Don't Need Them - John Laurens x Reader {DISCONTINUED}

- 47 -

Day Three...

~ two days later: Tuesday, 3:19 PM ~

Hercules's POV

Needless to say, we were bouncing around. A lot. But we couldn't stay out in the streets for long, we knew someone would recognize either us or Frances. So we usually switched between our current apartment and Laf and I's old apartment we barely used anymore. As far as we knew, John and (Y/N) had long forgotten where Laf and I's place was, so that was our safe place where most of the necessities were.

We were there now. Alex had to go to work for a couple hours so that left Laf and I. We were sat on the sofa, monitoring Frances, who was playing with a small set of blocks. Or... trying, at least.

"It's crazy 'ow much she looks like John.." Laf muttered, chuckling.

"I know. I don't see like any of (Y/N) there," I replied. "Not... physically, at least."

Even in about three days, I saw the amount of energy Frances had. Like (Y/N). I wouldn't be surprised if she ended up acting just like (Y/N).

"Well, depending on 'ow long we 'ave 'er for, who knows who she'll be like," Laf responded.

~ meanwhile ~

John's POV

I never thought days could go by so slowly, but here we were now. Two days felt like two weeks. Yet nothing good was happening.

The only two people who knew what were happening so far were Cassie and Luka, since (Y/N) was supposed to work with them on Sunday. But she had to text them saying she couldn't, eventually explaining why.

We had just taken yet another look around Manhattan, this time with Cassie and Luka. Nothing. Cassie and (Y/N) were quietly talking about something in the kitchen while Luka and I were in the living room.

"This sh*t is ridiculous.." I groaned, running a hand through my hair.

"Tell me about it. Taking someone's child is one thing, but somehow disappearing in a matter of hours? It makes no sense!" Luka responded.

"There has to be somewhere we haven't checked here.." I mumbled.

"Well, yeah. Like ninety-nine percent of these complexes, John. For all we know they could be having help with this," Luka answered.

He paused. "Are you sure (Y/N)'ll be alright working with Cass and I tomorrow?"

"I hope so. She seemed adamant about it; maybe it'll take her mind off of things for a bit. I'm gonna try going out of Manhattan."

"Dude, you could be checking anywhere outside of Manhattan, because at this point, they could be anywhere."

I shrugged. "If that's what it takes, Luk, then so be it. This is my baby girl who's missing."

"Of course. I'd probably do the same if I were you... just, don't get yourself hurt, bud. That's like last thing both you or (Y/N) need."

"I know. I'll be fine."

Day Four...

~ the next day ~

Shortly after (Y/N) got picked up by Cassie to go to Luka's studio, I had left a note and locked the front door, leaving the house (Y/N had her key on her).

While driving around, there was a thought in the back of my mind. A vivid, blurry image of something. Somewhere. But I didn't know where. Yet it was oddly... familiar.

Shaking my head, I focused on driving. I didn't need to be apart of another accident like last year. I still had the scar from that, I didn't need another.

I knew a few people outside of Manhattan who might know where the trio might be. Or at least might've seen them. There was Amara, Rose, and lastly.. the Washingtons.

-

Amara hadn't seen them at all. But Rose had. In the coffee shop she worked at, and they even had had Frances with them. So I knew they were still in Manhattan. Now it was time to tell George and Martha.

~

"John? It's been forever!"

I stood in the living room of the Washington's, looking at George and Martha. "I know.. but you guys know what's happened."

"Sadly, yes. It's all they talk about sometimes," Martha responded sadly. 'Those little...'

"What brings you here so suddenly, John?" George asked.

"Well... it's about them, actually. Have you seen them recently?"

"Yes! About a week ago!" Martha answered.

"Why?"

"They said they needed baby things.. But I never recalled they had..." Martha trailed off.

"Well, that's the thing, Martha. They never did. They..." I paused. "They took Frances from (Y/N) and I."

George was stunned and Martha covered her mouth. "N-No!"

"You can't be serious! There's no way Alex would do that!" George responded in disbelief.

"With all due respect, George... they did. Three days ago. Broke into our house and just took our daughter right in front of my eyes."

George's eyes narrowed slightly. "What the hell do those boys think they're doing?"

I sighed. "They're jealous, essentially. They've wanted (Y/N) and I back for as long as I can remember shortly after we left. Alexander said that Frances was 'the closest way to getting us back'."

"That's horrible!" Martha exclaimed. "No wonder you thought they were lying, George! They were!"

Martha looked at me. "Have you called the police, sweetheart? You must've!"

"Well... no. I want us to get Frances back ourselves is this is how they're goin' to be."

"John, if you don't get her back soon, you might have to call the police," George responded.

"That's why we've been lookin' everywhere," I paused. "Now I know they're still in Manhattan."

I looked up at George and Martha. "Look, I know they're all practically your sons, but... I can't let them get away with this without a fight. If I know them, someone's goin' to end up hurt when (Y/N) and I find Frances."

George sighed. "I know. John, even if Martha and I rarely see you, you're still like a son too. And we won't let them get away with it either."

Martha nodded. "Yes! As soon as you get your Frances back, let us know. We'll talk to them."

I smiled. "Thanks, you two. Feel bad we haven't visited way more often."

George chuckled. "Just come by more often now, then."

For the first time in a while, I laughed. "We will. I'll make sure we have Frances too."

Martha beamed, pulling me into a hug. "We'll look forward to it. Just take care of yourselves, I know (Y/N) mustn't be in a positive mood at all."

"Of course," I nodded. I turned to George, who also gave me a hug. "Just be careful, John."

"I will. You'll hear from us soon, I promise you that."