Hogwarts - Friday / Fandom Beach - Friday Night

[chasingsnitches]

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[anextimeagent]

Jack was out of breath by the time he got there, but he still jogged onto the beach, heading for the spot the map said Cedric was.

He slowed when he spotted the figure lying on his back. The map just said he was here, it didn't say in what condition. "Cedric?"

[chasingsnitches]

Cedric blinked but didn't move. "Jack?"

[anextimeagent]

He hit the ground on his knees and leaned over Cedric, not touching, not yet, not until he was sure he wasn't injured. "Yeah, it's me. Are you hurt?"

[chasingsnitches]

"Yes," he said honestly. "What day is this? What time?"

[anextimeagent]

"Friday, umm, night time. I didn't look at the clock. You've been gone for six days." Jack ran gentle hands over Cedric's arms, down his chest, trying to find where he was hurt. "Do you need the clinic?"

[chasingsnitches]

"Night," he said quietly. "And no, no I don't. It's just...it's been a long six days."

[anextimeagent]

"Here, too," he said quietly, hands stilling on his chest. Watching Cedric intently in the limited light, he was worried by what he could see on his face. "What do you need?"

[chasingsnitches]

"I..." He moved a little, wincing at the sore muscles and renewed headache. "Am I on the beach again?"

[anextimeagent]

"You are," he confirmed, sliding one hand under Cedric's head, cushioning it, when he saw the wince. "For the last time if I have anything to say about it," he muttered under his breath. Where he'd been and how and why could wait until Cedric was warm and safe. "It's too cold to stay here. If I help, do you think you can walk back to the dorms?"

[chasingsnitches]

He nodded and sat back, winced again. "Yes, I think so. I'd like to go back there."

[anextimeagent]

"Okay. Then that's where we'll go." Jack stood, reaching both hands down to help Cedric up.

[chasingsnitches]

Cedric took his hands and pulled himself up, feeling more protesting muscles but stifling the winces that accompanied them.

[anextimeagent]

He used the motion to step forward and slide his arms around Cedric, needing to hang onto him for just a second.

[chasingsnitches]

"Careful, careful," Cedric mumbled. "It's been slightly unpleasant for six days."

[anextimeagent]

It was Jack's turn to wince and he immediately let go, keeping one hand on Cedric's back. "Sorry. I just-- " He cut himself off. It didn't matter. "Let's get you home," he managed a smile, "and you can tell me where you've been."

[chasingsnitches]

"Right," he said and took a moment to clear his head, get his bearings. It hadn't been so long ago that he felt hopeless, lost. Like nothing mattered.

And now, he was back.