"

"Keep it. Since you're starting tomorrow, I'll give you the afternoon shifts for Sunday's, and the night shifts for the week days since I assume you go to college around here. Saturday's are off days. How does that sound?"

"That's perfect. Thanks so much again." I smiled in appreciation.

"Tomorrow I'll give you more details on what to expect."

"Alright. Oh, and here's the money for the frappe." I was about go pull a few dollars out of my purse when she stopped me.

"That one's on the house."

"Are you sure?"

"Yep."

"Cool, thank you. I'll see you tomorrow." I grabbe the small gift bag I got off the counter and the kept the apron on my arm before making my way to the door. She sent me a wave which I returned before exiting the shop. I sighed loudly as I realized that I was gonna have to take public transit back to the apartment, and it was usually a big fare since the apartment was pretty far from here, at least a thirty minutes drive if you were speeding.

When my eyes scanned the outside I was surprised to see Jason's car parked in the lot, with him leaning against the car door. He looked beyond annoyed and impatient. I sighed and slowly let my legs carry me towards where he was parked. When he spotted me his glare intensified which sent my heart skipping a beat.

"I thought you said I should find my own way home."

"I'm not gonna actually let you take the damn bus, Daisy. Now get in the car." He grumbled before unlocking the doors, pulling the car door open and harshly getting inside. I hurried to the passenger seat and pulled my door open before getting inside. I was barely in properly when he started the engine and began pulling out of the parking lot.

"What the hell is up with you?" I asked in annoyance, slamming my door shut.

"You. You leave the apartment without telling me and you put your phone off. Don't ever fucking do that again." he snapped.

"You know what, I'm not gonna argue with you. I said I was sorry and if you can't accept my apology, then so be it." I turned away from him and looked outside of the window. I expected him to yell at me but he stayed silent instead. I peaked a glance at him to see him gripping the steering wheel tightly.

I sighed deeply and rested my head against the seat, looking outside the window. I watched the scenery pass us absentmindedly till we reachd the huge gates of the apartment complex. The entire ride was silent, besides for Jason's heavy breathing and swearing at random people on the road. He was being extra temperamental today.

We took the elevator up to our floor in silence. When we reached our door he didn't wait for me to unlock it but instead pulled out his key card and hastily swiped it. He pushed the door open with a bang and entered the apartment. I followed him inside and quietly closed the door before locking it.

"Jason." I said quietly, following him into the living room section. He didn't respond.

"Jason?" I called again. He paused his steps and turned around.

"What?" He asked in annoyance.

"Tell me what's wrong." I began gently, moving towards him. "Talk to me, tell me what's bothering you."

He breathed in deeply. "Nothing is bothering me."

"That's a lie and you know it."

He was breathing heavily, his broad shoulders rising up and down. He looked especially intimidating in that moment, his dark hair slightly falling into his eyes, his black lip ring glinting in the sun and his shoulders rising up and down heavily. His eyes looked darker than usual. But I knew him. And for me, there was nothing to be afraid of.

When I reached him, his height towered over me. He looked down at me curiously as I began pulling his leather jacket off. When it was completely off I neatly placed it on the wooden table next to the couch. He remained with his black sweater on with short sleeves, displaying the tattoos on his arms and neck. I stood on my tippy toes and cupped his jaw in my hand before placing a gentle kiss on his lips. He immediately relaxed and released a long breath.

"Talk to me." I urged softly. His expression softened the slightest bit.

"I'm sorry." He apologized, taking my hands in his and bringing it around his neck. He bend down and kissed my jaw ever so softly. I immediately relaxed. "I'm sorry for acting like a fucktard. I'm just feeling. . . a bit off today."

"Why?" I asked, searching his eyes for answers.

"I guess it has to do with the fact that my birthday was yesterday, I have severe anger issues and I'm a fucking asshole. I do bad things and I have no excuse for it. As simple as that."

"That's no true, Jason. And why would your birthday cause this? Why was it so bad of an idea that we celebrate it yesterday?" I needed answers.

"Because I don't deserve to be fucking happy on my birthday when she wasn't."

"She?" I immediately frowned.

"My mother. She died when I was fourteen, on my birthday."

I gasped in surprise, my eyes widened. "Oh my god, that's why you didn't want to celebrate it. Gosh, I'm so sorry." I rushed out, tears springing to my eyes. I was acting so insensitive yesterday. I was a terrible person. "I can't believe I forced you to do things when you didn't want to. I'm a horrible girlfriend. I'm so sorry, Jason." I whispered.

He smiled, a broken one. "You have absolutely nothing to be sorry about, Angel. You didn't know."

"But I should have see the signs that something was wrong and stopped acting like a freaking insensitive-"

"Stop, Daisy. You didn't know, and I didn't expect you to."

"I'm sorry." I wrapped my arms around his neck and rested my head on his shoulder, embracing him in a hug.

"I just turned fourteen, the day that my father's rivals abducted my mother. He went absolutely ballistic, doing everything he could to find her, only to fail. The gang searched for her all day. I didn't really know what was going on. I was only fourteen for god sake. All my dad told me was that my mom was missing, but I had no idea what to think about that. That night, I went to my room to get some rest at about nine pm when a saw a figure lying on my bed. I was curious to know who it was, only to pull the duvet away and find my mother lying there, drenched in her own blood."

I squeezed my eyes shut as tears continued to fall from my eyes. My heart broke for him.

"I screamed for my father and he came rushing to my room, his men following him. He saw my mother lying there, bruises on her face and her clothing and body drenched in blood. For the first time in my life, I witnessed my father cry. He broke down in front of me, Ace, Alexis and most of his men. My father was broken for the next month, not doing anything. He didn't even try searching for the men who murdered my mother. But I did. When I finally grew old enough to understand what the hell was happening, I searched for those motherfuckers and when I found them, I didn't just kill them, Daisy. I fucking tortured them. Can you imagine? A seventeen year old boy with so much blood on his hands."

I exhaled a shaky breath and lifted my head from his shoulder, my heart hammering in my chest. This was so much to take in. It was like I finally knew about his other half. When I stayed silent, his expression looked worried immediately. I noticed how he didn't even shed a tear while telling me this story.

"Say something, please. Tell me you don't think that I'm a complete screw up. That I'm not a monster."

"You're not." I whispered, cupping his jaw in my hand. "You're amazing. And caring, and loving and I can't say that I agree with your methods, but I haven't gone through what you have either. So I don't have a say in what you have done. But what I can say, if that I see you changing. Transforming into this amazing person. A bad person engulfed in darkness don't suddenly turn to the light. This proves that their was always a light somewhere inside of you, even if it took you a while to realize that." I breathed out.

He stared at me, his eyes filled with love and adoration.

"You believe that?" He asked softly, bringing his forehead down to mine.

"Absolutely." I whispered.

"I love you so much, baby. You have no idea." He breathed out.

"And I love you. I'm so sorry about what happened. I wish I could make it better. You have to know that you can always talk to me, I won't judge you."

"I know that now." He pulled away and placed a lingering kiss on my lips. "And you already do make it better by just being here. You can talk to be too, about your parents and your past. I need you to open up to me as well."

I gulped nervously. "I will, soon." I promised. I had no idea when I would be ready to tell him about Lucien and his gang and my past, but all I knew was that I was digging myself into a bigger hole. He was going to be absolutely pissed when he found out.

"I guess the present I got you for your birthday doesn't really matter now does it? I'm so sorry for leaving like that this morning, especially since it's for a lost cause now anyway." I said sadly.

"You got me a present?" He asked, a small smile playing at his lips.

"Yeah but I can't give it to you now since because of what happened and all. I'm sorry." I apologized again.

"Well, where is it?" He asked.

"Wait, you want my present?" I asked hopefully.

"It is from you so of course I want it."

"Really?" I squealed in excitement, pushing away from him and rushing to my bag that I left on the kitchen island. I grabbed the small blue gift bag and rushed back over to him. I heard his soothing laugh and couldn't help but grin.

"Here it is!" I grinned and hand him the bag. He took it and sat down on the couch. I followed after him and sat next to him, leaning on his shoulder as he pulled the black box out of the bag. He opened it and I immediately looked at his expression.

"This is. . ."

I frowned in disappointment. Of course he didn't like it. I was never great at picking out gifts.

"I'm sorry. I'll go to the store tomorrow and get you something more practical like a wrist watch or a T-shirt. What colours do you like? Wait never mind you answered that in first semester when I first met you and we played that game of twenty questions. You said black and grey? Wait, obviously it's those colours you wear them all the time. Do you like-"

"Daisy," I'm stopped by the sound of Jason's laugh. "I was about to say that this is absolutely adorable and amazing. Only you would think of something so cute and meaningful."

I smiled in truimph. "I had help with that."

"You're so cute. Come here."

I got up and sat in his lap, wrapping an arm around his neck.

"Do you want to do the honors of putting this chain on my neck?" He asked, a smile on his face.

"Yep." I said excitedly. I gently pulled the gold one out of its casing and unhooked the crab clips before bringing it around his neck and hooking it up again. I looked at the result and squealed.

"It's perfect."

"Just like you."

I blushed and went to pull the silver one out when Jason stopped me.

"It's my turn isn't it?"

I nodded in excitement and pulled my hair over to one side of my shoulder, allowing him access to my neck. He unhooked it before bringing it around my neck. His hands rested around my neck as he looked at me, his eyes shining. When I heard the faint noise of the clip he pulled his hands away and rested it on my hips. I looked down at the result, to see the half of the heart beautifully resting against my skin.

"It's beautiful."

"It is, and it means a lot too. Now I have two chains that represent two of the most important people that was ever in my life." He whispered, placing a kiss on my cheek.

"Your mom gave you the dragon pendent?"

"Yeah," he smiled softly. "When I was thirteen years old she told me to always keep it. She said it represents strength and power to always carry on even when things got too tough to handle. I believed her. Whenever I thought that I couldn't handle something, I just thought about what she said."

"That's beautiful." I said softly, reaching out to play with the rusting chain that still rests on his neck up until today.

"You're beautiful. And I love you."

"I love you too."

He leaned forward and claimed my lips with his. I fell in love with him once again, it feeling just like the first. I felt as if today I knew another part of him, a part that I didn't know before and it felt more than satisfying.

A/n. Aww, poor Jason. My baby😥

Drama comes soon ;) *smiles slyly*