Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter Text
Totally not spurred on by the arrival of my Irish Ace t-shirt, a book of oneshots dedicated to the man himself, JD McDonagh!
Let's face it, if you couldn't tell from any of my other books, I absolutely love JD and especially JD angst so... Here's a book just for him. Tags will be updated as we go and more chapters are created.
I hope to make more of these specific wrestler-focused books, especially for characters that I enjoy that don't have much/any content for them (ex. Luca Crucifino, Charlie Dempsey, Ilja Dragunov, Ludwig Kaiser..)
Anyway, I think that's all that I needed to get out of the way. Requests are open and appreciated!
Chapter 2: Recognizing his pain - JD McDonagh X Ilja Dragunov
Summary:
JD gets hurt and the only one who can see right through him is his ex-boyfriend.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
JD was sat in the corner of the Judgement Day clubhouse with his hood pulled up, trying to feign that he was having a nap before their match later on. In actuality, he was trying to just push through the pain in his chest. Now, JD wasn't sure what he'd done or what was wrong with him, but it must have happened during his tag match with Finn during the house show at the weekend.
At least the nap excuse was believable. He had a witness in Dominik, who he'd shared a hotel room with, that JD didn't get much sleep the night before. God, he knew his chest hurt but why was breathing so hard? It wasn't normally this bad.. It did worry JD slightly. He knew he was going to fight later regardless but would he be able to pull it off? No. No, of course he would. He always did.
He was aware that the others were nearby and he peeked open one eye to look around. Damian was standing as was Rhea, she was leaning against his side with his arm around her waist. Finn was sat on the sofa with him at the opposite end and with Dominik sprawled out across his lap, his feet close enough to poke JD if he wanted to. In a way, JD was.. Jealous. Jealous of his teammates for their wonderful relationship. He wanted that... JD could have had that. But he knew goddamn well he fucked that relationship up a long time ago.
Unlike the others, JD struggled to express his real feelings. He hated it.. Hated feeling weak and vulnerable. Even then, he didn't know howHim.. So much love and affection, things JD had never experienced before but.. He just couldn't. And God, did JD hate himself for it.
"JD, you good?" Damian asked, looking over at him.
"Hm..? Yeah, I'm fine." JD nodded, rubbing his still-tired eyes.
"There's a good lad." Finn smiled, nudging his arm.
JD plastered a small smile on his face, doing his best not to wince at the touch. Maybe JD was getting better at hiding it.. Usually Finn would easily be able to tell that something was wrong with him. Either that or he just didn't care as much- Nope. Finn was ruffling his hair and resting his free hand on his shoulder.
"You remember what you're supposed to do?" Finn raised a brow.
"Keep Jey distracted so you can focus on Sami and Kevin." JD pointed.
"Huh, I didn't think you were listening." Damian commented.
"Give him some credit, Dame. JD is very observant." Rhea reminded him.
"He's always listening." Dominik hummed.
"Don't say it like that." JD shook his head,"You make it sound weird."
"You are a little weird, a good weird." Dominik shrugged.
JD snickered,"Thanks, Dom."
"You are welcome." Dominik grinned.
JD kept up his act as they walked out later that night. He was glad not to be involved in that match, just ringside interference with Rhea choosing to stay in gorilla. It meant he got to keep on his street clothes and they wouldn't see the bruising on his ribs. When JD got involved, Jey could see that something was wrong and did his best to throw him over the barricade and not injure him further... It didn't work.
Pain flared up his ribs as he struggled to his feet, leaning over the barricade as he forced himself back over it and.. Immediately crumbled on the ground. Sami was soon thrown over the ropes, bumping into Jey and giving him an opportunity to kneel beside JD.
"You good, Uce?" Jey asked quietly.
"Fine.. I'm fine." JD nodded quickly,"Just stick to the plan."
Jey sighed and kept fighting with JD until the match was over, although he was noticeably being as gentle as possible which.. JD appreciated. Although he would've been able to take the moves, he wasn't fragile. Unfortunately, the Judgement Day didn't win but.. They were still pretty happy about how things went once they got backstage.
"You were all great out there." Rhea smiled, wrapping her arms around Dominik as she looked around at them all,"Even you, JD."
"I do try." JD chuckled softly.
"Who's down for drinks, on me?" Finn asked.
"Always down." JD hummed.
"Damian?" Finn looked up at him.
"You two can't be trusted alone to drink, none of you can." Damian shook his head as he kissed,"I'm coming to supervise you idiots."
"Oh, you love us." Finn rolled his eyes.
"Sure." Damian nodded slowly.
He may have been hurting but.. Maybe the alcohol would numb things for him and make them tolerable. So JD followed after the happy couple, lingering a bit behind them as they walked through the arena. Although.. Someone else had been watching their match, someone JD didn't expect... Ilja?
The Mad Dragon was marching towards them, a determined look on his face. Nobody knew what to expect but hey, Dragunov had never had any problems with them before.
"Hey, Ilja-" Finn went to wave.
But Dragunov walked straight past him and the others and walked straight to JD, grabbing his shoulders,"You're coming to medical. Right now."
"Ilja-" JD tried.
"No. That is not a suggestion, Jordan." Dragunov shook his head.
JD looked to the rest of the Judgement Day who looked on at him with.. Concern. Only then did they seem to notice his tired eyes.. How he clung to his side.
"JD?" Finn furrowed his brow,"..Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because I'm fine." JD insisted.
"Jordan." Dragunov rested his hand on JD's cheek,"Come.. Please."
Despite wanting to push him away, JD just seemed to.. Crumble. He leaned into Dragunov's touch and let himself fall apart, with Dragunov taking care to hold him close.. Even now, he was still so gentle with JD. Im truth, it was because he didn't know where JD was hurting and didn't want to make it worse but also because he cared about him and wanted him to feel safe.
The Judgement Day were quiet during their whole encounter and stayed quiet even as the pair walked off together, Dragunov helping JD. They'd seen little glimpses of a more relaxed JD but.. None of them, aside from maybe Finn, had ever seen JD that relaxed or calm. Not only that, but the only one who was aware of how close the pair was in the past was Finn.
"You're going to be okay, Sonnenschein.." Dragunov paused as they continued walking,"Am.. Are you okay with me calling you that?"
"Call me whatever you want." JD mumbled, almost desperate to reach medical but he was just slowing them down..
"Hold on- I don't want to hurt you, just.." Dragunov stopped before scooping JD up in his arms, carrying the taller man bridal style,"There. I'm not hurting you, am I?"
JD instinctively curled into Dragunov's chest,"No.. No, I'm okay."
Dragunov offered him a small smile, carrying him the rest of the way to medical and carefully sitting him on the table. But Dragunov didn't just.. Up and leave him there. No. He stayed during the examination and gave JD little words of reassurance when he could. Unfortunately, it was what JD feared.. He'd fractured his ribs and should have come in sooner. The doctor did leave the pair to have some privacy as he briefly left the room.
"You didn't have to do that, y'know." JD spoke up, looking down.
"I know.. But I wanted to." Dragunov shrugged.
"Why?" JD questioned almost immediately, looking up at him,"..I just hurt you, why do you care so much?"
"Jordan.. While your lack of affection and genuine emotion stung, I knew it was because you were hurting yourself." Dragunov put his hand on JD's knee,"You weren't ready for a relationship, not mentally or emotionally. And.. When we broke up, do you remember what I told you?"
JD shook his head, looking off to the side. While both agreed that breaking up was the right choice, that didn't mean it didn't hurt JD. He hated himself for ruining their relationship with his issues- It's one of the reasons why he obscured them. So he couldn't ruin anything. That night, JD went out and drank.. He drank until he couldn't feel his feelings anymore. JD was lucky Finn found him that night and took him home.. God, he was stupid.
"I told you that I'd wait for you, until you were ready, and maybe we could try again." Dragunov smiled softly at him,"I'm not sorry for loving you.. I never stopped loving you."
"What..?" JD blinked.
"Even after things ended, I just.. I couldn't turn it off, like you can. I know it must sound so foolish to you but.. I love you." Dragunov admitted, his shoulders tense,"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have-"
"You love me?" JD took Dragunov's hand and squeezed it,"You want to try again? With me?"
Dragunov chuckled softly,"I do.. I do."
"I don't want you to get hurt but.. I want you." JD but his cheek,"That probably sounds bad but.. It true. I want to be yours again, I want to protect you.. I want... I want.."
Dragunov was looking up at him, expectantly waiting for him to finish.. But he didn't. JD leaned down and cupped Dragunov's face, pulling him in for a kiss. It was an impulsive decision, a stupid decision- But Dragunov kissed back, slowly standing up and resting his hands on JD's hips. The pair parted slightly and just stayed in that position, inches apart and looking into each other's eyes.
"I missed you.. God, I missed you." JD breathed out.
"But we're together again, kleiner Igel." Dragunov rested his forehead against JD's.
JD snickered,"Hang on.. That's a new one. Can I get a translation?"
"Little hedgehog.. I figured it matches you." Dragunov hummed,"I think you're.. Cute, but a little spiky."
"You're so creative, love." JD rested his head on Dragunov's shoulder.
"I try my best." Dragunov carefully sat back down while pulling JD with him, letting him rest against him,"Try and get some sleep, alright?"
"What- No, I-" JD tried sitting up.
"I can tell you had issues sleeping, I can always tell. Sleep." Dragunov kissed the top of his head.
"Fine.." JD mumbled, resting his head below Dragunov's chin.
"I love you." Dragunov smiled, happy that JD wasn't his usual stubborn self.
"I.." JD yawned, his eyes starting to close,"..I love you too."
Dragunov was happy to sit in medical and just hold JD close, letting him get some well-deserved rest.. He was always pushing himself too hard. Were they boyfriends again? Just starting to see each other? Dragunov wasn't sure, but they didn't need a label, not right now. All that mattered was that they were together again.. They were happy.
Notes:
Since the two times I wrote about these two being together, they broke up so... Time for some wholesome content because this is my second favourite JD ship, just behind Poly!Judgement Day
Chapter 3: The Nightmare - JD McDonagh X Ilja Dragunov
Summary:
JD has a nightmare but thankfully, someone is right there to comfort him
Chapter Text
"Finn- Hey, where are you going?" JD questioned as he jogged after him.
"I'm leaving." Finn answered, not looking back at him.
"Leaving.. No- What did I do? Why are you leaving?" JD reached out an grabbed Finn's arm.
Finn yanked his arm away,"You're a liability, Jordan. I can't keep defending you from Damian. Your actions in the ring, outside of the ring.."
"But- Finn, you're like my older brother." JD shook his head.
"Yeah, you're like my little brother.. But you're not my responsibility, not anymore." Finn turned away from him.
Not.. Not his responsibility.. JD felt like crying- But he couldn't. As Finn walked away, JD tried to chase after him. But his legs felt heavy and he wasn't seeming to get any closer. There- Finn was walking to the rest of the Judgement Day and.. They were walking away.
"Hey- Wait for me! Guys!" JD called to them but soon.. They were too far, even to see,"..I'm sorry."
JD didn't know what he'd done wrong, but he knew it had to be his fault. It was always his fault.. Maybe they'd come back- They had to come back. But they didn't. JD was left alone on his knees in a dark, never-ending corridor, pleading with nothing.
"Please.." JD looked up to see.. Dragunov.
Standing in front of him, looking down at his was Dragunov. He.. He wasn't leaving, right? JD desperately reached for him, clinging to Dragunov's legs as he cried. He didn't want to cry but he just couldn't stop..
"Stay.. Please stay.." JD whimpered, resting his head against Dragunov's legs.
Dragunov gently ran his fingers through JD's hair,"Sonnenschein.. Things just aren't working out."
"No- No, I don't want to hear that again! Stop-" JD quickly covered his ears as Dragunov continued saying what he said the night things ended between them,"..Please, Ilja."
But when JD looked up again, he was gone. Alone. All alone.. JD was all alone and all he could do was curl up and sob- He didn't want to be alone. Why did everyone leave? What did he do wrong..? Although, that's when he shot awake.
Bedroom. He was in his bedroom. JD let out a shaky breath as he slowly sat on the edge of his bed, rubbing his eyes. Finn had offered him the spare room at the Judgement Day house but he'd declined it, opting instead to stay in his apartment.. Alone. While the thought of being alone wasn't ideal, it meant that his friends wouldn't be burdened with his issues, his nightmares, his odd habits..
Instinctively, JD reached for his phone and called the one man he knew would make him feel better. Finn. He always called his best friend after a nightmare, or when he was younger and traveling with him, JD would see him. Finn was like JD's anchor to reality, pulling him back in when his brain became to hectic or reassuring him. But... Finn didn't answer. It was the early house of the morning so JD didn't blame him, but he couldn't help but call again. And yet again, he received no answer.
What if Finn really had left him..? No. No- He wouldn't.. Right? After a third unsuccessful phone call, JD quickly got up and hurried to the spare room. Dragunov had come over to hang out and ended up staying over in the spare room. JD just had to see if he was still there- Thankfully, he was right there.. Sleeping peacefully. Dragunov hadn't left him.
JD let out a sigh of relief before creeping inside the room and perching at the end of Dragunov's bed.. Just watching. Watching him sleep, watching him breath.. Knowing that the man he treasured was okay brought him some comfort. This was one of JD's odd habits that he was frequently told off for- And he wasn't upset about it. He knew that waking up in the middle of the night to your friend staring at you sleeping was probably.. Unsettling.. But he was scared. He didn't want to interrupt their sleep despite being desperate for comfort but also didn't want to leave in case they left or something bad happened..
But that's when Dragunov began to stir and JD tensed, looking down at him. He braced himself, waiting for Dragunov to wake up and yell at him or dismissively tell him to go back to sleep but.. He didn't. Dragunov rubbed his eyes as he woke up, immediately noticing JD and.. He smiled?
"Jordan." Dragunov hummed softly, glancing at the clock,"What brings you here so.. Early?"
JD hesitated, before shaking his head,"..Nothing, Angel."
"It doesn't look like nothing." Dragunov sighed, stretching as he pushed himself up into a sitting position,"Come on, what's wrong?"
"Ilja, really-" JD tried.
"Jordan." Dragunov crossed his arms,"Come here and tell me what's wrong."
JD crawled over to Dragunov and curled up against his side,"I had a nightmare, okay..?"
"Oh, Sonnenschein.." Dragunov gently cupped his cheek,"Are you okay?"
JD nodded slowly,"..Now that you're here."
"Do you want to talk about it?" Dragunov asked, rubbing his back.
"Everyone left me.. Did I do something wrong? I promise, I didn't mean to do anything this time." JD looked down.
"Shh, it wasn't real. You didn't do anything wrong." Dragunov hushed JD, holding him closer,"I'm right here, and I promised that I wasn't going anywhere."
"But what if-" JD tried.
"I said I'm not going anywhere. I'm here, see?" Dragunov took JD's hand and put it over his heart,"This isn't a dream- I told you I'd stay."
JD nodded slowly, nestling his head against Dragunov's neck,"I'm sorry for waking you.."
"Don't be. I would drop everything for you if you needed me- I'd leave halfway through a match if you needed me to." Dragunov kissed the top of his head.
"You don't mean that- Your career is more important-" JD went to speak but Dragunov covered his mouth.
"I'm not even going to let you finish that blatantly untrue statement." Dragunov shook his head.
"Sorry." JD sighed.
"Look, how about you try and get some sleep okay.. With me." Dragunov suggested, gently combing his fingers through JD's curls,"I won't leave, okay? You'll wake up and I'll be right here."
"Are you sure?" JD asked, his reddened cheeks visible in the darkened room.
"I'm sure." Dragunov nodded,"I'd.. Actually quite like sleeping in the same bed as you."
JD chuckled softly,"You really want to be my boyfriend again, huh? I thought you were joking about that."
Dragunov blinked,"Jordan, we made out in the middle of medical when you were supposed to be getting some sleep- I thought that made it pretty obvious."
"Nah, not really. Making out doesn't mean you want me- Well, it could but-" JD rambled.
That was until Dragunov rolled over, hovering on top of JD with their faces inches apart. They could feel the others breath on their lips and Dragunov resisted all temptation to make out with JD right then and there.
"Jordan. I want you to be my boyfriend, you.. You are my everything." Dragunov told him, refusing to break eye contact,"Are you convinced now?"
JD nodded quickly,"Mhm- Yeah. Yeah, I'm convinced."
"Good." Dragunov hummed, gently kissing his forehead before rolling to the side and pulling JD close to his chest,"Now, get some sleep."
"Wh- I'm supposed to just go to sleep after that?" JD questioned.
"Mhm." Dragunov winked,"I love you."
"Goddammit- I love you too." JD huffed, cuddling into Dragunov's chest.
Chapter 4: You belong here - Poly!Judgement Day
Summary:
A request from Paige:
'For a prompt, can we get JD running himself into the ground trying to do every for the Judgment Day to prove he belongs - kind of like what he did with Damian's MITB case and stuff - and Rhea kind of just goes full Mami and is like, "That's not how this works. That's an onscreen thing, not a real life one. We all do our part. And right now, you're not doing your part of the cuddles, so come sit with me before I feel neglected." Just, angst with a happy ending, I guess?
Thank you for writing and sharing!'
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
JD was pacing around the Judgement Day clubhouse- Something. There had to be something he could do to help out the Judgement Day.. To prove he belonged there. When he was first trying to get noticed by the group, JD customized the MITB briefcase for Damian and while the latter appreciated it, JD always felt like he could, like he should be doing more. He already did all that he could in the ring, selling any and all moves that came his way to make everyone else look better but.. There had to be more.
Then JD remembered a suggestion Triple H mentioned to him and Jey, about a brawl that was going to happen between the Judgement Day and Team Cody before Survivor Series. Instead of hitting Damian, JD could take the spear from Jey and that could be the final spark to get him into the group.. On screen of course. He'd actually started seeing them a few months ago but wasn't officially in the Judgement Day on screen. This was where that would change.
When it was time for the match that broke down into the brawl, JD was ready. It was all he could think about and then he saw his chance. He crawled back into the ring as Damian took a superkick and then... He shoved Damian out of the way of the spear. JD winced as he hit the ground, immediately curling in on himself. His ribs were in agony and it took every ounce of energy he had left to stay silent.. Was Damian okay? Damian was looking on in shock but.. He was unharmed. Good. He did his job.
He tried sitting up on his own but.. Woah- Dizzy. Rhea tired to help him up before she started arguing with Pearce but he just fell back down. Finn was the one that had to help him get out of the ring and he practically carried him to medical despite JD's insistence that he'd be okay. No matter what he said, Finn wasn't taking any chances, not with JD's health.
"What were you thinking?" Finn questioned as he managed to get JD seated.
"I don't know.. Triple H thought it would be a good idea, he mentioned it a few days ago." JD winced, clutching his ribs.
"I swear- If you're hurt then-" But Finn couldn't finish as Damian burst in.
JD flinched, closing his eyes tightly,"Sorry- I'll be okay, and I-"
"Are you hurt?" Damian lifted JD's chin so he was looking up at him.
"No- I'm fine.. Just a precaution." JD told him.
"Actually, he hasn't been seen yet." Finn jutted in, crossing his arms,"But.. I think it's just some pretty bad bruising."
"See?" JD hummed.
"Don't give me that smirk, you little shit. When we get home, you are going to lie down and do nothing." Damian pointed.
And Damian wasn't kidding, like JD hoped. As soon as they got home, he was made to go rest in his room. And to make matters worse, he always got caught when he was trying to leave, without fail. But once his bruising had healed, he had to get back to work and that's exactly what he did.
JD couldn't help himself, he did everything. He had to do everything. Especially when the others were out or working elsewhere. He did all the yard work so everything looked tidy, he'd clean up the bathroom because he knew nobody else wanted to and now, he was cleaning out the cupboards in the kitchen. JD was, for lack of a better word, exhausted but he could keep going. He had to keep going.
Rhea was curled up on the sofa in her fluffy, black oodie watching some cheesy soap opera when JD walked in, dressed for the day in casual clothes. The others were all either in pyjamas or cozy clothes since they'd all decided to have a nice, relaxing day off.. But Rhea recalled JD being pretty quiet during that discussion. When she saw him reach for his shoes, presumably to go do another task, she knew she had to stop him.
"JD. Come here, now." Rhea called to him.
JD walked in quickly, his hands behind his back,"Rhea?"
"What are you doing?" Rhea asked,"We're supposed to be having a cozy day, remember?"
"I know but.. I just wanted to prove that I belonged here- I have to-" JD tried to explain, but Rhea wasn't having it.
"Nope. That's not how this works." Rhea pointed.
"It's not..?" JD blinked.
"That's an on-screen thing, not a real life one." Rhea told him,"You don't need to 'prove' anything to us, JD. You wouldn't be here unless we all wanted you here, okay? You've already proven yourself."
"I see." JD nodded slowly.
"We all do our part around here.. And right now, you're not doing your part of the cuddles, so come sit with me before I feel neglected." Rhea huffed, holding her arms out.
JD hesitantly sat beside her on the sofa instead of curling right into her arms. This didn't please Rhea and she gave him a look of 'Really?' before pulling JD into her lap. It took a while to get JD to relax but when he did, he curled up against her and he just looked.. So happy. Rhea had never seen him look so content or peaceful.
"Nice, isn't it, Ace?" Rhea hummed, gently trailing her nails up and down his back.
"Mhm.." JD yawned.
"You're allowed to sleep, I'd like you to get some rest." Rhea told him,"You deserve it."
JD did attempt to weakly protest but he soon ended up snuggled against Rhea's chest, a small smile on his face. His smile made Rhea smile and she gently combed her fingers through his curls. Wow.. She'd never been able to get JD to relax long enough to fall asleep or let her get this close. Although, that's when Damian appeared.
"Huh, you finally got him to sleep?" Damian raised a brow.
"He's sound." Rhea nodded, kissing the top of his head.
"Do you think I can hold him?" Damian asked, holding his arms out.
"No. He's my baby." Rhea held JD a little tighter and he stirred slightly.
Rhea carefully adjusted JD so he was also inside her oodie, warm and safe from the clutches of Damian who would surely not cuddle him as well. He was pressed up against Rhea's chest and nestled his head against her neck.
"Come on, just a little hug?" Damian asked.
"We're cuddling right now- Go cuddle Finn or Dom." Rhea pointed.
"I've been with them both all day, I want to give JD a turn." Damian told her.
"Mm..?" JD slowly opened his eyes.
"Thanks a lot, Damian." Rhea sighed, gently easing him out of the oodie,"There."
"Ah, mi amor." Damian hummed, holding his arms out.
The sleepy JD instinctively held out his arms that practically fell at his sides just as Damian scooped him up. JD wrapped his limbs around Damian and closed his eyes, his head resting on Damian's shoulder as he slowly lowered himself beside Rhea.
"He's like a little koala." Rhea chuckled softly.
"A sleepy koala." Damian added, reaching for and grabbing a blanket from the back of the sofa.
Damian covered himself and JD, gently running his fingers through his hair. He may have acted all annoyed by JD on-screen, but Damian adored him and all of his partners really. While holding him, Damian was concerned by how skinny JD was but.. He pushed those concerns aside. They could be brought up later, not now, not when they'd just gotten the poor guy to relax and get some proper sleep.
"I love him, y'know?" Rhea leaned against Damian's side, smiling softly.
"I know, and I understand why." Damian sighed,"He's a little menace, just like you."
"You're so sweet." Rhea giggled.
"I try my best." Damian smiled softly, kissing the top of her head.
JD looked up, his tired eyes barely awake,"Mm.."
"Oh, you want a kiss too?" Damian chuckled, kissing the top of his head,"Better?"
JD smiled before curling back into Damian and both he and Rhea had to resist the urge to laugh. Was JD going to remember that? No. Were Rhea and Damian? Yes, and they were never going to let him forget it. Damian smiled softly as he looked down at JD, he was safe now. He was safe and happy and in that momeny, that was all that mattered.
Notes:
Not sure if this is any good but.. Here you go.
Chapter 5: Healthy Weight? - Poly!Judgement Day
Summary:
A request from megas217:
'Since the family is worried about JD's weight and how skinny he is what if just like with kids Finn, Damian and Rhea figure out how to sneak in extra calories into JD's food?
Protein pancakes?
Smoothies with some protein powder?
Anything they can think of to help JD gain weight and Dom helps once JD figure out what's going on.
JD at first isn't pleased thinking he's at a perfect weight but after taking him to the doctor for a normal check up the doctor tells JD he's not at a healthy weight yet so he decided to listen to his new family and allow them to help him gain weight and they come up with some fun new recipes.'
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
"So, what's up?" Finn looked around, plopping down on the sofa beside Damian.
Both JD and Dominik were fast asleep in Rhea's room so the 'adults' of the group met up downstairs. In the aftermath of the cozy day, Damian was still concerned about JD's weight so he wanted to try and improve on that. He didn't think JD was starving himself, at least not intentionally, but he was still worried about his boyfriend.
"Does JD struggle with.. Eating?" Damian asked slowly.
Finn furrowed his brow,"What do you mean?"
"Well, we were cuddling JD earlier and Damian noticed that he seemed pretty thin.. We're worried about him." Rhea explained.
"Well, I know when he's stressed he doesn't eat great." Finn shook his head,"Well, he just.. Doesn't eat."
Damian sighed,"I want to help get him to a healthy weight."
"But how?" Finn questioned,"It can take ages for a starved body to be able to accept lots of food."
"Well, maybe instead of getting him to eat more, we just.. Sneak some extra protein into the food he's already eating?" Rhea suggested.
"I'm sure I can figure something out." Damian nodded slowly,"Leave it to the chef."
And, while they didn't leave it entirely to Damian, he was the one who cooked for the group so he took the job about himself. Whenever he prepared meals, he took extra time with JD's to make sure he was getting enough. He actually managed to sneak in a bunch of things that were meant to help him gain weight. Adding nuts and yogurt to a salad, adding extra egg to his plate, sneaking protein powder into his smoothies. Anything. It was actually quite fun, coming up with new possibilities and combinations for JD to try.
The best part about it was that JD didn't even notice. Okay, maybe he got a little flustered at times because he thought Damian was paying him extra attention but he wasn't complaining about that. Dominik was pretty clueless too, but they didn't want him spilling the truth to JD who was his little partner in crime. Besides, with Rhea and Finn doing their part to monitor JD and make sure he ate throughout the day, they seemed to be doing pretty well without garnering any suspicion. Until, of course, while everyone was in the kitchen, JD wandered up to Damian as he was preparing another smoothie.
"Damian.. What are you up to?" JD asked, hugging Damian from behind,"What do you want?"
Damian blinked, looking down at JD,"Mi luz, what are you talking about?"
"You always spend more time on my food and you've been making these smoothies for just us." JD told him.
Damian paused, had JD noticed the entire time? He was kind of hoping he was an idiot which, for the most part, he was, especially when he was with Dominik. Then again, JD could also be incredibly observant when he wanted to be.
"Can't I just be extra nice to you?" Damian raised a brow, turning in JD's arms,"You'd been having a hard time and I wanted to make sure you knew we cared."
"Finn." JD looked back at him,"Is that true?"
"Hey, why are you asking him?" Damian grabbed JD's chin, turning his head back around.
"Because I trust him not to lie to me." JD huffed.
"Jordan, Damian is just looking out for you." Finn assured him.
"What's that supposed to mean?" JD crossed his arms.
"Ace, when we were cuddling the other week, we got a little worried about how skinny you were." Rhea told him,"We've been adding little things to your food to try and help you gain some weight."
"Wh- And you all knew about this?" JD questioned.
"I didn't." Dominik raised his hand.
"Thank god." JD sighed,"At least one of-"
"But now that I know, I want to help." Dominik looked to Rhea,"How can I help?"
"Dom!" JD groaned.
"JD, we're just trying to help you." Damian shook his head, rubbing JD's back,"It's okay."
"My weight is perfectly fine, thank you very much." JD pushed Damian away, although not very hard,"I'm healthy."
"Are you really, bug?" Finn asked slowly,"You can-"
"I'm fine." JD stated.
"How about we go see a doctor, hm? Just a regular check-up." Rhea suggested,"If you're at a healthy weight, we'll drop this whole thing. If you aren't, we'll get you to a healthy weight."
"..Fine." JD looked away, unable to argue with Rhea even if he wanted to.
When they went to the doctor, JD expected to be vindicated in his belief that was a healthy weight. And to nobody's surprise but his own, he wasn't. JD knew his eating habits.. Weren't the best, especially when he was under stress, but he didn't think he was that underweight. Apparently he was wrong. The doctor shared his concerns about JD's weight but they assured him that they were already trying to improve it, this check-up was mainly to prove to JD that they needed to do what they were doing.
He felt the doctor's office honestly embarrassed, his arms crossed over his stomach. Had he.. Always been able to feel his ribs? Or was he only just now noticing? But JD was quickly pulled against Damian's side, the taller man rubbing his arm as they walked.
"Hey.. You don't need to be ashamed of this." Damian told him.
"I looked like an idiot." JD looked away.
"Ace, you are an idiot.. But we love you." Rhea poked his side,"You're our idiot."
"Do you trust us to help you?" Damian asked,"Because that's all we're trying to do."
JD smiled softly,"I trust you."
"Good." Rhea kissed his cheek.
"Oh- What about protein pancakes?" Dominik suggested.
"Sounds pretty good, Dom." Finn hummed, wrapping an arm around his shoulder.
"I'm not done." Dominik pointed,"Protein pancakes topped with dark chocolate."
"Now you're talking." Rhea smirked.
JD.. Just needed to relax and accept the care he was being offered. It was a good thing after all, they were just trying to help him. So JD decided he would listen to and trust his new family and they all participated in creating new recipes together. JD truly felt loved by the Judgment Day. God, he loved his family.. So much. He would protect them with everything he had. They meant too much to him to lose.
Notes:
Been a while since I updated this and it's a little shorter than I wanted but.. Here we are. I have a lot of Gunther/Kaiser fics that are my top priority (because ADHD decided for me) but I'm trying to ease into writing some of my other fics too! I'd really like to get back on 'My Boy, I'll Keep You Safe' so.. Any ideas for that fic are welcome since I'm not sure where I want to take it yet.
megas217 on Chapter 1 Tue 27 Aug 2024 07:49PM UTC
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Kadiebmore on Chapter 1 Tue 27 Aug 2024 08:20PM UTC
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Flowerpower13 (Guest) on Chapter 1 Tue 27 Aug 2024 10:52PM UTC
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Missbookwoman9 on Chapter 1 Wed 28 Aug 2024 12:47AM UTC
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Kadiebmore on Chapter 2 Fri 30 Aug 2024 11:32PM UTC
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Flowerpower13 (Guest) on Chapter 2 Sat 31 Aug 2024 02:25PM UTC
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Missbookwoman9 on Chapter 2 Sun 01 Sep 2024 02:39AM UTC
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reading lady (Guest) on Chapter 2 Sun 01 Sep 2024 04:47AM UTC
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Sabine (Guest) on Chapter 2 Tue 03 Sep 2024 09:59AM UTC
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SVLD1999 on Chapter 2 Thu 05 Sep 2024 04:57AM UTC
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Flowerpower13 (Guest) on Chapter 3 Thu 05 Sep 2024 11:27AM UTC
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Kadiebmore on Chapter 3 Thu 05 Sep 2024 08:31PM UTC
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Kadiebmore on Chapter 3 Thu 05 Sep 2024 08:31PM UTC
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Paige (Guest) on Chapter 3 Fri 06 Sep 2024 03:16AM UTC
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megas217 on Chapter 4 Sun 08 Sep 2024 04:55AM UTC
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SVLD1999 on Chapter 4 Sun 08 Sep 2024 04:59AM UTC
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Paige (Guest) on Chapter 4 Sun 08 Sep 2024 05:47AM UTC
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FlowerPower13 (Guest) on Chapter 4 Sun 08 Sep 2024 06:07AM UTC
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Kadiebmore on Chapter 4 Mon 09 Sep 2024 12:52AM UTC
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Strikerlady on Chapter 4 Sun 23 Feb 2025 03:33PM UTC
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Strikerlady on Chapter 5 Mon 24 Feb 2025 06:37AM UTC
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