(Author's POV)
The drive to the airport was quieter than usual.
Not completely silent.
Just… careful.
Like everyone inside the car was trying not to make Jay's condition worse by speaking too much.
Rain softly tapped against the tinted windows while the city lights blurred outside, glowing against the dark roads as multiple black vehicles moved together through traffic.
Inside the middle SUV, Jay sat between Cora and Alex in the backseat.
Or more accurately—
half leaned against them.
Because sitting up properly for too long was already exhausting her.
Every small movement visibly drained energy from her body no matter how much she tried hiding it.
"Easy," Cora whispered softly when the car slightly turned.
Jay's hand instinctively pressed harder against her side.
The pain immediately flashed across her face before disappearing just as quickly.
But everyone noticed.
Nobody said anything about it.
Deniel looked away from the front seat quietly while Luna kept checking his phone for updates.
Their entire team looked tense.
Not because they were scared of New York.
But because Jay was forcing herself through this condition.
And they all knew it.
When the car finally stopped near the private airport entrance, Alex immediately got out first.
"I got her."
Jay sighed tiredly.
"I can walk."
"No, you can't," Cora replied instantly.
Jay gave her a look.
Cora ignored it completely.
The moment Jay stepped out of the car, her body slightly stumbled from the sudden pressure on her injuries.
Alex caught her immediately by the arm before she could lose balance.
For a second, Jay just closed her eyes quietly.
Breathing carefully.
Trying not to show how much it hurt.
Cora's expression softened.
"Jay…"
"I'm okay," Jay whispered automatically.
Nobody believed that anymore.
Not after seeing her barely stay upright.
Alex slowly helped support most of her weight while they walked toward the jet together.
Jay hated it.
That part was obvious.
She hated needing help.
Hated looking weak.
Hated the fact that everybody was watching her carefully now.
But her body was already too exhausted to argue much.
The private jet stood waiting under the dim runway lights, sleek and quiet while staff members moved around preparing everything for departure.
As soon as they entered, the atmosphere inside felt completely different from outside.
Warm lighting.
Soft couches.
Blankets scattered around.
Low quiet music playing somewhere in the background.
It looked less like a jet and more like a temporary home.
Because technically—
that's exactly what it was now.
Cora carefully helped Jay sit down on one of the large couches while Alex grabbed the medical bag nearby just in case.
Jay leaned back slowly with a quiet sharp inhale.
That alone told them enough.
"She needs painkillers again," Luna muttered quietly.
"No," Jay answered immediately without opening her eyes.
Deniel sighed from across the cabin.
"You say no to literally everything."
"I'm alive, aren't I?"
"That's barely convincing anymore," Alex muttered under his breath.
A small tired smile almost appeared on Jay's face for a second before disappearing again.
The jet slowly began preparing for takeoff while the team settled around the cabin.
Then eventually the conversation shifted.
Not serious.
Just enough to distract everyone.
"So," Deniel started while sitting across from them, "we're really doing this."
"We already did," Luna replied.
Alex leaned back against the seat.
"The NYC base is ready anyway."
Jay slowly opened her eyes slightly.
"You finished it?"
"Mostly," Cora answered softly. "Security system too."
Deniel nodded.
"Underground entrance, safe rooms, medical floor, weapon storage… all done."
"And temporary identities are prepared," Luna added.
Jay stayed quiet after that.
Listening.
The reality of it all slowly settling heavier inside the cabin.
New York.
A new base.
A war waiting for them there.
And no certainty any of them would return the same after this.
"You'll like the place," Alex said softly, glancing toward Jay. "It's quieter than the others."
Jay gave a small hum in response.
That was all.
But everyone noticed how distant she sounded.
Like part of her mind wasn't even there anymore.
The jet finally lifted into the air smoothly, city lights slowly disappearing underneath the clouds.
And after that—
the cabin became quieter again.
Not uncomfortable.
Just emotionally heavy.
Jay sat curled slightly into herself near the corner of the couch, eyes fixed somewhere outside the window.
Nobody disturbed her.
Nobody pushed her to speak.
Because they all understood.
She left everything behind.
Section E.
Keifer.
Home.
The people she loved.
And now she was flying farther away from them with every second.
Cora noticed it first.
The silence.
The way Jay's breathing unevenly slowed.
The slight trembling in her fingers.
Then finally—
the tears.
One quietly slipped down Jay's face before she quickly looked away.
Like she didn't want anyone seeing it.
But Cora already had.
Without saying anything, she moved closer immediately.
And the second Cora gently wrapped her arms around her—
Jay broke.
Not loudly.
Not dramatically.
That somehow made it worse.
She just buried her face into Cora's shoulder silently while tears kept falling one after another.
Exhausted.
Heartbroken.
Overwhelmed.
Cora held her tighter instantly, one hand softly moving through her hair while letting her cry without interruption.
"It's okay," she whispered quietly. "Just let it out."
Nobody inside the jet spoke.
Deniel looked away respectfully.
Alex lowered his eyes.
Even Luna silently turned toward the window, giving her privacy.
Because all of them knew exactly who she was crying for.
And eventually—
between the exhaustion, pain, stress, and emotional weight—
Jay slowly fell asleep against Cora's shoulder.
Still holding onto her slightly.
Cora carefully adjusted immediately, making sure not to wake her.
"Wait," Alex whispered quietly before standing.
He grabbed one of the soft blankets nearby and handed it over.
Cora nodded thankfully before slowly placing it over Jay carefully.
Every movement gentle.
Careful around her injuries.
Then slowly—
very slowly—
Cora helped lean Jay back properly against the couch.
Supporting her neck first.
Then adjusting her carefully so no pressure touched her injured side.
Jay barely stirred during it, too exhausted to fully wake up.
Her face looked calmer asleep.
But even then—
there were still faint tear marks left behind.
The cabin stayed quiet after that.
Only the soft sound of the jet moving through the night remained.
And somewhere above the clouds—
Jay slept for the first time since leaving.