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randomweavingFic: Changeling
Characters: John Dorian/Perry Cox
Rating: NC-17 (eventually)
Chapter Rating: R for language, sexual situations and implied violence.
Description: This is a wildly AU story with fantastical elements based on![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
thuri's Nano writing project. It begins late in season three, before Carla and Turk's wedding, and from there follows the characters as they face the Change, a strange, magical phenomenon that is turning ordinary humans into half-human creatures from fantasy.
Chapter listings: Contents Post
Announcement: Changeling now has a cover! Please see the contents post and click on "Changeling" to view. Artwork byrandomslasher, coloring by commodorebinns.
JD hadn't been idle, while Perry was gone. He had spent nearly three hours talking to the others after Perry left, however, keeping them calm, joking, trying to inject some normality into their lives. They'd been packing at the time, and Turk had asked him if there was anything else from the apartment he wanted. He'd asked for his journals, knowing that by the time they got back there might not be anything left--if the building was even still there. The fires had apparently been spreading quickly.
Trying not to think about it, or about the fact that they'd have to leave Rowdy behind, he got online after he hung up with Turk, relieved when he found what he was looking for almost immediately: a company that delivered non-perishable food. He placed a large order, maxing out both his credit cards. If the riots kept spreading the way they were, after all, there was no telling how much longer things like food delivery services, or internet, or even electricity would be available. He wanted to make sure they were set, especially with so many of them out here. He had to check through a pile of old mail to find the cabin's mailing address; fortunately, the site accepted the location as a shipping address, which made JD slump in relief. He wasn't sure how often UPS came out here, after all, and he didn't know where else they could send it and guarantee they'd be able to pick it up. He closed the browser after it told him his order had been confirmed, thinking that was one worry, at least, that was taken care of. Fresh foods would be harder to come by, but at least they wouldn't starve.
Soon after, Jack woke up, and JD was able to keep himself occupied for an hour or so, getting him washed and changed and fed and clean again. He was careful not to think about the riot, what it must've done to the city, how the hospital was dealing with the casualties, whether Perry would get to the others in time--or whether he could get them back out again in one piece. This was like race riots all over again, albeit with a new twist. He swallowed hard, thinking of the damage hooves could do to a person, or claws...and what it would do to the Changeling forced to use them.
Five and a half hours after Perry had set out, he was going out of his mind, anxiety for his friends making the time drag by, the minutes seeming interminable. He'd tried watching television, but the local news and even the national was full of the story, the body counts, the fires...he'd watched only for a few minutes before he'd had to turn it off again, unable to bear the thought of seeing Perry's truck amidst the inner city street pile-ups, or one of his friend's faces amidst those lying screaming (or worse, silent) on the sidewalks. He shivered, the images his own mind conjured as bad or worse than those on the screen, and he stared at the phone, willing it to ring. As the hours passed, he tried to keep from despairing that it ever would.
But it did, finally, and he launched himself toward it, nearly dropping it in his scramble to answer. "Perry?"
"No, Bambi, it's me."
"Carla," JD breathed, clutching the receiver with both hands. "Where are you?"
"We're with Dr. Cox," she replied. "On the road, maybe half an hour out from the city."
"Oh, thank God," JD murmured, collapsing into a chair. He reached up with one shaking hand to brush the hair from his brow. "Are you all okay?"
"We're fine, sweetheart," Carla assured him gently. "It was...tense, but we're all okay. Just cramped. There's not a lot of room in this truck."
JD giggled, sheer relief making him a little giddy. "I know, I rode in the bed," he said. "How many of you are crammed in there? Is it just the three of you?"
"Yeah," Carla replied. "We called Jordan but she and Danni have already left the city. They're staying up north in Danni's beach house--I think they're planning to go to the ocean, when their Changes are done."
JD nodded, sighing a little. They'd have to call her, double-check a few things, make sure they'd still have a way to find her...if nothing else, she and Perry were good friends, and JD cared about her too, not to mention she'd certainly still want to see her son. "Did she give you a number where you can reach them?"
"Perry called her cell phone," Carla said. "She said she'd leave it turned on."
"Still, we'll probably need to get the land line number eventually, in case the power goes out," JD mused, then shook himself. "I'm sorry, I'm thinking out loud at you. Listen, I've got things mostly moved around for you guys, and I'll have lunch ready when you get here. Make sure Perry eats on the way, will you? There's some Glucerna under the front seat."
"You got it," Carla replied. "See you in a few hours."
"Yeah," JD agreed, and now that his worry was assuaged, he felt the excitement beginning to creep up on him again at the prospect of seeing his friends. "See you. Oh, and Carla?"
"Yeah?"
He bit his lip. "Give everyone my love."
He could hear the smile in her voice. "I will," she murmured. "Don't worry, we'll be there before you know it. Bye."
"Bye," JD whispered.
He hung up, feeling a million times better; the grin that had spread across his face at Carla's words remained, and he found he could do little to dislodge it. Soon, they'd be here--all of them together. His family. Unconventional, sure--but there could be little doubting what they meant to one another.
Even to Perry. JD felt his smile soften, remembering the way the older man had sprung to action that morning. He cared about them--well, he'd always cared about Carla, but he cared about Turk and Elliot, too. Even if he still refused to admit just how much.
Jack burbled from the playpen, and JD walked over to lift him up and settle him on his hip. "Whaddya say, little bug?" he asked, tickling the child's cheek. "Shall we fix lunch?"
Jack giggled his agreement.
* * *
Three long hours later, Perry pulled into the driveway, shutting off the ignition. "Home sweet home," he announced dryly.
"Oh thank God," Turk grumbled from the back.
"Hey, you're one to complain," Elliot huffed. "You didn't have to carry someone all the way here."
"Elliot, for the last time, you're not carrying him," Carla snapped. "Carrying would mean you had to do some sort of work."
"Shut up, all of you!" Perry growled, opening the door and stepping into the snow.
Carla followed, not waiting for him to open the passenger's side door but crawling over the seat and sliding gracefully onto the snow. She went immediately into a full body stretch, her back arched as her front legs slid forward, body extending to a seemingly impossible length, and groaned gratefully. "If I never have to do something like that again it will be far too soon," she grumbled as she extended one back leg, then the other.
Perry ignored her, moved around back and opening the camper; Turk tumbled out much less gracefully, heaving a sigh of relief, shaking his fur before stretching himself.
Just as Elliot was, with Perry's guidance, backing awkwardly out of the trailer, they heard the door open, and JD appeared, dishtowel in hand.
"Hi guys..." he said, clearly doing his best not to stare. He didn't have long to do it, though, as he was nearly bowled over by the three of them all trying to hug him at once. At least, he reflected, the huge wings made that easier; he laughed, extending them and wrapping them all in the feathery embrace, staying close for a long moment. He noted with amusement that with the exception of Carla, they were taller than he was now--even Elliot. That would take some getting used to...
Just then, the slam of the truck's tailgate being secured called his attention from his friends; he pulled away to see Perry brushing his jacket off lightly, watching them from a respectful distance, arms going up to fold across his chest. JD felt his heart beginning to thump painfully fast; moving away from the others, he walked straight up to Perry and put his arms around the other man's shoulders, pulling him into a tight hug.
"Thank you," he whispered against Perry's t-shirt, tears stinging his eyes again. "Thank you so much."
Perry hesitated for only a fraction of a second, aware of the others' eyes upon them, then decided if JD didn't mind, then he certainly didn't give a damn. He lifted his own arms up around JD, hugging him back just as tight. "You're welcome."
JD drew back, intending to release him, but the soft smile on Perry's face went right to his heart; without thinking he leaned forward, lifting his chin and pressing his mouth to Perry's in a soft kiss. He heard Carla gasp, and Elliot's "awww!" but ignored them both as Perry reached up, taking JD's head into his hands and kissing him again, not as lightly.
"Hey," the older doctor greeted softly when he pulled away, a smirk on his face.
JD blushed slightly, but didn't let go of him. "Hey. I'm so glad you're safe." He hugged Perry close again for a long moment, letting some of the tension of the long hours of waiting slip away before turning back toward the others. Carla wore a very self-satisfied smirk and kept tossing Turk 'I told you so' glances; Turk just looked amused, and Elliot looked like she was about to melt where she stood. JD blushed deeper, but smiled at them, and said, "There's food ready inside, hopefully enough for everyone. And Jack's got a new trick he wants to show off," he added, squeezing Perry's fingers, feeling his smile turn to a silly grin he was unable to keep off his face.
However, the others didn't head immediately toward the door, apparently in no rush to be inside again. JD realized this must be a very nice break, after having been more or less trapped in their tiny apartment for the last few weeks. Elliot was distractedly surveying the surrounding wilderness, her tail blowing the slight breeze, her hooves planted firmly in the snow; Turk was stepping into the undisturbed patches then pulling back to study his own footprints, and Carla's tail was twitching, muscles rippling as she walked forward to examine the cabin from the side. JD allowed himself a moment to study them unobtrusively as they too took in their new surroundings. They looked good, like this, and he was surprised to realize he didn't feel left out at all, that they'd all three gone 'taur, and he hadn't. After all, he matched with Perry and his--their, he reminded himself--son. He shivered, the thought still new and strange, but wonderful nonetheless. His son. He had a son.
He shook himself, and grinned. "We standing out here all day, or you guys want to come eat something?" he asked. "I promise we can play in the snow after lunch."
Elliot actually jumped, so intently had she been staring into the woods, and a sheepish grin broke out on her face. Carla shivered, sliding closer to Turk and taking his hand in hers. "I vote inside," she said, and Perry laughed.
"This from the woman who complained it was too hot in the truck the whole way here," he said, and Carla shot him a glare.
"You try making that trip with fur," she accused. "And anyway, I'm not cold, I just..." she shrugged. "I feel strange out here."
JD cast her a sympathetic glance. "It's the quiet," he said. "I felt it too, at first, but you get used to it. Come on, let's go inside and eat."
He led the way, and the others followed him in, Elliot stamping her hooves in the garage to clear them of snow.
There was a collective "Mmmmm," at the smells that greeted them when they entered the kitchen, which made JD grin; he had spent most of the morning boiling pasta and chopping Velveeta, assembling homemade macaroni and cheese. He'd also whipped up some sausage bread from his mom's recipe, thawing out frozen bread dough and spreading a mixture of chopped sausage and onions and spices across it before rolling the whole thing together and baking it. Two rolls of that, three batches of the macaroni and cheese...He hoped it'd be enough. And at least it'd kept him occupied.
"Well," he finally said, as the others stood in the now cramped kitchen, "dig in."
Perry stood back, watching with some concern as the other three obeyed. He wondered vaguely how much food 'taurs would need--after all, he himself was requiring a good amount of it to keep his Change going, and with the three of them, plus JD and Jack...
JD frowned at the expression on Perry's face. "What's wrong?" he said softly, moving forward and sliding his hand into Perry's while the others filled bowls with heaps of macaroni and grabbed hunks of bread.
Perry sighed. "I'd hoped to restock on our food supply while I was in town," he admitted, squeezing JD's hand. "But there wasn't exactly time. I guess I'll have to go back at some point, once things calm down..."
"Marvel at the wonders of the internet age," JD replied, grinning softly. "I found a company out of San Diego that delivers non-perishables. We have a huge order that should be here in the next couple days. We'll be fine."
Perry turned to him and grinned softly, impressed. "Well done, Newbie," he said, releasing JD's hand in favor of draping his arm over the younger doctor's shoulders. "Very well done. Thank goodness UPS is more reliable than humanity as a whole."
JD smiled, and nodded acknowledgment and thanks. "Figured you might not have time to stop," he reasoned. "Given, you know, the riot and all." The wry smile slipped, his face going sober as he said, "Jordan and Danni are headed out to sea, huh?"
Perry sighed, nodding, but to JD's relief he didn't seem too terribly upset. "Think that's the plan, yeah," he murmured. "I'll need to call her again--we didn't have much time to talk--but she doesn't seem to like the idea of being as good as crippled the rest of her life. Neither does Danni."
"Can't say I blame her," JD murmured, trying to imagine the forceful, energetic Sullivan women confined to wheelchairs and unable to do it. "And I understand them wanting to stay together. Losing a brother and mother so close together is really...really hard." He swallowed, looking up at Perry, whose eyes widened a little in comprehension. He nodded slowly, reaching out to squeeze JD's shoulder.
"Yeah," he murmured. "It is." He glanced toward the others again, then slipped his arm around JD's shoulders, squeezing. "You okay?"
"Yeah," JD assured him softly, giving him a gentle, if slightly sad, smile. "I am. I miss them, but...well, I've got all of you, don't I?" When Perry still looked worried, JD's smile widened a little, and he hugged the older man close for a moment. "I'm fine," he insisted. "Go get some food. You're still Changing--you need it. And if you wait too long there might not be any left."
"Yeah, I know," Perry sighed, but he bent to kiss JD's forehead first. "Thanks for cooking," he added. "It smells great."
"You're welcome." JD held him close for a moment longer before gently pulling free. "Now eat." He pushed Perry toward the table, heading back outside to the truck. He'd asked Turk to pack his journals, and had been talking to him as his friend was loading their things, so he'd suspected they'd made it out with at least one bag. And sure enough, when he opened the truck, he found two large duffle bags half-squashed in the back; he got them free and closed the truck once more, then frowned, bending forward, fingers lightly tracing a fresh dent--one that looked like it'd been made with by a brick, judging by the paint scratch at its center.
He shivered. Tense, Carla had said. Tense, and apparently much closer than he'd thought...He was suddenly desperately glad he'd come back out to the cabin, not stayed in the city when Carla had asked him to, and not only for Perry's sake. Just knowing they'd eventually have to go back had his heart in his throat. Though at the same time, part of him wanted to fly directly to the hospital, help with the carnage he'd seen on the television...
He swallowed, turning away from the battered vehicle, hoisting the bags onto his shoulders. When he reentered the kitchen, he settled them just inside the door and moved to claim his own food, trying to ignore the conflicting emotions that had left him something of a mess. But feeding Jack distracted him easily enough, as did fielding the long list of questions the 'taurs had for him. It still amazed him just how well each Change suited them...He felt almost like he should be more surprised by the sight of his friends with their new bodies.
"So, I'm guessing no pants in those bags?" he offered, when he finally had a chance to ask a question of his own.
Elliot beamed from where she was settled on the floor. There was no room for them at the table, so Turk, Elliot, and Carla were each spread out across the living room; JD and Perry were settled on the couch that JD had shoved back against the wall, Jack babbling happily between them. "Nope!" she replied. "No need, obviously, which I think is such a perk, because honestly, I could never find jeans that actually fit over my ass without being too big for my waist, and--"
"Elliot," Carla cut her off, "I think a simple 'no' would've sufficed."
Turk snorted at them, the leaned over to JD and whispered, "It's easy enough for them--THEY didn't have to sit there and watch their giblets turn huge and hairy." He shuddered, and JD shook with barely contained laughter.
"Thanks for sharing that, man," he managed.
Turk sat back and held up his hands in a 'can you blame me?' gesture. "It was traumatic, dude."
JD's grin faded a little as he reflected his friends' experiences could have been much, much worse. But rather than darken what was supposed to be a happy reunion with his own fretful "what ifs," he simply shook his head. "At least you and Carla still... match, as it were."
Turk shrugged. "True," he admitted. "Though we're really taking the interracial thing to the next level."
"Think most people will be," JD pointed out, though he had to wonder how his friends would manage kids, now. "Have you...you know? Since it's happened?" He was honestly curious, but not sure Turk would tell him. Even if he'd told him most everything about his sex life up to now, this was...different.
"No. Elliot's been around and things have been crazy--did you know people are claiming to have seen giant blue fairies and dragons and things like that? So...no," Turk replied, looking over to where the girls were chatting with each other. "No, we haven't. What about you two?"
JD blushed, but nodded. "The wings don't really get in the way for that..." Unmentioned was how many things they did get in the way of. He was perched half on the arm of the couch to keep from squashing them. "Although...well, I don't know anything about giant blue fairies or dragons, but Perry and I did see a unicorn yesterday. At least, I think that's what it was."
Turk lifted his eyebrows. "A unicorn? Seriously?"
JD shrugged. "Is that so hard to believe, given everything else that's happened? Snow in May, people growing wings or becoming half animal, unicorns, fairies and mermaids, oh my."
"Not to mention Dr. Cox admitting he likes you," Turk laughed. He glanced at Perry, who was deep in conversation with Carla and Elliot about the state of the hospital the last time they'd seen it, and shook his head. "Dude, I'm still not used to seeing him be nice to you," he said. "Last I saw he was calling you girls' names and basically degrading you at every turn."
"Yeah, he's got a messed up way of showing affection, sometimes," JD replied with a slight grin. "Though considering he wanted me, and didn't think it was going to happen and had to be sure I wouldn't know...Guess I'm not that surprised." He smiled a little, before behind distracted by Jack demanding to be held. "Hey, bug. Want to show Turk how you can go up?"
Jack popped his wings out, but didn't do more than giggle.
JD shook his head. "Never fails. You want them to do something, and they don't..." But he kept hold of Jack's hands, just in case.
"Just like Rowdy," Turk agreed, watching JD with an odd expression on his face. It had been coming and going from his face ever since they arrived. JD gay...not much of a surprise. JD happy with Dr. Cox was more of one, but he could handle it. But JD so easily slipping into fatherhood? Now that was odd.
JD missed the look, though, lost in Jack himself. Soon they both turned their attention to the other conversations, discussing the general state of things, getting caught up on the rumors Turk and Carla and Elliot had gathered back home and on the ones JD had tracked down online. Soon, however, Elliot stood, moving to peer out the sliding glass door, and JD frowned, her obvious restlessness started to make JD feel itchy. "Elliot? You okay?"
"Hmm? Oh..." Elliot nodded, chewing her bottom lip and looking out at the snow. "Yeah." She was silent a moment, hooves nearly tapping. "JD?"
"Yes?" JD successfully hid his smile.
"Is it safe here? Outside, I mean. I've been wanting to run ever since I stopped growing, and I was thinking..." she trailed off, and her tail swished restlessly.
JD exchanged a glance with Perry, who shrugged. "As far as we know, yes. Aside from..." he hesitated, wondering if he should tell her about the odd sensations of being watched he'd had the first few days he was here. But that could've just been the unicorn, and he somehow doubted it was dangerous. "We've seen a few animals," he said at last, "but that's it. Come on, I'll join you. I feel like flying a bit, and I think my shoulder's finally healed enough to risk it. Speaking of, Turk, would you mind getting the stitches for me later?"
"No problem, as long as you guys have scissors," the surgeon replied with an easy shrug. "And I actually think I'll go with Elliot. I've been kind of wanting to stretch my legs, myself."
"Might as well make an outing of it," Perry grumbled, sounding for all the world like he'd just been volunteered to watch an entire class of toddlers on a field trip. JD bit his lip to hide his smile--this, at least, felt normal.
Sort of.
It took some digging to find everyone suitable winter wear, but in half an hour they'd all bundled up and tromped out into the snow. Perry led them to the field a little ways up the road--the same one where JD had first learned to fly, he reflected, and where he had first realized he was in love with the young doctor--then waved them off, holding Jack in his arms. JD paused for a moment next to him even as Elliot, Turk and Carla surged forward, chasing one another playfully through the drifts, whooping, their breath leaving puffs of steam that vanished quickly into the chilly afternoon air.
"You okay?" he said, feeling slightly strange about leaving Perry behind. Of the six of them, he was the only one whose Change wasn't complete.
Perry smiled, shifting Jack to his other hip. "Fine," he said. "You go ahead. Get some exercise."
JD hesitated only a moment longer, but at Perry's nod he grinned and sprang forward. The others paused in their galloping to watch as JD took a running start then hurled himself forward, great wings raising swirls of snow as they flapped strongly and sent him soaring skyward. Elliot and Turk, who had never seen JD in flight, both gasped; Carla beamed and clapped her hands, cheering as JD began to twist and loop, clearly showing off for his friends. Perry grinned himself, hearing JD's laughter, and in his arms, Jack giggled.
"Up!! Day Dee up!" He squealed, pointing and waving his arms delightedly.
The smile dropped from Perry's face, his eyes widening in astonishment. "What did you say?" he whispered to his son.
Jack merely giggled again, but Perry looked up, shielding his eyes and scanning the gray sky for JD. "Newbie?" he called. "JD! Get down here!"
JD appeared suddenly, soaring low, gigantic wings beating quickly in a manner that allowed the young man to hover unsteadily about fifteen feet from the ground. Perry squinted against the clouds of snow the surge of wind sent swirling; JD instantly pulled the wings in and dropped to the snow, looking apologetic. "Sorry," he said. "What is it? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Perry assured him hastily. "But Jack--listen." Then, to his son, he said, "Jacky? Who went up?"
Jack giggled and hid his face in Perry's shoulder; JD smiled, but it was perplexed. "Perry...?"
The others, having heard Perry's shout and seen JD's abrupt landing, had hurried forward; Elliot, whose change had given her the longest legs and therefore allowed her to move most quickly through the deep snow, appeared first, breathless. "JD?" she said. "Dr. Cox, is everything okay?"
Perry shushed her, and bounced Jack lightly. "Come on, Jacky boy," he said softly. "Who went up?"
"Up," Jack mumbled, peering shyly around at the others as they all watched him intently. Then, as though the word inspired him, he pulled back and pointed at JD happily. "Day Dee up!"
JD felt his jaw drop, and looked back and forth from Jack's beam to Perry's smile. "Did he just...?"
Perry grinned. "Looks like you're stuck for it now, Newbie. Kid's calling you by name."
By all rights, the smile that spread across JD's face should've melted the snow around them with its warmth, even as he wrapped arms and wings around his lover and their son.
Elliot sniffed. "They're so cute!" she murmured, and Carla nodded in agreement, blinking as her eyes grew a little misty. Even Turk was grinning, and whatever doubts any of them had had about the unusual pair were abolished by the sight before them. JD and Perry were completely absorbed with one another, JD's giant wings cocooning them against the chill air; they were speaking quietly, soft smiles on their faces, and the others didn't need to hear the exact words to read the love on their faces.
"Looks like we might have a double wedding on our hands," Turk murmured, only half joking, and Carla and Elliot both giggled delightedly.
Suddenly JD pulled back and turned to them, a broad grin on his face, eyes shining. "Guys! Jack said my name!"
"We heard, Bambi," Carla said. "Congratulations!"
"I thought he said 'Day Dee,'" Turk countered, and Elliot gasped indignantly, frowning at the surgeon. "Turk!"
Perry smirked, however, and said, "So what? Maybe he meant 'daddy.'"
JD's head snapped around and he stared at Perry, wide-eyed, grin somehow growing even bigger. "Hey, yeah!" he breathed, a giddy laugh bubbling up from deep within him. "Daddy and JD combined. Day Dee. I like that!"
"Up!!" Jack was still insisting, apparently not sure what the fuss was about. Then, as though to make his point, his wings suddenly shot out and began to flap, moving so fast they were a mere blur of grey and black and red. Even as the others watched, astounded, Jack began to hover, and JD laughed, completely joyous.
"I think he's ready for his first lesson, Day Dee," Perry huffed, trying to keep hold of his son even as he squinted against the breeze the fluttering wings created.
JD's smile slipped from his face as he stared at Perry, incredibly touched. "You sure?" he murmured.
"Hey, I know you'll be careful," Perry replied casually, shrugging, but when his eyes met JD's they were soft, serious. "I trust you," he added quietly.
JD smiled again, his eyes still shining, and leaned forward to kiss Perry quickly. Then, taking the squirming child into his arms, he said, "Well, kiddo, ready to go up?" Jack giggled wildly in response, waving his arms and pointing.
"Up! Day Dee up up!" he insisted.
"We can arrange that," JD said, grinning as he pulled Jack into his arms, unzipping his jacket and securing the child inside. Then, keepings his arms wrapped around him, he took a running leap, and once again took to the air.
It wasn't much of a lesson--more of a corralling act--as JD's method of flight was completely different than Jack's, and the boy didn't have much stamina anyway. But for a few moments, they were both aloft together, and JD held him close once more when Jack's own power of flight tired, flying higher just to hear the child giggle madly.
For a time, he simply enjoyed himself, cradling Jack safely within his jacket and talking to him, taking him on swoops and dives and grinning when the child clapped with delight. He marveled that Jack didn't seem bothered by the movement, then decided that part of his change must have been a tolerance for aerial acrobatics, because no matter how JD swooped or twisted, Jack merely shrieked gleefully, shouting "'Gain! Go 'gain!"
But after about ten minutes of this, JD frowned, the air suddenly seeming to go unnaturally still. He paused in his flips, ignoring Jack's noise of protest, and extended his wings to let the thermals carry him as he scanned the skies. Quite suddenly, the sensation of being watched that he'd noticed his first day out here was back, more strongly than ever before, and while the first time it had felt benign, almost friendly, this time it made the hairs on the back of his neck prickle dangerously.
Something was coming.
His sharp eyes spotted it then, a dark speck flying toward him--and even considering the Change and all its possibilities, this thing wasn't remotely human. JD stared at it as it grew, approaching quickly; then, as his eyes finally focused, he backwinged in alarm, the shape resolving itself into one he knew.
He dived for the ground, shouting at the others, barely snapping his wings open in time to land safely. "Get back to the house," he panted. "Now!"
The 'taurs had gathered together when they'd heard his shout, and were now clustered around Perry, all staring at him in alarm. "JD?" Elliot asked. "What is it?"
JD shook his head, frustrated, glancing over his shoulder toward the sky. "No time!" he said urgently, wings extending and shifting a little in an alarmed gesture he wasn't even completely conscious of. "Back to the house, now! Let's go, let's go!!"
The tone of his voice spurred them to action. Turk, Carla and Elliot each sprang forward, galloping through the snow, Perry right behind them. JD leapt back into the air, Jack still tucked securely in his arms, and dared a quick glance back into the sky.
The gryphon--for, unbelievably, that's what it was--was getting closer. Fast. Gauging its speed, JD realized it would be in the field within another two or three minutes, maybe less. His head whipped around, measuring the distance back to the cabin, which he could make out between the trees maybe a quarter of a mile away, then back down at his friends, struggling through the drifts below him. A cold stab of panic suddenly settled like an icy ball of lead in his gut as his brain detachedly calculated the facts of the unfolding situation: He and the 'taurs could probably outpace the creature. But Perry was still too human, and the snow was deep. Though the older doctor was running for all he was worth, JD knew he would not be fast enough; he'd already fallen far behind the others, and while they'd made it to the road, Perry was not even halfway across the field.
JD swiftly made his decision. He wasn't sure whether or not the creature meant them any harm--but he was sure he couldn't leave Perry to face it alone.
Winging forward, he swooped down next to Elliot, who was in the lead, and held Jack out toward her. "Take him!" he cried, shouting against the whoosh of his wingbeats and her hooves. "Get him back home!"
"Wh--" Elliot's eyes widened as she whipped her head around to gaze up at him, then caught sight of Perry, far behind them. "JD--!"
"Don't argue! Do it!" he screamed, and she obeyed automatically, reaching up and gathering the sobbing child in against her breast. She began to gallop faster, pulling further ahead of the others, and JD knew she would reach the cabin within moments.
He turned back, flapping desperately to turn around and losing a little momentum and altitude in the process. His eyes focused quickly once more, and as Turk and Carla surged beneath him he saw Perry far behind, still in the field, a distant figure struggling desperately against the drifts. Even as he watched, Perry abruptly staggered to a halt and backpedaled a few steps, looking up into the sky. He ducked as the huge gryphon circled over him, then froze, half crouched, when it dropped to the snow before him, blocking the path to the road. The doctor and the gigantic creature, which was at least the size of a lion, were separated by a distance of only about ten yards; they stared at one another, and as JD watched, the creature crouched low, menacing, and screeched, the threat clear in its voice.
No!
JD surged upwards, flapping for all he was worth, soaring back over the road and toward the field. Perry's eyes flitted up to him, widening fearfully, and though he was careful not to make sudden movements, JD's sharp eyes picked up the slight motion as Perry shook his head. "No!" He mouthed desperately, eyes pleading with JD to obey. "Go home!"
"Like hell," JD muttered to himself, and dived sharply, wings snapping out at the last moment and flapping as he landed in a defensive crouch, solidly between Perry and the beast. His wings he left spread wide, in an automatic gesture of threat and dominance; they loomed over him, huge, making JD himself look a lot larger than he was.
The gryphon, still crouched, opened its curved beak wide and screeched again, the sound echoing through the field. Its own wings unfolded in a gesture that mimicked JD's, and it suddenly reared up on its hind legs, clawed front feet extended and swiping at the air between them.
"JD, go!" Perry hissed from behind him, panic clear in his voice. "Get the fuck out of here!"
"I'm not leaving you," JD growled, his own courage steeled by Perry's attempts to get him to safety. He stood from his crouch, following instincts he did not quite understand, and took an abrupt step forward, beating his wings and sending a cloud of snow toward the gryphon in an attempt to frighten it.
The creature took a few steps backward, blinking its large, golden eagle eyes at him as it shook its head to clear it of the snow that had settled there. It dropped to all four legs once more, but did not retreat, wings still fully extended in a gesture of threat. For a long moment it studied JD, ears flat against its feathered head, muscles tense; JD waited, equally tense, not backing down in the slightest.
The gryphon clacked its beak at him--then, suddenly, it lunged forward, claws extended.
JD felt Perry's arms suddenly wrap themselves around his waist, trying to drag him back, but he resisted, prying the older doctor's hands away. He knew they could not afford to back down--the same instincts that had guided him so far told him as soon as they did, the creature would attack.
Instead, he straightened to his full height and drew a deep breath, puffing his chest out--then shouted, in a loud, sharp tone that echoed in the same way the gryphon's had, "NO!"
The great animal paused in its attack, staring at him again.
Then, astonishingly, it took a step backwards.
JD heard Perry's gasp, but he ignored it; he took another step forward, again flapping his wings slightly and glaring at the gryphon. Then, slowly, the great creature drew in its wings, making itself look smaller, lowering its head.
JD remained frozen, caught in the odd but deadly game, and waited. Though it had apparently backed down from their standoff, the gryphon was clearly still unsettled; it began to make a series of high-pitched, tremulous calls, mock-lunging forward and prancing back in an odd dance.
Sudden comprehension washed over JD, and his eyes widened in astonishment. "Oh," he breathed, suddenly realizing what it was he saw reflected quite clearly in the creature's intelligent eyes.
He nodded slowly and drew in his wings, unconsciously crooning a soothing noise from deep within his throat. The gryphon halted her movements, her head tilting toward him, her desperate chirps becoming a low, warbling sound which JD now recognized for what it was: fear.
He continued to lower his wings until they were only partially unfurled; then, in a slow, careful gesture, lowered his head and took a step backward, never taking his eyes from the gryphon's.
The creature watched, though her head perked up slightly, ears darting forward; she shifted nervously, one clawed foot curling up before settling into the snow again.
JD turned profile to the great creature, keeping his eyes on her even as he took Perry's arm and drew him in toward his own body. He then extended his wings so they were half-cocooning the older man, ignoring Perry's sputtered noises of confusion, and began to slowly move toward the road, herding Perry in the same direction.
The gryphon stood, silent, and watched until they were a good hundred yards away. Then she turned and, with a suddenness that made JD jump, she leapt into the air and winged away, disappearing swiftly into the woods on the opposite side of the field.
Then, and only then, did JD fold his wings, slumping into Perry's startled arms in relief as the adrenaline began to fade, leaving him shaky and weak.
"What the hell was that?" the older doctor demanded in a near-whisper, clutching JD even as he stared toward the spot in the sky where the gryphon had vanished.
JD shook his head. "She was protecting a nest," he murmured, leaning heavily against Perry's chest. "She was trying to drive us away. I..." he lowered his head wearily to Perry's shoulder, still trembling. "She would've attacked, but...only for the same reason I wouldn't back down." He looked up then, finally, meeting Perry's eyes, which were dark with confusion. "She was protecting her family," JD finished softly.
Perry's eyes widened, and his gaze darted from the field to JD's face, then back again. For a long moment he simply stood in stunned silence, absorbing JD's words; finally, however, he drew a deep breath, and dragged the younger man into a crushing kiss, cupping JD's head in his hands. JD closed his eyes, releasing his breath in a rush of air through his nose, moaning softly under the none-too-gentle onslaught of Perry's lips.
Finally, the older man broke away. "If you ever do anything that stupid again, I will kill you," he growled, scowling at JD and resting his forehead against his. Then, face softening a little, he whispered, "But...thank you."
JD nodded, a weary smile on his face, and pressed close into Perry's arms for a long moment. Then, when his shaking began to abate, he drew away and linked his arm through Perry's. "Come on," he said, tugging him forward. "Let's go home. The others will want to know we're okay."
Perry swallowed and nodded, wrapping his arm around JD's shoulders--to support him, as much as anything--and slowly, the two of them made their way back down the road.
* * *
Next Chapter
* * *
Characters: John Dorian/Perry Cox
Rating: NC-17 (eventually)
Chapter Rating: R for language, sexual situations and implied violence.
Description: This is a wildly AU story with fantastical elements based on
thuri's Nano writing project. It begins late in season three, before Carla and Turk's wedding, and from there follows the characters as they face the Change, a strange, magical phenomenon that is turning ordinary humans into half-human creatures from fantasy.Chapter listings: Contents Post
Announcement: Changeling now has a cover! Please see the contents post and click on "Changeling" to view. Artwork by
randomslasher, coloring by commodorebinns.JD hadn't been idle, while Perry was gone. He had spent nearly three hours talking to the others after Perry left, however, keeping them calm, joking, trying to inject some normality into their lives. They'd been packing at the time, and Turk had asked him if there was anything else from the apartment he wanted. He'd asked for his journals, knowing that by the time they got back there might not be anything left--if the building was even still there. The fires had apparently been spreading quickly.
Trying not to think about it, or about the fact that they'd have to leave Rowdy behind, he got online after he hung up with Turk, relieved when he found what he was looking for almost immediately: a company that delivered non-perishable food. He placed a large order, maxing out both his credit cards. If the riots kept spreading the way they were, after all, there was no telling how much longer things like food delivery services, or internet, or even electricity would be available. He wanted to make sure they were set, especially with so many of them out here. He had to check through a pile of old mail to find the cabin's mailing address; fortunately, the site accepted the location as a shipping address, which made JD slump in relief. He wasn't sure how often UPS came out here, after all, and he didn't know where else they could send it and guarantee they'd be able to pick it up. He closed the browser after it told him his order had been confirmed, thinking that was one worry, at least, that was taken care of. Fresh foods would be harder to come by, but at least they wouldn't starve.
Soon after, Jack woke up, and JD was able to keep himself occupied for an hour or so, getting him washed and changed and fed and clean again. He was careful not to think about the riot, what it must've done to the city, how the hospital was dealing with the casualties, whether Perry would get to the others in time--or whether he could get them back out again in one piece. This was like race riots all over again, albeit with a new twist. He swallowed hard, thinking of the damage hooves could do to a person, or claws...and what it would do to the Changeling forced to use them.
Five and a half hours after Perry had set out, he was going out of his mind, anxiety for his friends making the time drag by, the minutes seeming interminable. He'd tried watching television, but the local news and even the national was full of the story, the body counts, the fires...he'd watched only for a few minutes before he'd had to turn it off again, unable to bear the thought of seeing Perry's truck amidst the inner city street pile-ups, or one of his friend's faces amidst those lying screaming (or worse, silent) on the sidewalks. He shivered, the images his own mind conjured as bad or worse than those on the screen, and he stared at the phone, willing it to ring. As the hours passed, he tried to keep from despairing that it ever would.
But it did, finally, and he launched himself toward it, nearly dropping it in his scramble to answer. "Perry?"
"No, Bambi, it's me."
"Carla," JD breathed, clutching the receiver with both hands. "Where are you?"
"We're with Dr. Cox," she replied. "On the road, maybe half an hour out from the city."
"Oh, thank God," JD murmured, collapsing into a chair. He reached up with one shaking hand to brush the hair from his brow. "Are you all okay?"
"We're fine, sweetheart," Carla assured him gently. "It was...tense, but we're all okay. Just cramped. There's not a lot of room in this truck."
JD giggled, sheer relief making him a little giddy. "I know, I rode in the bed," he said. "How many of you are crammed in there? Is it just the three of you?"
"Yeah," Carla replied. "We called Jordan but she and Danni have already left the city. They're staying up north in Danni's beach house--I think they're planning to go to the ocean, when their Changes are done."
JD nodded, sighing a little. They'd have to call her, double-check a few things, make sure they'd still have a way to find her...if nothing else, she and Perry were good friends, and JD cared about her too, not to mention she'd certainly still want to see her son. "Did she give you a number where you can reach them?"
"Perry called her cell phone," Carla said. "She said she'd leave it turned on."
"Still, we'll probably need to get the land line number eventually, in case the power goes out," JD mused, then shook himself. "I'm sorry, I'm thinking out loud at you. Listen, I've got things mostly moved around for you guys, and I'll have lunch ready when you get here. Make sure Perry eats on the way, will you? There's some Glucerna under the front seat."
"You got it," Carla replied. "See you in a few hours."
"Yeah," JD agreed, and now that his worry was assuaged, he felt the excitement beginning to creep up on him again at the prospect of seeing his friends. "See you. Oh, and Carla?"
"Yeah?"
He bit his lip. "Give everyone my love."
He could hear the smile in her voice. "I will," she murmured. "Don't worry, we'll be there before you know it. Bye."
"Bye," JD whispered.
He hung up, feeling a million times better; the grin that had spread across his face at Carla's words remained, and he found he could do little to dislodge it. Soon, they'd be here--all of them together. His family. Unconventional, sure--but there could be little doubting what they meant to one another.
Even to Perry. JD felt his smile soften, remembering the way the older man had sprung to action that morning. He cared about them--well, he'd always cared about Carla, but he cared about Turk and Elliot, too. Even if he still refused to admit just how much.
Jack burbled from the playpen, and JD walked over to lift him up and settle him on his hip. "Whaddya say, little bug?" he asked, tickling the child's cheek. "Shall we fix lunch?"
Jack giggled his agreement.
* * *
Three long hours later, Perry pulled into the driveway, shutting off the ignition. "Home sweet home," he announced dryly.
"Oh thank God," Turk grumbled from the back.
"Hey, you're one to complain," Elliot huffed. "You didn't have to carry someone all the way here."
"Elliot, for the last time, you're not carrying him," Carla snapped. "Carrying would mean you had to do some sort of work."
"Shut up, all of you!" Perry growled, opening the door and stepping into the snow.
Carla followed, not waiting for him to open the passenger's side door but crawling over the seat and sliding gracefully onto the snow. She went immediately into a full body stretch, her back arched as her front legs slid forward, body extending to a seemingly impossible length, and groaned gratefully. "If I never have to do something like that again it will be far too soon," she grumbled as she extended one back leg, then the other.
Perry ignored her, moved around back and opening the camper; Turk tumbled out much less gracefully, heaving a sigh of relief, shaking his fur before stretching himself.
Just as Elliot was, with Perry's guidance, backing awkwardly out of the trailer, they heard the door open, and JD appeared, dishtowel in hand.
"Hi guys..." he said, clearly doing his best not to stare. He didn't have long to do it, though, as he was nearly bowled over by the three of them all trying to hug him at once. At least, he reflected, the huge wings made that easier; he laughed, extending them and wrapping them all in the feathery embrace, staying close for a long moment. He noted with amusement that with the exception of Carla, they were taller than he was now--even Elliot. That would take some getting used to...
Just then, the slam of the truck's tailgate being secured called his attention from his friends; he pulled away to see Perry brushing his jacket off lightly, watching them from a respectful distance, arms going up to fold across his chest. JD felt his heart beginning to thump painfully fast; moving away from the others, he walked straight up to Perry and put his arms around the other man's shoulders, pulling him into a tight hug.
"Thank you," he whispered against Perry's t-shirt, tears stinging his eyes again. "Thank you so much."
Perry hesitated for only a fraction of a second, aware of the others' eyes upon them, then decided if JD didn't mind, then he certainly didn't give a damn. He lifted his own arms up around JD, hugging him back just as tight. "You're welcome."
JD drew back, intending to release him, but the soft smile on Perry's face went right to his heart; without thinking he leaned forward, lifting his chin and pressing his mouth to Perry's in a soft kiss. He heard Carla gasp, and Elliot's "awww!" but ignored them both as Perry reached up, taking JD's head into his hands and kissing him again, not as lightly.
"Hey," the older doctor greeted softly when he pulled away, a smirk on his face.
JD blushed slightly, but didn't let go of him. "Hey. I'm so glad you're safe." He hugged Perry close again for a long moment, letting some of the tension of the long hours of waiting slip away before turning back toward the others. Carla wore a very self-satisfied smirk and kept tossing Turk 'I told you so' glances; Turk just looked amused, and Elliot looked like she was about to melt where she stood. JD blushed deeper, but smiled at them, and said, "There's food ready inside, hopefully enough for everyone. And Jack's got a new trick he wants to show off," he added, squeezing Perry's fingers, feeling his smile turn to a silly grin he was unable to keep off his face.
However, the others didn't head immediately toward the door, apparently in no rush to be inside again. JD realized this must be a very nice break, after having been more or less trapped in their tiny apartment for the last few weeks. Elliot was distractedly surveying the surrounding wilderness, her tail blowing the slight breeze, her hooves planted firmly in the snow; Turk was stepping into the undisturbed patches then pulling back to study his own footprints, and Carla's tail was twitching, muscles rippling as she walked forward to examine the cabin from the side. JD allowed himself a moment to study them unobtrusively as they too took in their new surroundings. They looked good, like this, and he was surprised to realize he didn't feel left out at all, that they'd all three gone 'taur, and he hadn't. After all, he matched with Perry and his--their, he reminded himself--son. He shivered, the thought still new and strange, but wonderful nonetheless. His son. He had a son.
He shook himself, and grinned. "We standing out here all day, or you guys want to come eat something?" he asked. "I promise we can play in the snow after lunch."
Elliot actually jumped, so intently had she been staring into the woods, and a sheepish grin broke out on her face. Carla shivered, sliding closer to Turk and taking his hand in hers. "I vote inside," she said, and Perry laughed.
"This from the woman who complained it was too hot in the truck the whole way here," he said, and Carla shot him a glare.
"You try making that trip with fur," she accused. "And anyway, I'm not cold, I just..." she shrugged. "I feel strange out here."
JD cast her a sympathetic glance. "It's the quiet," he said. "I felt it too, at first, but you get used to it. Come on, let's go inside and eat."
He led the way, and the others followed him in, Elliot stamping her hooves in the garage to clear them of snow.
There was a collective "Mmmmm," at the smells that greeted them when they entered the kitchen, which made JD grin; he had spent most of the morning boiling pasta and chopping Velveeta, assembling homemade macaroni and cheese. He'd also whipped up some sausage bread from his mom's recipe, thawing out frozen bread dough and spreading a mixture of chopped sausage and onions and spices across it before rolling the whole thing together and baking it. Two rolls of that, three batches of the macaroni and cheese...He hoped it'd be enough. And at least it'd kept him occupied.
"Well," he finally said, as the others stood in the now cramped kitchen, "dig in."
Perry stood back, watching with some concern as the other three obeyed. He wondered vaguely how much food 'taurs would need--after all, he himself was requiring a good amount of it to keep his Change going, and with the three of them, plus JD and Jack...
JD frowned at the expression on Perry's face. "What's wrong?" he said softly, moving forward and sliding his hand into Perry's while the others filled bowls with heaps of macaroni and grabbed hunks of bread.
Perry sighed. "I'd hoped to restock on our food supply while I was in town," he admitted, squeezing JD's hand. "But there wasn't exactly time. I guess I'll have to go back at some point, once things calm down..."
"Marvel at the wonders of the internet age," JD replied, grinning softly. "I found a company out of San Diego that delivers non-perishables. We have a huge order that should be here in the next couple days. We'll be fine."
Perry turned to him and grinned softly, impressed. "Well done, Newbie," he said, releasing JD's hand in favor of draping his arm over the younger doctor's shoulders. "Very well done. Thank goodness UPS is more reliable than humanity as a whole."
JD smiled, and nodded acknowledgment and thanks. "Figured you might not have time to stop," he reasoned. "Given, you know, the riot and all." The wry smile slipped, his face going sober as he said, "Jordan and Danni are headed out to sea, huh?"
Perry sighed, nodding, but to JD's relief he didn't seem too terribly upset. "Think that's the plan, yeah," he murmured. "I'll need to call her again--we didn't have much time to talk--but she doesn't seem to like the idea of being as good as crippled the rest of her life. Neither does Danni."
"Can't say I blame her," JD murmured, trying to imagine the forceful, energetic Sullivan women confined to wheelchairs and unable to do it. "And I understand them wanting to stay together. Losing a brother and mother so close together is really...really hard." He swallowed, looking up at Perry, whose eyes widened a little in comprehension. He nodded slowly, reaching out to squeeze JD's shoulder.
"Yeah," he murmured. "It is." He glanced toward the others again, then slipped his arm around JD's shoulders, squeezing. "You okay?"
"Yeah," JD assured him softly, giving him a gentle, if slightly sad, smile. "I am. I miss them, but...well, I've got all of you, don't I?" When Perry still looked worried, JD's smile widened a little, and he hugged the older man close for a moment. "I'm fine," he insisted. "Go get some food. You're still Changing--you need it. And if you wait too long there might not be any left."
"Yeah, I know," Perry sighed, but he bent to kiss JD's forehead first. "Thanks for cooking," he added. "It smells great."
"You're welcome." JD held him close for a moment longer before gently pulling free. "Now eat." He pushed Perry toward the table, heading back outside to the truck. He'd asked Turk to pack his journals, and had been talking to him as his friend was loading their things, so he'd suspected they'd made it out with at least one bag. And sure enough, when he opened the truck, he found two large duffle bags half-squashed in the back; he got them free and closed the truck once more, then frowned, bending forward, fingers lightly tracing a fresh dent--one that looked like it'd been made with by a brick, judging by the paint scratch at its center.
He shivered. Tense, Carla had said. Tense, and apparently much closer than he'd thought...He was suddenly desperately glad he'd come back out to the cabin, not stayed in the city when Carla had asked him to, and not only for Perry's sake. Just knowing they'd eventually have to go back had his heart in his throat. Though at the same time, part of him wanted to fly directly to the hospital, help with the carnage he'd seen on the television...
He swallowed, turning away from the battered vehicle, hoisting the bags onto his shoulders. When he reentered the kitchen, he settled them just inside the door and moved to claim his own food, trying to ignore the conflicting emotions that had left him something of a mess. But feeding Jack distracted him easily enough, as did fielding the long list of questions the 'taurs had for him. It still amazed him just how well each Change suited them...He felt almost like he should be more surprised by the sight of his friends with their new bodies.
"So, I'm guessing no pants in those bags?" he offered, when he finally had a chance to ask a question of his own.
Elliot beamed from where she was settled on the floor. There was no room for them at the table, so Turk, Elliot, and Carla were each spread out across the living room; JD and Perry were settled on the couch that JD had shoved back against the wall, Jack babbling happily between them. "Nope!" she replied. "No need, obviously, which I think is such a perk, because honestly, I could never find jeans that actually fit over my ass without being too big for my waist, and--"
"Elliot," Carla cut her off, "I think a simple 'no' would've sufficed."
Turk snorted at them, the leaned over to JD and whispered, "It's easy enough for them--THEY didn't have to sit there and watch their giblets turn huge and hairy." He shuddered, and JD shook with barely contained laughter.
"Thanks for sharing that, man," he managed.
Turk sat back and held up his hands in a 'can you blame me?' gesture. "It was traumatic, dude."
JD's grin faded a little as he reflected his friends' experiences could have been much, much worse. But rather than darken what was supposed to be a happy reunion with his own fretful "what ifs," he simply shook his head. "At least you and Carla still... match, as it were."
Turk shrugged. "True," he admitted. "Though we're really taking the interracial thing to the next level."
"Think most people will be," JD pointed out, though he had to wonder how his friends would manage kids, now. "Have you...you know? Since it's happened?" He was honestly curious, but not sure Turk would tell him. Even if he'd told him most everything about his sex life up to now, this was...different.
"No. Elliot's been around and things have been crazy--did you know people are claiming to have seen giant blue fairies and dragons and things like that? So...no," Turk replied, looking over to where the girls were chatting with each other. "No, we haven't. What about you two?"
JD blushed, but nodded. "The wings don't really get in the way for that..." Unmentioned was how many things they did get in the way of. He was perched half on the arm of the couch to keep from squashing them. "Although...well, I don't know anything about giant blue fairies or dragons, but Perry and I did see a unicorn yesterday. At least, I think that's what it was."
Turk lifted his eyebrows. "A unicorn? Seriously?"
JD shrugged. "Is that so hard to believe, given everything else that's happened? Snow in May, people growing wings or becoming half animal, unicorns, fairies and mermaids, oh my."
"Not to mention Dr. Cox admitting he likes you," Turk laughed. He glanced at Perry, who was deep in conversation with Carla and Elliot about the state of the hospital the last time they'd seen it, and shook his head. "Dude, I'm still not used to seeing him be nice to you," he said. "Last I saw he was calling you girls' names and basically degrading you at every turn."
"Yeah, he's got a messed up way of showing affection, sometimes," JD replied with a slight grin. "Though considering he wanted me, and didn't think it was going to happen and had to be sure I wouldn't know...Guess I'm not that surprised." He smiled a little, before behind distracted by Jack demanding to be held. "Hey, bug. Want to show Turk how you can go up?"
Jack popped his wings out, but didn't do more than giggle.
JD shook his head. "Never fails. You want them to do something, and they don't..." But he kept hold of Jack's hands, just in case.
"Just like Rowdy," Turk agreed, watching JD with an odd expression on his face. It had been coming and going from his face ever since they arrived. JD gay...not much of a surprise. JD happy with Dr. Cox was more of one, but he could handle it. But JD so easily slipping into fatherhood? Now that was odd.
JD missed the look, though, lost in Jack himself. Soon they both turned their attention to the other conversations, discussing the general state of things, getting caught up on the rumors Turk and Carla and Elliot had gathered back home and on the ones JD had tracked down online. Soon, however, Elliot stood, moving to peer out the sliding glass door, and JD frowned, her obvious restlessness started to make JD feel itchy. "Elliot? You okay?"
"Hmm? Oh..." Elliot nodded, chewing her bottom lip and looking out at the snow. "Yeah." She was silent a moment, hooves nearly tapping. "JD?"
"Yes?" JD successfully hid his smile.
"Is it safe here? Outside, I mean. I've been wanting to run ever since I stopped growing, and I was thinking..." she trailed off, and her tail swished restlessly.
JD exchanged a glance with Perry, who shrugged. "As far as we know, yes. Aside from..." he hesitated, wondering if he should tell her about the odd sensations of being watched he'd had the first few days he was here. But that could've just been the unicorn, and he somehow doubted it was dangerous. "We've seen a few animals," he said at last, "but that's it. Come on, I'll join you. I feel like flying a bit, and I think my shoulder's finally healed enough to risk it. Speaking of, Turk, would you mind getting the stitches for me later?"
"No problem, as long as you guys have scissors," the surgeon replied with an easy shrug. "And I actually think I'll go with Elliot. I've been kind of wanting to stretch my legs, myself."
"Might as well make an outing of it," Perry grumbled, sounding for all the world like he'd just been volunteered to watch an entire class of toddlers on a field trip. JD bit his lip to hide his smile--this, at least, felt normal.
Sort of.
It took some digging to find everyone suitable winter wear, but in half an hour they'd all bundled up and tromped out into the snow. Perry led them to the field a little ways up the road--the same one where JD had first learned to fly, he reflected, and where he had first realized he was in love with the young doctor--then waved them off, holding Jack in his arms. JD paused for a moment next to him even as Elliot, Turk and Carla surged forward, chasing one another playfully through the drifts, whooping, their breath leaving puffs of steam that vanished quickly into the chilly afternoon air.
"You okay?" he said, feeling slightly strange about leaving Perry behind. Of the six of them, he was the only one whose Change wasn't complete.
Perry smiled, shifting Jack to his other hip. "Fine," he said. "You go ahead. Get some exercise."
JD hesitated only a moment longer, but at Perry's nod he grinned and sprang forward. The others paused in their galloping to watch as JD took a running start then hurled himself forward, great wings raising swirls of snow as they flapped strongly and sent him soaring skyward. Elliot and Turk, who had never seen JD in flight, both gasped; Carla beamed and clapped her hands, cheering as JD began to twist and loop, clearly showing off for his friends. Perry grinned himself, hearing JD's laughter, and in his arms, Jack giggled.
"Up!! Day Dee up!" He squealed, pointing and waving his arms delightedly.
The smile dropped from Perry's face, his eyes widening in astonishment. "What did you say?" he whispered to his son.
Jack merely giggled again, but Perry looked up, shielding his eyes and scanning the gray sky for JD. "Newbie?" he called. "JD! Get down here!"
JD appeared suddenly, soaring low, gigantic wings beating quickly in a manner that allowed the young man to hover unsteadily about fifteen feet from the ground. Perry squinted against the clouds of snow the surge of wind sent swirling; JD instantly pulled the wings in and dropped to the snow, looking apologetic. "Sorry," he said. "What is it? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Perry assured him hastily. "But Jack--listen." Then, to his son, he said, "Jacky? Who went up?"
Jack giggled and hid his face in Perry's shoulder; JD smiled, but it was perplexed. "Perry...?"
The others, having heard Perry's shout and seen JD's abrupt landing, had hurried forward; Elliot, whose change had given her the longest legs and therefore allowed her to move most quickly through the deep snow, appeared first, breathless. "JD?" she said. "Dr. Cox, is everything okay?"
Perry shushed her, and bounced Jack lightly. "Come on, Jacky boy," he said softly. "Who went up?"
"Up," Jack mumbled, peering shyly around at the others as they all watched him intently. Then, as though the word inspired him, he pulled back and pointed at JD happily. "Day Dee up!"
JD felt his jaw drop, and looked back and forth from Jack's beam to Perry's smile. "Did he just...?"
Perry grinned. "Looks like you're stuck for it now, Newbie. Kid's calling you by name."
By all rights, the smile that spread across JD's face should've melted the snow around them with its warmth, even as he wrapped arms and wings around his lover and their son.
Elliot sniffed. "They're so cute!" she murmured, and Carla nodded in agreement, blinking as her eyes grew a little misty. Even Turk was grinning, and whatever doubts any of them had had about the unusual pair were abolished by the sight before them. JD and Perry were completely absorbed with one another, JD's giant wings cocooning them against the chill air; they were speaking quietly, soft smiles on their faces, and the others didn't need to hear the exact words to read the love on their faces.
"Looks like we might have a double wedding on our hands," Turk murmured, only half joking, and Carla and Elliot both giggled delightedly.
Suddenly JD pulled back and turned to them, a broad grin on his face, eyes shining. "Guys! Jack said my name!"
"We heard, Bambi," Carla said. "Congratulations!"
"I thought he said 'Day Dee,'" Turk countered, and Elliot gasped indignantly, frowning at the surgeon. "Turk!"
Perry smirked, however, and said, "So what? Maybe he meant 'daddy.'"
JD's head snapped around and he stared at Perry, wide-eyed, grin somehow growing even bigger. "Hey, yeah!" he breathed, a giddy laugh bubbling up from deep within him. "Daddy and JD combined. Day Dee. I like that!"
"Up!!" Jack was still insisting, apparently not sure what the fuss was about. Then, as though to make his point, his wings suddenly shot out and began to flap, moving so fast they were a mere blur of grey and black and red. Even as the others watched, astounded, Jack began to hover, and JD laughed, completely joyous.
"I think he's ready for his first lesson, Day Dee," Perry huffed, trying to keep hold of his son even as he squinted against the breeze the fluttering wings created.
JD's smile slipped from his face as he stared at Perry, incredibly touched. "You sure?" he murmured.
"Hey, I know you'll be careful," Perry replied casually, shrugging, but when his eyes met JD's they were soft, serious. "I trust you," he added quietly.
JD smiled again, his eyes still shining, and leaned forward to kiss Perry quickly. Then, taking the squirming child into his arms, he said, "Well, kiddo, ready to go up?" Jack giggled wildly in response, waving his arms and pointing.
"Up! Day Dee up up!" he insisted.
"We can arrange that," JD said, grinning as he pulled Jack into his arms, unzipping his jacket and securing the child inside. Then, keepings his arms wrapped around him, he took a running leap, and once again took to the air.
It wasn't much of a lesson--more of a corralling act--as JD's method of flight was completely different than Jack's, and the boy didn't have much stamina anyway. But for a few moments, they were both aloft together, and JD held him close once more when Jack's own power of flight tired, flying higher just to hear the child giggle madly.
For a time, he simply enjoyed himself, cradling Jack safely within his jacket and talking to him, taking him on swoops and dives and grinning when the child clapped with delight. He marveled that Jack didn't seem bothered by the movement, then decided that part of his change must have been a tolerance for aerial acrobatics, because no matter how JD swooped or twisted, Jack merely shrieked gleefully, shouting "'Gain! Go 'gain!"
But after about ten minutes of this, JD frowned, the air suddenly seeming to go unnaturally still. He paused in his flips, ignoring Jack's noise of protest, and extended his wings to let the thermals carry him as he scanned the skies. Quite suddenly, the sensation of being watched that he'd noticed his first day out here was back, more strongly than ever before, and while the first time it had felt benign, almost friendly, this time it made the hairs on the back of his neck prickle dangerously.
Something was coming.
His sharp eyes spotted it then, a dark speck flying toward him--and even considering the Change and all its possibilities, this thing wasn't remotely human. JD stared at it as it grew, approaching quickly; then, as his eyes finally focused, he backwinged in alarm, the shape resolving itself into one he knew.
He dived for the ground, shouting at the others, barely snapping his wings open in time to land safely. "Get back to the house," he panted. "Now!"
The 'taurs had gathered together when they'd heard his shout, and were now clustered around Perry, all staring at him in alarm. "JD?" Elliot asked. "What is it?"
JD shook his head, frustrated, glancing over his shoulder toward the sky. "No time!" he said urgently, wings extending and shifting a little in an alarmed gesture he wasn't even completely conscious of. "Back to the house, now! Let's go, let's go!!"
The tone of his voice spurred them to action. Turk, Carla and Elliot each sprang forward, galloping through the snow, Perry right behind them. JD leapt back into the air, Jack still tucked securely in his arms, and dared a quick glance back into the sky.
The gryphon--for, unbelievably, that's what it was--was getting closer. Fast. Gauging its speed, JD realized it would be in the field within another two or three minutes, maybe less. His head whipped around, measuring the distance back to the cabin, which he could make out between the trees maybe a quarter of a mile away, then back down at his friends, struggling through the drifts below him. A cold stab of panic suddenly settled like an icy ball of lead in his gut as his brain detachedly calculated the facts of the unfolding situation: He and the 'taurs could probably outpace the creature. But Perry was still too human, and the snow was deep. Though the older doctor was running for all he was worth, JD knew he would not be fast enough; he'd already fallen far behind the others, and while they'd made it to the road, Perry was not even halfway across the field.
JD swiftly made his decision. He wasn't sure whether or not the creature meant them any harm--but he was sure he couldn't leave Perry to face it alone.
Winging forward, he swooped down next to Elliot, who was in the lead, and held Jack out toward her. "Take him!" he cried, shouting against the whoosh of his wingbeats and her hooves. "Get him back home!"
"Wh--" Elliot's eyes widened as she whipped her head around to gaze up at him, then caught sight of Perry, far behind them. "JD--!"
"Don't argue! Do it!" he screamed, and she obeyed automatically, reaching up and gathering the sobbing child in against her breast. She began to gallop faster, pulling further ahead of the others, and JD knew she would reach the cabin within moments.
He turned back, flapping desperately to turn around and losing a little momentum and altitude in the process. His eyes focused quickly once more, and as Turk and Carla surged beneath him he saw Perry far behind, still in the field, a distant figure struggling desperately against the drifts. Even as he watched, Perry abruptly staggered to a halt and backpedaled a few steps, looking up into the sky. He ducked as the huge gryphon circled over him, then froze, half crouched, when it dropped to the snow before him, blocking the path to the road. The doctor and the gigantic creature, which was at least the size of a lion, were separated by a distance of only about ten yards; they stared at one another, and as JD watched, the creature crouched low, menacing, and screeched, the threat clear in its voice.
No!
JD surged upwards, flapping for all he was worth, soaring back over the road and toward the field. Perry's eyes flitted up to him, widening fearfully, and though he was careful not to make sudden movements, JD's sharp eyes picked up the slight motion as Perry shook his head. "No!" He mouthed desperately, eyes pleading with JD to obey. "Go home!"
"Like hell," JD muttered to himself, and dived sharply, wings snapping out at the last moment and flapping as he landed in a defensive crouch, solidly between Perry and the beast. His wings he left spread wide, in an automatic gesture of threat and dominance; they loomed over him, huge, making JD himself look a lot larger than he was.
The gryphon, still crouched, opened its curved beak wide and screeched again, the sound echoing through the field. Its own wings unfolded in a gesture that mimicked JD's, and it suddenly reared up on its hind legs, clawed front feet extended and swiping at the air between them.
"JD, go!" Perry hissed from behind him, panic clear in his voice. "Get the fuck out of here!"
"I'm not leaving you," JD growled, his own courage steeled by Perry's attempts to get him to safety. He stood from his crouch, following instincts he did not quite understand, and took an abrupt step forward, beating his wings and sending a cloud of snow toward the gryphon in an attempt to frighten it.
The creature took a few steps backward, blinking its large, golden eagle eyes at him as it shook its head to clear it of the snow that had settled there. It dropped to all four legs once more, but did not retreat, wings still fully extended in a gesture of threat. For a long moment it studied JD, ears flat against its feathered head, muscles tense; JD waited, equally tense, not backing down in the slightest.
The gryphon clacked its beak at him--then, suddenly, it lunged forward, claws extended.
JD felt Perry's arms suddenly wrap themselves around his waist, trying to drag him back, but he resisted, prying the older doctor's hands away. He knew they could not afford to back down--the same instincts that had guided him so far told him as soon as they did, the creature would attack.
Instead, he straightened to his full height and drew a deep breath, puffing his chest out--then shouted, in a loud, sharp tone that echoed in the same way the gryphon's had, "NO!"
The great animal paused in its attack, staring at him again.
Then, astonishingly, it took a step backwards.
JD heard Perry's gasp, but he ignored it; he took another step forward, again flapping his wings slightly and glaring at the gryphon. Then, slowly, the great creature drew in its wings, making itself look smaller, lowering its head.
JD remained frozen, caught in the odd but deadly game, and waited. Though it had apparently backed down from their standoff, the gryphon was clearly still unsettled; it began to make a series of high-pitched, tremulous calls, mock-lunging forward and prancing back in an odd dance.
Sudden comprehension washed over JD, and his eyes widened in astonishment. "Oh," he breathed, suddenly realizing what it was he saw reflected quite clearly in the creature's intelligent eyes.
He nodded slowly and drew in his wings, unconsciously crooning a soothing noise from deep within his throat. The gryphon halted her movements, her head tilting toward him, her desperate chirps becoming a low, warbling sound which JD now recognized for what it was: fear.
He continued to lower his wings until they were only partially unfurled; then, in a slow, careful gesture, lowered his head and took a step backward, never taking his eyes from the gryphon's.
The creature watched, though her head perked up slightly, ears darting forward; she shifted nervously, one clawed foot curling up before settling into the snow again.
JD turned profile to the great creature, keeping his eyes on her even as he took Perry's arm and drew him in toward his own body. He then extended his wings so they were half-cocooning the older man, ignoring Perry's sputtered noises of confusion, and began to slowly move toward the road, herding Perry in the same direction.
The gryphon stood, silent, and watched until they were a good hundred yards away. Then she turned and, with a suddenness that made JD jump, she leapt into the air and winged away, disappearing swiftly into the woods on the opposite side of the field.
Then, and only then, did JD fold his wings, slumping into Perry's startled arms in relief as the adrenaline began to fade, leaving him shaky and weak.
"What the hell was that?" the older doctor demanded in a near-whisper, clutching JD even as he stared toward the spot in the sky where the gryphon had vanished.
JD shook his head. "She was protecting a nest," he murmured, leaning heavily against Perry's chest. "She was trying to drive us away. I..." he lowered his head wearily to Perry's shoulder, still trembling. "She would've attacked, but...only for the same reason I wouldn't back down." He looked up then, finally, meeting Perry's eyes, which were dark with confusion. "She was protecting her family," JD finished softly.
Perry's eyes widened, and his gaze darted from the field to JD's face, then back again. For a long moment he simply stood in stunned silence, absorbing JD's words; finally, however, he drew a deep breath, and dragged the younger man into a crushing kiss, cupping JD's head in his hands. JD closed his eyes, releasing his breath in a rush of air through his nose, moaning softly under the none-too-gentle onslaught of Perry's lips.
Finally, the older man broke away. "If you ever do anything that stupid again, I will kill you," he growled, scowling at JD and resting his forehead against his. Then, face softening a little, he whispered, "But...thank you."
JD nodded, a weary smile on his face, and pressed close into Perry's arms for a long moment. Then, when his shaking began to abate, he drew away and linked his arm through Perry's. "Come on," he said, tugging him forward. "Let's go home. The others will want to know we're okay."
Perry swallowed and nodded, wrapping his arm around JD's shoulders--to support him, as much as anything--and slowly, the two of them made their way back down the road.
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Next Chapter
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