Pretty Bad Things Chapter 1 - REWRITTEN
This story is an attempt to create the back story of what Tony’s been up to for the past three years, including the role he played in certain events of Season 6 while we all thought he was dead. It will explore the complex friendship between Jack and Tony and how that friendship will be put to the test when Jack finds out the truth.
This part replaces the original first chapter of this story, based on recent developments on the show. I decided to rewriote it because the 2 PM episode gave me an opening to work my story into the events of the day. Instead of taking place as part of the 11 AM episode, this now takes place at the end of the day. The threats have been averted and Tony is trying to work up the nerve to make good on his promise to Jack and turn himself in.
Jack, Tony and Chloe are boxing up “Rogue CTU” while they wait for Bill to come pick them up to take Tony to FBI headquarters.
“Alright, we’ll come outside in a minute,” Jack says into the phone.
“It doesn’t seem fair that you still have to go back to jail after everything you’ve accomplished today,” Chloe says in typical Chloe fashion.
“It is what it is,” Tony replies. “Thanks again for all your help…you can be a pain in the ass but we couldn’t have done it without you,” he says, looking up for the first time.
“You’re welcome,” she responds. She walks over and gives Tony a hug.
“Take care of yourself, Chloe, alright?” Tony says.
“I will. You too,” she responds.
Jack hangs up and glances over at Tony.
“You ready?” Jack asks softly. Tony nods slowly, looking down, and reluctantly follows Jack to the stairs.
They step outside “rogue CTU” and walk toward Bill’s van. Bill is on the phone in the driver’s seat. Jack gets in the vehicle but notices Tony lingering back.
“Come on, Tony. We’ve got to go,” Jack says gently.
“Yeah, I know. Just give me a sec,” Tony says, glancing around one more time, trying to take in what freedom is like before turning himself in. After a few moments he climbs into the van, blinking back tears as he stares out the window.
“Alright, thanks again,” Bill says before hanging up the phone. He turns around toward Jack and Tony.
“Jack, I just talked to Renee. She said she would meet you guys at Teaism over on 8th Street. That way you can take Tony to have some real food and the two of you can talk. She’ll take Tony back with her when you’re done.”
“Bill, I appreciate it, but I’d rather just get this over with,” Tony says quietly.
“If that’s what you prefer I’ll take you there now,” Bill says to Tony. “But I think you and Jack should have a chance to talk before you go.”
“I already told you everything I did. Can’t you just fill Jack in?”
“Yes, I can, and I will if you want me to. But the two of you have been friends for years…I think you’ll both be better off if you tell him yourself.”
“It’s up to you, Tony,” Jack says softly.
Tony sighs. The thought of telling Jack everything he’s done makes him more nauseous even than the thought of going back to prison, but deep down he knows Bill is right.
“I guess you’re right,” he says after a minute. “Besides, I am pretty hungry,” he admits.
They get into Bill’s van and Bill drives them a few blocks to the restaurant. Renee meets them outside. She is holding a GPS ankle bracelet.
“I’m sorry to do this, but Agent Moss wanted me to put this on you just in case,” she tells Tony.
“Is that really necessary?” Bill asks.
“I told him I didn’t think so, but I was overruled,” she says.
“It’s fine,” Tony says. “That way I won’t…I won’t even be tempted to run,” he admits. Jack smiles sympathetically.
“We’ll be out here when you’re ready,” Renee says.
Tony nods and puts the bracelet on his ankle, then follows Jack into the restaurant. They sit down and order, and then there is an awkward silence, neither knowing where to begin.
“Listen, Jack, I know that you’re going to be disgusted when I tell you some of the things I’ve done and I don’t blame you for that,” Tony says after a minute. “But I just want you to know that I get it. I get that some of the things I did were wrong and that my actions have consequences, and I’m probably going to spend the rest of my life in jail for it. So I don’t blame you if you get angry with me, but please try not to lecture me, alright?”
“Fair enough,” Jack agrees.
“I don’t even know where to begin,” Tony says.
“Start at the beginning. Why did you choose to stay?” Jack asks.
“What do you mean?” Tony asks.
“With Emerson and his crew. After they didn’t need you anymore, why did you choose to stay?” Jack asks softly.
Tony takes a deep breath before he begins to answer.
From there the story continues onto the next chapter. All of the future chapters will now take place as part of this conversation instead of as snippets between missions. Otherwise, the next three chapters are basically the same as before. I hope it’s not too confusing…I just decided the original first chapter did not work and last night’s episode gave me a better opening. The story of what Tony did has not changed, just the setting in which he is telling Jack. And I will eventually return to the issue many of us are wondering about after last night, whether Tony will really turn himself in and what will happen if he does.
Please continue! That was excellent!
Cant wait to read more
You don’t have to rewrite your rewrite. Bill can live in your fanfic!!