Full-out Fic: Family Bonds
Author:
storylandqueen
Title: Family bonds
Rating: M
Warnings: Incest, messed up minds.
Words: A monsterous 10,040. Okay, maybe that isn't big for some, but my first story was barely over two hundred. This is huge for me!
Summary: Wyatt and Jeb have found each other again, but their relationship and views go through a few changes.
Notes: Dedicated to
prongs_padfoot because she made this icon post that put ideas in my head and lead to this summary. Also, this is for
green_wing for enabling me. ♥
When Cain first saw him, it wasn’t just one thing that made him stop. Even after the young man had lowered the hood covering his face, the former Tin Man was frozen in place by something other than recognition. He saw the soft, wavy blond hair, piercing eyes, and rose hued lips before he realized he was staring at his son. Despite having pieced together the delicate and wild features as being Jeb, there seemed to be a block when it came to acknowledging him as his child. It was hardly an infant staring at him, but it seemed almost impossible to connect the little boy torn away from him with this fighter.
It was with a stunned sort of fascination he followed Jeb to the Resistance camp, waylaying any questions from his own group, barely aware of his proximity to his most hated enemy as he kept sneaking clandestine glances from the corner of his eyes at his son. It had to be one of the strangest situations he’d been in yet.
Cain found it hard to believe that this person was really the child he’d watched be tortured for so many annuals. Maybe that machine had done more damage to his mind than he ever fathomed, because while he only had to look to know it was Jeb, he wasn’t sure he would be able to make ‘son’ ever pass him lips in regards to the stranger leading them through the woods. The image that would be locked permanently in his mind of his son would be of a little boy, which the Jeb beside him was quite clearly… not.
He didn’t know where Jeb got his looks from, but Wyatt was strongly reminded of the tales Adora used to read at night of woodland nymphs that flitted through the forest in silence, beautiful and unruly just like the deceptively innocent flowers that hid their savage nature with bright colors.
Wyatt smiled to himself at that. He’d learned that appearances were deceitful thanks to Glitch’s dancing, and he’d watched Jeb fight earlier against the Longcoats. Jeb was able to take care of himself beyond a doubt; he would need to be in order to still be living after so long. Cain smiled again; his son was more dangerous than any myth. They’d missed many years as a family, but that didn’t mean he’d lost that spark of fatherly affection.
“Hey.”
The soft, tentative voice made Cain aware of his surroundings for the first time since they’d set out with the Longcoat prisoners and the other soldiers. Turning his head, he saw Glitch had left the safety of the others at the back of the group to start walking beside him, an uncertain look on his features. “Hey, Sweetheart,” Cain said in return, his low rumble bringing a smile to Glitch’s face as always.
That one endearment seemed to cause a flame of assurance to bloom deep inside of the other man. Seeming a bit more confident, Glitch placed a hand on his lower arm with a soft pressure meant to be comforting. “Uh, look, I know you seem to be deep in thought, but -”
“I’m fine, Glitch.” Cain interrupted, shrugging off the touch. “And yes, I’m sure.”
“Well, okay then. Guess I’ll leave you to your thoughts.” Glitch said awkwardly, waving around his discarded hand as he slowed down, dropping back to walk with Raw. Normally Cain would feel at least a twinge of guilt for blowing Glitch off like that, but he was too preoccupied by the concept of having his son back to really pay much mind to the Zipperhead.
Indeed, Cain found he was unable to concentrate on anything other than the last of his family. The walk was like a kind of torture, the man was left alone with his thoughts about Jeb, endless circles of questions running through his head. He couldn’t stop wondering what would happen now that he was back with his son; not even the hairs on the back of his neck distracted him. Maybe Glitch was staring at him, or maybe it was guilt because DG was gone, but it didn’t seem to matter. It was like an eternity of waiting before he was finally able to have a semi-private conversation with his son. Only partially private because they were in the middle of the camp with people milling about them, but they were standing by themselves, the intense prickling sensation of being under scrutiny diminished.
Wyatt might not have the brain the Queen’s Advisor once possessed, but he wasn’t a fool. He knew that he’d been paying more attention to his son than was strictly necessary, even with the allowance of having thought him dead while watching his mirror image being tortured. There was a twisted sort of comfort in the sensation of fatherly pride he felt when Jeb told him he was in charge of the group, he attempted to play it off, but he was so relieved to have a justifiable reason. He was proud of what his son had accomplished with his life.
Which is why he thought it acceptable to hug his child after so many years, embrace the little boy he’d never seen grow up to be this incredible enigma. Something like an electric shock sprang up the moment any part of Wyatt’s body connected with Jeb’s, warming his flesh until he was holding the younger man firmly in his arms. With their connection, Wyatt found his body remembering sensations he hadn’t felt in annuals.
There was such a feeling of contentedness and belonging in his heart, he didn’t notice immediately when Jeb stiffened. It slowly dawned on him that Jeb wasn’t responding, but he instantly feared that Jeb had sensed something was wrong in the way he was holding him, so with great reluctance he stepped away to arm’s length, trying to pretend he was okay.
Where Jeb went after that, he wasn’t sure, but he couldn’t stop the sinking feeling that he’d just lost whatever chance he might have had with his son.
Having his Father back was something Jeb only dreamed about - or more aptly, his Father having him was something he dreamed about.
Jeb could only vaguely recall the long commute from their home after he and his Mother were exiled from the central O.Z., Zero cutting the bonds around their wrists and telling them to go after weeks of dark hopelessness, but he could remember the months after they settled on the outskirts of a small town perfectly. Surprisingly, it wasn’t that his Mother finally began to talk and smile again, respond to the things happening around her, that he remembered best about that time, but the moans he heard at night.
Jeb didn’t know if his Mother suffered from a type of depression or shock after Zero took them away from Wyatt, but after their abandonment at the edge of the region, she didn’t say much. She gradually spoke less as they traveled until one day she quit talking at all; she became a mere shell, only doing the bare minimum to keep the two of them alive along their endless travels. There were days when it seemed that they would never cease looking for a place to call home, their hearts’ destination she’d told him before she lost the will to speak.
Jeb had given up almost all hope by the time they began to traverse the savage desert where food of any type was scarce. He knew that if wasn’t for his father having taught him to make traps they would have never made it as far as they had through the barren wasteland. Some might ask why they didn’t turn around when living things began to grow scarce, but one of the few things his Mother told him during the times of their travel was that they must go on despite hardships. There was nothing waiting behind them but a destroyed life, they had to enter the desert.
It was truly a blessing when, right as they reached the brink of dehydration, water having long vanished from their canteens, they found a small village that flourished due to a nearby oasis. The villagers allowed them to stay, placing them in an older hut that stood a small distance from the rest of the village, ending their nomadic life as long as they could contribute to the village’s livelihood.
Whether it was because she suddenly had a place in a structured environment or something else, Adora began to come to life again. Assorted plants that didn’t require much water thrived in a makeshift garden that ran along the house under Adora’s care, and there would always be breakfast ready when Jeb would wake up. She wasn’t the same person she’d been before the Longcoats came, but there was semblance enough that Jeb could indulge in the fantasy that he had his Mother back.
It wasn’t long after Jeb finally felt comfortable in his new surroundings that he began to hear the noises from his Mother’s bedroom. Fearing the sounds were pain induced, a young Jeb crawled out of his bed to investigate the sounds, only to reach the door to his Mother’s room and pause. The soft mumbling had previously been indistinguishable, but now he could make out his Father’s name among other sounds. Having been exposed to the harsh cruelty of the world, Jeb didn’t believe for a single moment that his Father was behind the door. It was impossible. If the Cain family patriarch had found them, surely he would have seen his son. It was inconceivable that he wouldn’t at least have checked in on him - Jeb knew he mattered to his Father.
Confused about why his Mother was talking to someone that Jeb knew wasn’t with her; he stayed outside the door and listened until silence fell, soaking in her every noise. He suffered the next day from lack of sleep and the one after that as well; any night he heard noises from his Mother’s room, he would listen to them outside her door and replay them inside his mind during the day until they formed a continuous loop in his conscious.
Jeb decided to ask about his Father after what had to be almost a month, curiosity overriding any fear he held. The answer he got wasn’t like anything he’d heard anyone speak of before. Instead of his Mother telling him with her usual fond smile of all the times Wyatt had carved figurines for her when she would get sick, he heard of the nights he held her in his arms and the way he would cover her entire body. Soon enough, his own moans of his Father’s name filled the house at night.
It was years before Jeb realized that was not the sort of thing Mothers usually told children about their Fathers, but it didn’t matter - it was too late. Perhaps those talks about Wyatt were proof that Adora had lost part of her mind as well as her husband, but Jeb was never anything but grateful for them. Over time, Jeb caught the eye of many and even indulged a few, but never was he satisfied. None of them ever matched what they should be in his mind, they were too different from the tales he’d grown up hearing of his Father. Jeb idolized his Father, the protector that upheld the rules and had the ability to make everything right. No one could ever compare with him, so Jeb desired no one other than Wyatt, the one person he knew he could never have.
Or so he thought, until the day he and a group of Resistance soldiers ambushed a bunch of Longcoats taking prisoners to the Sorceress.
Wyatt Cain looked precisely like his son remembered, breathing proof that he hadn’t imaged the perfection over years, nothing could compare to having the real man before him, his dreams weren’t able to replicate the full sense of his Father. Only habit made him give the orders to fall back to the camp; he wanted so much to talk to his Father, but he didn’t know how to handle himself. How are you supposed to reconnect with someone you’ve long thought dead and hold more fantasies of than memories?
Until he figured that particular little mystery out, Jeb could handle the interrogation of Zero, something he was sure his Father would be interested in. A brief wave of panic ran through Jeb as he wondered if his Father and the rest had allowed themselves to be purposely captured for some reason, but Jeb was having trouble understanding how Wyatt could allow himself to be captured in the first place. He didn’t have the slightest clue what his Father had been doing before, or where he and his traveling companions had been heading.
He was curious about the others with his Father, wanted to know why they were traveling together. The two were certainly ragtag, but Jeb knew what his own comrades looked like and did not fault them for it. The young man frowned a bit as he noticed someone in his Father’s group with gaunt skin and dressed in many tattered layers place his hand on Wyatt’s arm, looking at him with a gaze that carried far too much warmth for a mere traveling companion.
With something bordering on a growl, Jeb picked up his pace, torn between wanting to get away from his Father and the man throwing himself at him, or going with the more fulfilling option of pulling the bedraggled man off Wyatt. Tossing a furious glance back, his mood lightened when he saw his Father push the man away.
A victorious smirk spreading across his face, Jeb directed his attention back to the forefront and picked up the pace, calling back in satisfaction, “Not much farther now.”
Jeb felt a small thrill when his Father sought him out not long after they had returned to the camp, but the feeling was tempered by his knowledge that he had feelings for his Father that he shouldn’t. It was okay to entertain the idea of acting on his forbidden emotions, but that was before he found out that his Father was alive. Now, with the man that he constantly dreamed of standing a few aching feet from him, Jeb had to control the urge to fling himself into Wyatt’s arms or worse, drag him off to a tent. The two were estranged and he didn’t want to risk any chance he had for any sort of relationship with his Father just because reign in his impulses.
But… his father was looking at him in a way that was almost familiar. It wasn’t quite like the way he’d seen other parents looking at their children, and he knew it wasn’t the type of look ordinarily given to a soldier. It wasn’t until Wyatt asked if he was in charge that he finally saw a light he recognized as spark of parental pride in his Father’s eyes. That saddened him, in a way, as he brushed off his rank. He didn’t want his Father to be proud only because of a position he’d gained by accident. Jeb wanted to matter for who he was, not what he was.
The hug he received a moment later not only startled him, but also tested his resolve. When the arms around him didn’t loosen, but instead continued to tighten, then Jeb recognized the look. Mouth dropping open, Jeb held still as he began to puzzle out how much of the older man’s gaze had been parental love and how much was human lust.
Jeb wasn’t sure to be glad or not when he was saved from staying in his Father’s company - he needed time to think instead of reacting. There was a chance Wyatt returned his… unorthodox affections, but he still had a few things he needed to figure out. After all, just because his Father might possibly desire him didn’t mean he would act on those feelings since Jeb was his son, even though he definitely wanted him as well. Then there was that other man who seemed rather attached to his Father.
Jeb smirked in determination. He was a very convincing person when need be. He could handle the two of them. There had to be a way to convince Wyatt of his feelings, some method to make him realize they should be together. As for that odd man… Jeb would handle him once his Father understood how he felt.
But first thing first - there was someone in a tent waiting for him. The Resistance leader had waited a long time to get his hands on Zero and he intended to make getting every little bit of information require as much torture as necessary. The man that had not only caused his Father endless torment for years, but also separated Jeb from him, something he would have to pay for, and his Father was going to attend the little show.
Among Jeb’s grand visions of revenge and approval, he never expected Wyatt to rebuke him. The hot shame that flooded him as Zero spilled out secrets with a skill that only comes with being a top grade coward was even worse than after he first dreamed of Wyatt. The one responsible for the situation didn’t feel any pain, his Father was disapproving, and that man was still hovering near him.
Then Zero let something slip that caused his ears to perk up. Ambrose. The leader of the Longcoats had just addressed his Father’s frazzled friend by the codename used for the brain in charge of the Sun Seeder. That was an interesting little tidbit.
After that, Jeb went to his tent to stew a while. Now was not to the time to do anything rash, but it would be a good time get a bit of information. The Viewer would probably tell him what he could and he’d be able to tell he wasn’t asking for evil intentions. The only problem was that while Jeb knew that Viewers didn’t see connections the same way others did, he didn’t know how their complicated relationship would concern him. The one he really wanted to talk to was “Ambrose”.
“So who are you and what are you to my Dad?”
Jeb had intended to use a roundabout approach, but when he finally caught the pale man by himself, he couldn’t control his mouth. He bit the inside of his cheek and quickly calmed his face, making sure to pay as much attention as possible to every detail, reminding himself to keep his own replies short.
“Excuse me?” He asked, looking politely puzzled before he brightened. “Oh, you’re Cain’s son, right?”
Jeb gave the man a grim smile. “Yeah, now who are you?”
“Name’s Glitch. Sometimes my synapses don’t fire right, so…” Glitch gave that wide smile again and looked upwards as threw out his arms, “What can you do, huh?”
“My sympathies.”
“Yeah, your Dad calls me a headcase, actually, but I’m not a criminal of some sort, oh, no. I’m a real important person. Or was. You know, I just think I should tell you, Cain’s really happy he found you. I mean, I know he can come off as insensitive and all that, but really there’s a softie underneath that gruff exterior of his. He was so happy when he heard that someone had seen you and your Mother that - oh.” Glitch abruptly stopped his ranting, the smile falling from his face for the first time. “I’m really sorry about that, you know.”
Jeb plastered a smile onto his face; his Mother still wasn’t something he liked to talk about much. It wasn’t what he was here to talk about, either, he reminded himself. “You seem to be close to my Dad.” He said, glad he had a reason to change the topic. Adora wasn’t exactly someone he wanted to think about considering.
Glitch’s smile was back, but this time it was soft and understanding in a way that made Jeb’s blood boil.
A glazed look captured Glitch’s dark eyes and he raised a hand to his lips as he gazed to the side, mind bringing him back into his memories. “I think so, too, even though we haven’t known each other for very long. He calls me Sweetheart, but he only started doing that after we were caught in this wagon of rather questionable repute. I think it gave us a chance to really bond. It was nice and cozy.” He was nodding empathetically and Jeb could feel his control fraying, something that must have shown on his face as Glitch’s eyes widened comically. “I’m not sure if Cain wanted me to tell you that…”
“It’s okay.” Jeb assured him quickly. “Thanks, now at least I know something about him.”
“But I’m not sure if that came out the right way,” Glitch started to babble again, but Jeb left, raising a hand as he went.
He knew it was probably sick and twisted, but Jeb had hoped that his Father would remain faithful to his wife and maybe transfer that affection to him. Now he knew that it was too late for that, and de could only hope that Wyatt’s attachment to Glitch was for purely physical reasons. The elder Cain had spent untold annuals locked away in a Tin Suit, who could deny him the longing for intimacy? Such a long time spent in solitude, prevented from feeling even the simplest touch. Jeb shivered and accepted that Wyatt might have given in to carnal cravings and taken what he was being offered.
At least Glitch had given Jeb a few key bits of information. First, if they were as close as he made it sound they were, then Wyatt wasn’t opposed to the idea of being with another man. There was also the hopeful point that if the Tin Man really had so easily switched over from Adora to Glitch, then he shouldn’t have that much problem switching to Jeb. You couldn’t build much of an emotional relationship in just a few days.
There was more confidence in Jeb’s step as he walked back to the main tent - the one used for strategic meetings. Pushing aside the flap, he hesitated briefly when he saw his Father and a stranger waiting inside with a few of his soldiers, the stranger turning to gaze at him expectantly. The atmosphere of the room suggested that he’d just interrupted a conversation that hadn’t been going well.
The newcomer, a plump black man of short stature, looked at him anxiously, drawing deep breaths of air as he wiped the sweat from his brow, pleading, “We need to borrow horses immediately.”
Jeb stepped further into the tent, keeping an eye on the new guy as he checked how his Father seemed to be taking this. The older man seemed annoyed by the proceedings, as did the others, but that strange spark was back in his eyes at the sight of Jeb.
“What’s going on?” He asked. If they needed something the Resistance could offer, Jeb was sure they could work out some sort of bargain - particularly the kind that would let him get closer to Wyatt. Not that it would be that bad if his Father was to be in his debt, but it wouldn’t be what Jeb wanted.
Wyatt stepped closer. “We’re going on a rescue mission,” he said simply. Something about his voice made the corners of Jeb’s mouth want to curl upwards and caused a lifting sensation inside of him. Jeb didn’t even notice his mind slipping away to the sound of his Father’s words, completely zoning out despite the importance of what was being said. Shaking off the tingling warmth the he could feel crawling under his skin, Jeb tried to focus on what Wyatt was saying.
“- once we have her, we just need a clear entryway to the tower.”
Jeb nodded, pretending he’d been paying closer attention instead of only hearing a few occasional words. “I think we can arrange that.” He didn’t know everything Wyatt just said to him, but he knew that his Dad was planning to put an end to the Sorceress’s reign after he rescued some girl. That was the type of person he was - willing to risk his life to help another. He had what it would take to save the O.Z.
Cold dread was seeping into his body as his throat tightened. It seemed like an obligatory question, but he couldn’t help but feel there was an implication he wasn’t catching. Biting his lip, Jeb tried to keep the concern out of his voice, but he knew it leaked through. “Are you sure about this?”
Wyatt nodded, blue eyes shining like crystalline waters as he nodded. “I am.”
“Okay,” he said, voice soft. “We’ll do whatever you need.” He turned and left, knowing that he would lose control of his emotions if he stayed looking at his Father.
He had to walk. If he didn’t move and just go somewhere, he wouldn’t be able to deal with the fact he might very well lose his Father again, this time for good. He didn’t know why he was saving the girl and he didn’t care, honestly, it seemed the less important issue at hand. To go inside the Tower would be suicide, no matter what the plan was. It didn’t seem fair that after all this time of dreaming without hope that he should finally reconnect with his Father and there be a possibility of returned affection only to have him snatched away. Was it really asking too much to be allowed this one thing?
Jeb then made the decision to do something he never done before. Going straight to his private tent, Jeb flung himself onto his bed and began to cry. When he was young and first taken from Wyatt, he never cried, fearing to upset his Mother. By the time she had died, he was supposed to be a Resistance leader, strong enough to take a death. For the first time since Jeb had both of his parents to comfort him, he cried, choking on his suppressed emotions as his pillow grew damp from tears. He grieved for the years missed with his Father, for the death of his Mother, for the life he could never have, and for what could happen.
His sobs slowed gradually until he drifted off to sleep, the damp marks still on his cheeks revealing he’d been crying when someone entered the tent and observed the emotionally drained young man for a few silent moments before leaving.
Jeb awoke the next morning and instantly thought of Wyatt, but as despair spread over him, he resigned himself to the fact he couldn’t stop his Father. He would have to accept that. Clutching his sheet in his hand, Jeb pushed away his emotional connection to the other man, ignoring it. He could pretend it didn’t exist and if it didn’t exist, it wouldn’t hurt
Some part of Jeb wondered if he was going to end up becoming like his Mother, devastated to a state of composure beyond all emotion. That reminded him of Zero, and Jeb realized with a sadistic grin that realized he could unleash everything at the very source of his problem. Zero had locked up Wyatt, forced Adora and Jeb away from their home, ultimately caused Adora’s death, and now because of his cowardice he’d enabled Wyatt to go on a suicide mission. Now, with his Father asleep under a tree, there would be nothing to save Zero from the temper Jeb was working himself into. With an apologetic glance, Jeb passed over Wyatt and swallowed the urge to curl up in his arm as if he was five again, forcefully converting all his emotions to anger.
When the young man saw Zero missing, he knew there hadn’t been an escape. Hand curling into a fist, he slammed it on a table before returning to his Father. No one else would have messed with his prisoner and interfered with his revenge. Apparently he’d been wrong about Zero being protected. Countless emotions surged inside of him as he looked at the sleeping figure at the base of the tree, his breath coming in heavy, enraged pants, but he didn’t hesitate before kicking his Father, his anger too strong to be held in check. He was lashing out like a petulant child that wasn’t getting their way, emotions erratic and uncontrollable.
Jeb still wasn’t in control when Wyatt took him to Zero - if anything, he only came closer to losing it. His Father couldn’t be creating more internal havoc if he tried. Clenching his jaw, Jeb uttered some reply to a comment Wyatt made and tried to leave the clearing, wanting to avoid what was happening. He lowered his head to hide his face and kept his eyes on the ground, ignoring his Father until a warm and heavy hand landed on his chest.
There was something significant about that moment, standing there frozen in line with his Father, that rough voice directed solely at him, saying words meant for only him to hear. Swallowing hard, Jeb didn’t know what was worse, the urge to look at Wyatt, or his inability to follow through with that urge. His Father removed his hand and for a moment, Jeb stood there almost uncomprehendingly before he turned around and grabbed Wyatt’s arm, clinging to him more than physically.
“Wait,” Jeb said, an imploring note creeping into his voice. “We… need to talk.”
Wyatt sighed and turned back to him, a worn out expression on his face. “Smartest thing you’ve said yet.” He motioned away from the camp and Jeb followed without a word.
Anxiety growing with every step, he wondered if they were trying to get far enough away from the camp that no one would hear any screaming. Jeb was becoming unbearably jittery, imagination providing many unlikely situations that seemed more plausible the longer they walked. His Father finally quit walking and gave him another of those tired, almost hopeless expressions that did nothing but make Jeb’s confidence sink inside him.
“So, do you want to start?”
The abrupt question startled Jeb, leaving him unable to answer - he didn’t even know how to answer. He had so many things he wanted to tell Wyatt, but given the situation, he wasn’t sure if he was capable of it. Jeb licked his lips and thought desperately of something to say, but everything was blank inside his mind. The younger man didn’t even notice that he was slowly edging away, or the way Wyatt’s eyes hardened.
“Well, I guess if you don’t want to talk, I’ll just do it.” The Tin Man took a deep breath; he seemed to be preparing himself for something. “Whether you like it or not, you’re my son. I didn’t ask to be put in that Suit; lose you and your Mother. There’s nothing I can do about the time I lost, but I have learned that the time you do have doesn’t mean a thing you if don’t let yourself care about it. We’re going to destroy the Sun Seeder today, but I was to tell… no matter what stupid thing you do, you’re still my kid. And I love you.”
Jeb didn’t realize his lips had parted until they were moving wordlessly in shock, eyes wide and staring at his normally taciturn Father’s speech, trying to analyze the hitches in his words. He wanted to say something to him, anything, but he was pinned by that icy blue stare. It wasn’t until Wyatt turned his back on him - perhaps feeling rejected by his silence - that Jeb finally moved.
Jeb darted forward and flung his arms around the older man’s middle, squeezing his eyes closed as he tried to memorize how it felt. “Please don’t leave me.” He whispered in a feverish demand, not fully aware he’d done so and not caring as long it worked. Somehow, Wyatt had said everything he needed to hear, and everything it hurt to have between them. They could work this out as long as he could follow his Father’s lead.
Wyatt bowed his head and Jeb felt one of his hands cover his own, tightening his hold to a comfortable pressure. “Trust me, I don’t want to.” He said thickly. “Want to try again?”
Jeb nodded against his back, giving a soft, insecure smile. Now at least he’d hugged his Father. “Okay.”
Unlocking his hands from underneath Wyatt’s, Jeb moved to sit under a tree and pulled up one leg to rest his forehead against it. He licked his lips before taking a shuddering breath and started slowly, knowing he was taking a big risk. “After… we were taken, we didn’t know what had happened to you. We just kept moving on, finally finding a place to settle down again. We might have found a new home, but we never forgot about you. I was never happy to be just a farmer. I think I wanted to be out here, be part of the war, because I hoped that I would find you some day. But I was looking for you, not my Dad.” Jeb raised his eyes defiantly, wanting to make sure Wyatt got his point.
“Yeah, you are my Dad, but you’re more than that. Just like I’m more than just your son. We aren’t only father and son. I’m not that dumb.” He said bluntly. Jeb was tired of trying to control all of his emotions, reading Wyatt’s stoic face, pretending everything was okay when things had been screwed up ever since the raid. It wasn’t fair to either of them to keep going that way. Now he’d summed up everything that had happened on his side for the painfully past annuals, all that was left was their current situation. Wyatt could either accept it and they could work on that, or deny it and destroy Jeb.
Wyatt met his stare evenly; Jeb knew he was impressed that he wasn’t backing down. “Too sharp, you know that?” He asked rhetorically, moving to sit besides the younger man with their legs touching, the point of contact giving a sense of comfort, soothing Jeb’s frazzled nerves.
Jeb gave a mirthless smirk. They were finally going somewhere, and all it took was being honest. This would be Jeb’s best chance to tell Wyatt everything. It might not be the wisest thing he’d ever done, but part of living was taking chances even if you got hurt. Jeb knew that, and wasn’t afraid of physical pain, but he’d always shied away from anything that might cause emotional pain, but now he was in a place where he would be hurt regardless. He didn’t want to be hated, but he would regret it if he let his Father go off without ever knowing the truth of why he’d been acting so crazy - trying to keep secret his feelings while constantly second-guessing Wyatt’s was driving Jeb mad and driving them apart.
“I’m not good with -”
“What’s up with Glitch?”
The elder Cain raised an eyebrow at his son’s statement in mild amusement. Jeb’s eyebrows knit together in annoyance while the corners of his mouth tugged downwards in a frown as he clarified accusingly, “He said you called him Sweetheart.”
Jeb’s expression became a scowl as Wyatt dipped his head in guilt. “Glitch is…”
“Complicated?” Jeb filled in for him shrewishly, not about to let Wyatt pull him down that road.
“Now hold on,” Wyatt said, raising a hand to stop any further comments. “Before you start with accusations, listen to me for a minute. Glitch saved my life - no, listen - and I owe him. His brain was taken because he defied Azkadellia, he doesn’t remember much of who he was, and there is no harm in someone caring about him. Besides,” he added, glancing sideways at his son, “you can care for more than one person, can’t you?”
Jeb leaned back and examined Wyatt’s face, suspicious about the almost challenging light in his face. He carefully rolled that statement around his mind before internally bracing for defeat and a possible interrogation later. “Have you been talking to my soldiers?” He asked cautiously.
A small but undeniable smile appeared on the older man’s face, confirming that he knew Jeb wasn’t exactly a pure little boy that had waited faithfully for Daddy. “Gathering Intel can help you out. Not like you didn’t ask questions yourself, or else you wouldn’t know about me calling Glitch Sweetheart.” He reminded Jeb helpfully.
“Yeah, but he’s the only one I talked to!” Jeb said indignantly, pushing away from the tree to stare at his Father, becoming sheepish at the expression he saw. “I thought talking to the Viewer would be too risky.”
“If you want to keep something secret, you don’t involve Glitch. He’d probably be the biggest help, though.” Wyatt added thoughtfully, tilting his head back to look up at the bits of sky peeking between the trees.
Jeb sighed and slumped back against the tree, pulling his lower lip through his teeth before asking softly, “So what are you going to do about him?”
Wyatt mirrored the sigh, replying in a low tone, “I don’t know, but I can’t just abandon him. Don’t know how I’d explain this to him.”
“What is this, exactly?” Jeb asked in gently insistent voice as he waved a hand around, wanting to know what the older man actually thought so he’d no longer have to presume his feelings. Verbal conformation would be like a luxury by now, he’d be able to hear the words and they’d be real for the first time.
“Something that’s gone beyond father and son - just like you said.” For the first time since they sat down, Wyatt turned to look Jeb full on, blue eyes sparkling with things neither could say yet. But that was okay, because maybe just having a chance would be okay, it might be all he could handle until he came down from the sky. The force behind Wyatt gaze had sent him straight to the clouds, nestled in their softness, and he wasn’t afraid at all because he couldn’t fall, he had wings as long as he had Wyatt.
Jeb’s lips twitched once in a smile he didn’t know he wanted to make before he slung one leg over Wyatt’s, looking off to the side for a moment before looking ahead, biting his lip once.
“Don’t pout.” Wyatt told him, reaching for his hand and entwining their fingers. “When you were little, whatever you were doing with your mouth was a pretty good indicator of what you were thinking.”
Jeb almost scoffed, but he wasn’t completely sure Wyatt wouldn’t be able to tell something from such a small motion. “So what am I thinking?” He questioned as he twisted towards his Father, trying to keep his mouth from quirking into a smile as he tested exactly how closely Wyatt paid attention to his lips.
“You aren’t going to come second.”
Jeb’s grip on his hand loosened in shock at that while the rest of his body stiffened. Jeb wasn’t sure what he’d been expecting Wyatt to say, but he hadn’t been expecting that. Jeb made a mental note to start watching what he was doing with his mouth as he caught his lips pursing, forcing his pulse to calm down as he slowly leaned back against the tree and took deep, steady breaths. The former Tin Man waited until Jeb relaxed again before continuing. “It might take time, but you’re the most important.”
“But that won’t stop you from invading the Tower.” Jeb said, bringing them back to the harsh reality of the day, quickly raising a hand to keep Wyatt from answering. “Don’t worry, I know. Rhetorical question. Everything else can wait until you get back, right?” Jeb asked as he pushed himself up, swallowing hard and looking anywhere but at Wyatt as he waited for a reply to his request, feeling callow for asking.
“… Alright.” The older man finally said, accepting the plea to return safely, even if they both knew it was impossible to guarantee anything. “Let’s hurry back to camp. There’s a princess to rescue, then a kingdom to save.”
Jeb laughed, knowing this might be the last time he was ever alone with his Father alive. Maybe that was why he found it so hard to look away from Wyatt. When he hugged Wyatt goodbye, he held on just a bit tighter before he let go, his voice caught just so when he called him Dad - that was why he couldn’t help but whisper so softly before he let go.
“Please come back to me.”
In the short time that Wyatt was gone, Jeb started to fall apart inside, clinging to memories he wasn’t even sure were real of his Father never failing him, keeping all the promises he ever made to him. Jeb was worried just as much of what was to come as he was about Wyatt’s absence.
When Wyatt came back with DG, they were going to infiltrate the tower and face not only the Sorceress’s minions, but also the Sorceress herself. Maybe he couldn’t help his Father much, but at least he could make sure they got inside the Tower safely. He would do everything he could to ensure Wyatt’s safe return because was hard pressed to see a point in things if Wyatt didn’t come back. There wouldn’t be another trip across the desert.
Jeb lowered his binoculars and looked at the rocks he was using in cover, repeating a mantra in his head to repress the waves of anxiety rising inside of his body. A sharp call from one of his soldiers made him twist around and Jeb quickly smothered a grin as Wyatt stepped out of the woods, a young woman following behind him. The girl seemed peeved about something, and with a few quiet words from the former Tin Man, she threw her hands up in the air and began to walk along the edge of the trees, back and forth under Glitch’s curious gaze.
“Welcome back.” Jeb told them, the corners of his mouth still twitching.
Wyatt raised an eyebrow and sat down beside him, they were so close Jeb could feel the heat radiated off his body. Jeb finally let himself smile before filling Wyatt in on what they’d planned, only to be interrupted by Glitch, who’d finally quit watching DG pace to notice their proximity.
“Well you two are sitting awfully close.” He quipped.
“It’s a respectable distance. We’re trying to bond.” Jeb told him quickly in a perfectly logical tone, reaching out to stop Wyatt from moving away.
His reasoning apparently made sense to Glitch, who smiled at them indulgently. “Good, that’s nice.” He said pleasantly, taking a small step forward before taking the arm Jeb had grabbed and draping it around Jeb’s shoulders. Glitch looked at them, tilting his head inquisitively before grinning in satisfaction and moving to sit down a little further along the rocks.
Wyatt kept his arm around Jeb for a little while and Jeb felt like the soothing pressure was sinking into his body, making it unwind as any tension vanished. Jeb fought back a shiver as Wyatt used his thumb to stroke his shoulder blade, moving along the covered skin with a slight pressure, the touch making Jeb feel like he was coming undone, collapsing inside. He could imagine Wyatt pulling him into his lap, stroking him with more than just his thumb, moving slowly down his body. Jeb wasn’t sure if he should move away or even if he could.
Jeb felt a mix of disappointment and relief when the touch vanished, almost whimpering when the arm disappeared from around him. Perhaps Wyatt felt embarrassed by the small display of affection, or maybe it was the havoc Glitch’s tiny little smiles aimed at them were wreaking on his conscience, but Wyatt removed his arm from around Jeb, giving a light squeeze as he did so. DG gave up trying to make a ditch in the ground only moments later and asked where the Viewer was, Glitch answering in a sad tone with the two disappearing after that. Wyatt followed them a few minutes later, his absence leaving Jeb feeling off-balance, his shoulders caressed by a strange pulsing sensation that Jeb was sure only existed in his head.
“Okay, are we ready to do this?” The girl was back, having apparently finished with her own group and was now looking around his soldiers critically, hands stubbornly positioned on her hips. The other three gathered around her as well, a few of the Resistance soldiers approaching them to confirm their orders one last time. They only had one job that mattered. Create a distraction and try to stay alive; the others had the important task.
Jeb got up from his spying spot, wanting to talk once more with his Father before the raid started until he noticed Glitch absently wandering off to the side as if he were lost inside a dream world made up of half memories, carried away by images only he could see. Quickly checking that Wyatt was still busy talking to a few soldiers, Jeb decided he’d have a few minutes before the Zipperhead was missed and changed direction, grabbing a startled but nonresistant Glitch by the arm and dragging him off into the woods.
“Won’t we be needed? Aren’t we about to start?” Glitch asked, pointing back towards the others in confusion as he was taken deeper into the forest, but still cooperating with the younger man.
Jeb gave a bitter smile - his Father could be the nice guy all he wanted, but Jeb wanted to have his own little talk with Wyatt’s “Sweetheart”. Jeb didn’t really feel like waiting for Wyatt to gently explain everything, so he was going to take matters into his own hands and fill Glitch in on a few things with his own words. Something about the idea of Wyatt taking Glitch aside and talking things out with him so nicely didn’t settle well. Jeb could accept that was jealous of any past relationship they had, but he was scared of Glitch convincing Wyatt not to go. Jeb couldn’t lose Wyatt, not again when they’d only just found each other. He would just have a nice chat with a close friend of his Father’s, something any good son would do. Besides… as much as Jeb disliked the idea, he knew there might not be time for Wyatt to do this his way.
“Actually, Glitch,” Jeb told him coaxingly, conspiratorially flinging an arm around Glitch’s shoulder as he slowed down their pace. “I thought we’d continue our discussion from earlier.”
Glitch made a squeaking noise, blurting out “I didn’t get you in any trouble, did I?”
The arm he had around Glitch’s shoulder slipped as he stared in puzzlement, trying to understand how the man had made that leap of logic. “Trouble?” Confusion showed on his face before things clicked. “Oh, because you told Dad I’d talked to you?” Glitch nodded emphatically, genuine concern for his actions showing.
“No, that’s fine. I thought I should tell you, though,” Jeb stopped walking and leaned against a tree, his eyes hardening as his voice went from light and comradely to a sharp, warning tone. “If you’re looking for happily ever after with my Dad, don’t count on it.”
For a moment, all he got was a blank look until finally Glitch seemed to be almost sympathetic. “Jeb,” he started slowly, he seemed to be searching carefully for his next words, one hand moving tentatively to Jeb’s shoulder before falling. “I’m not trying to replace your Mother -”
That was the wrong thing to say. It brought back too many memories, images, and sounds that Jeb wanted to remain buried. Adora needed to stay in the past where she belonged, Jeb wasn’t going to lose Wyatt so soon after he’d found him again. Their family was back together and Jeb was going to keep it that way. She wasn’t going to have to worry anymore, Jeb was going to take care of everything for his Mother.
“I’m not talking about her!” Jeb spluttered, taking a step back before he managed to compose himself. The young man was starting to wonder if the reason Wyatt wanted to talk to Glitch was that he was so maddeningly oblivious. Rolling his eyes, Jeb scanned the woods behind Glitch to make sure no one was looking for them yet or had heard his voice. Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Jeb rubbed at his face and turned his attention back to Glitch and tried to make sure the Headcase got it this time. “I’m not worried about you replacing anyone because he’s already told me that he doesn’t care about you as much as he does me. And not in a paternal capacity.” He added, watching as realization dawned on the other’s face.
“You’re lying.” Glitch’s voice sounded tight as what little color he had faded away.
Jeb crossed his arms, proud of his progress if not how he gained it. “You don’t believe me?” He asked almost lazily, making sure to keep acting calm as he watched all Glitch’s grand visions of a picturesque life with Wyatt after the O.Z.’s long awaited restoration shatter into tiny, heartbreaking pieces.
“He’s found me again, he doesn’t need you.” He added conversationally.
“Well he seemed to be doing just fine before you came along.” Glitch shot back, the rancor in his words catching Jeb off-guard, but he would fight to keep his Father if it came to that.
The blond brushed it off, convincing himself it was denial on Glitch’s part, saying tauntingly. “You were just to help pass the time. You can try and change it, but it won’t do you any good.” Jeb knew that he was being cruel, but he didn’t care as long as Glitch understood that Wyatt wasn’t his and kept that fact in his head. Whatever it took to keep Wyatt, Jeb was willing to do it. By now, Glitch was shaking with restrained fury, hands balled into fists as he remained tight-lipped. Jeb decided to give him one last push, “Don’t you think you should run along now? You’ll need every chance if you want to get him.” He smiled as Glitch caved.
“It’s on!” Glitch declared vehemently, his face turning several colors as his self-control cracked. “He’s not going to choose you over me.” He insisted, but he followed Jeb’s advice and turned around, coat swirling around him as he stomped through the woods angrily, casting frequent glances back at Jeb as he went.
The Resistance leader’s expression didn’t change, his smug smile still perfectly intact as he waved. Glitch might think he and Wyatt had something, but Jeb was his son - there wouldn’t be any competition at all. Jeb sighed wistfully and looked around, wanting to sink to the ground. He’d never been able to do the supremely confident jerk act without feeling drained later on. He hadn’t needed to do that, but he’d wanted to, wanted the victory even if it wouldn’t mean much. It was pathetic that he felt to need to prove himself against someone that he might never see again. He might never see either of them again. Jeb ran a hand through his dirty blond hair and glanced around one last time before he set out to join the action of what might be the last battle.
Jeb was almost clear of the trees when he saw the others were leaving the hiding place among the rocks in neat files to move closer, Wyatt at the end of the group. “Dad!” He called out when he broke free of the woods, wanting at least one more hug before they separated for their tasks. Wyatt stopped at the sound of his voice and turned around to the others, motioning to a curious DG for them to continue while he moved back to his son.
“There you are. Wondered where you’d disappeared to - thought I wouldn’t be able to say goodbye.” Wyatt admitted, observing Jeb carefully, coming to stand only an arm’s length away.
“Had to take care of something. I was afraid I’d miss you leaving.” Jeb told him without thinking, wrapping his arms around him.
“Glitch disappeared, too. Seemed upset when he showed back up,” Wyatt informed him casually.
“Maybe he wandered off and got mad at his lack of brains.” Jeb stated helpfully and truthfully, in his opinion, waiting for Wyatt’s arms to come around him.
“Jeb…” The warning was evident and Jeb pulled back just enough to meet his eyes, still trained to pay attention to that tone. “What did you do?”
“If you want, you can spank me when you get back, Daddy.” Jeb answered glibly and dived back into the hug, avoiding the question as well as his Father’s face, grinning when he felt Wyatt’s face flush, the warmth a welcome sensation as a pair of arms held him tightly to the strong body of his Father.
“I love you kid, you know that?” Wyatt whispered in his ear, breath warm against his skin.
“Mmhm,” Jeb made a sound of satisfaction and agreement, almost purring as a hand began to move sensually along his back, but the hand stopped, the hold on him loosening as a loud explosion tore the air, drawing their attention to the Tower as the outside walls began to burst into flames.
Wyatt sighed and let him go, readjusting his hat. “Let’s go.”
The headache was going to be torture once Cain quit pushing it away, but he still had a job to do no matter how his body ached. They had taken care of the Sun Seeder without Raw and Glitch being seriously injured, but he had to find DG. Cain had let her go after Azkadellia alone even though he doubted if she’d be able to harm her sister. Her safety had been left in his hands and now the worry was eating him up inside.
Slowing down near an open doorway, Wyatt heaved a sigh of relieve when he saw all the Royals embracing one another in the middle of the sitting room. DG was there, and she had her sister back for the first time in annuals as well as both her parents. Cain’s face crinkling into a smile when he heard the other two stop behind him and they walking into the room together when DG noticed them, her blue eyes alight with joy. The sight of the Royal family hugging each other so tightly warmed something inside of him, even as they broke apart. The young princess came over to hug each of her friends individually before returning to stand beside her family where she belonged, her hand moving to Azkadellia’s without thought as they watched the O.Z. become bathed in golden light.
The blissfully content, floating sensation that had bubbled up among the weariness he felt diminished as he guiltily cut his eyes off to the side, finding Glitch’s unwaveringly kind and patient smile on him.
“Glitch…” Cain started softly.
“Go to him.” The other man interjected gently, dark eyes faintly twinkling.
For a moment, Cain stood there in wonder. It wasn’t a lie to say that he’d paid more attention to the former advisor than anyone else did, so he didn’t miss the signs that something was bothering headcase, ranging from the slightly creased brow to the shining eyes and diligently perfect posture. Wyatt wasn’t sure what Jeb had said and he didn’t know what he should say, but what made things worse was that Cain didn’t know if he wanted to say something to help Glitch or to ease his own guilt.
“It’s okay.” Glitch told him, soothing his unspoken feelings with kind words, the comfort and support making Cain feel like there had been a reversal of roles. Glitch was supposed to be the one that needed taken care of, yet now he was acting with a sort of self-confidence and assurance that Cain wasn’t used to seeing in him. The Glitch standing before him seemed perfectly capable of taking care of himself, he didn’t need the help that every instinct Cain had was screaming he did.
That observation made Cain wonder if part of him was using Glitch as a safety net, an excuse to not risk anything with Jeb. Here he was, the great defender, losing his sense of security for something that until this moment he wasn’t really sure if he could pursue. The clarity with which Wyatt realized that he’d only been able to consider going after Jeb because Glitch was there for him to fall back on hurt, but it looked like Glitch had known that simple truth all along and that hurt more than anything else.
“Glitch,” Cain tried again, wanting to do something to make things right, anything to make it easier. “You’re clever and -”
“I said it’s okay.” Glitch insisted, still using that same heartbreakingly soft tone, dark eyes seeming bigger than they ever had before. “I’m fine, but he’s waiting.” Glitch looked over his shoulder at the Royal family, all of them still standing out of the balcony and watching the suns, the princesses holding hands. Cain took the chance and looked around as well, noticing for the first time that Raw had vanished form the room, probably leaving before he was flooded with emotions. “Go on, I’ll tell them you’ve gone to check on him.”
Wyatt stared at Glitch, knowing this would be the deciding moment for his future and he wouldn’t be able to take it back. Wyatt Cain tipped his hat at the former Advisor, “Thank you.”
Wyatt took a single step backwards before turning around and fleeing the room, never looking back at Glitch as he ran along the hallway. He was moving through them blindly, not paying attention to the turns he made, driven by the overwhelming need to find Jeb, make sure he was safe. By the time Wyatt realized he wasn’t heading in the direction of the usual exit and entrance point, he’d ran too far to backtrack, having become hopelessly lost in the multitude of identical corridors. Slowing to a halt to catch his breath, Wyatt looked around the twisting passages before choosing a doorway further down the wall in front of him. It was just a plain doorway, but something drew him to it, making him push it open as silently as he could.
The room he found on the other side of the door was spacious with rich tapestries adorning the walls and multiple brilliant chandeliers glittering overhead. It wasn’t hard for Wyatt to imagine the room filled with people in brightly colored clothes, spinning together effortlessly across the floor, lost in a moment of instinctual motion. The room seemed so out of place in the Tower, but that didn't matter to Wyatt, none of the details of the room weren’t important because standing in the middle of the room looking small and lost was Jeb.
The saw each other at the same time, their eyes immediately checking for injuries as they began to move, making sure the other was okay. Jeb looked as worn as he felt and was covered in scrapes and bruises, but none of them seemed too serious as Wyatt swept his son up in his arms, infinitely relieved.
“What are doing here?” He demanded fiercely, clutching his son to him, using one hand to trace a cut along his cheek before slipping that arm back around him. “Supposed to stay safe.”
Jeb laughed and repeated his words from earlier that day. “You can spank me if you want.”
Wyatt pulled away and smiled at Jeb. “Keep saying that and I might.”
Jeb grinned.
storylandqueen
Title: Family bonds
Rating: M
Warnings: Incest, messed up minds.
Words: A monsterous 10,040. Okay, maybe that isn't big for some, but my first story was barely over two hundred. This is huge for me!
Summary: Wyatt and Jeb have found each other again, but their relationship and views go through a few changes.
Notes: Dedicated to
prongs_padfoot because she made this icon post that put ideas in my head and lead to this summary. Also, this is for
green_wing for enabling me. ♥
When Cain first saw him, it wasn’t just one thing that made him stop. Even after the young man had lowered the hood covering his face, the former Tin Man was frozen in place by something other than recognition. He saw the soft, wavy blond hair, piercing eyes, and rose hued lips before he realized he was staring at his son. Despite having pieced together the delicate and wild features as being Jeb, there seemed to be a block when it came to acknowledging him as his child. It was hardly an infant staring at him, but it seemed almost impossible to connect the little boy torn away from him with this fighter.
It was with a stunned sort of fascination he followed Jeb to the Resistance camp, waylaying any questions from his own group, barely aware of his proximity to his most hated enemy as he kept sneaking clandestine glances from the corner of his eyes at his son. It had to be one of the strangest situations he’d been in yet.
Cain found it hard to believe that this person was really the child he’d watched be tortured for so many annuals. Maybe that machine had done more damage to his mind than he ever fathomed, because while he only had to look to know it was Jeb, he wasn’t sure he would be able to make ‘son’ ever pass him lips in regards to the stranger leading them through the woods. The image that would be locked permanently in his mind of his son would be of a little boy, which the Jeb beside him was quite clearly… not.
He didn’t know where Jeb got his looks from, but Wyatt was strongly reminded of the tales Adora used to read at night of woodland nymphs that flitted through the forest in silence, beautiful and unruly just like the deceptively innocent flowers that hid their savage nature with bright colors.
Wyatt smiled to himself at that. He’d learned that appearances were deceitful thanks to Glitch’s dancing, and he’d watched Jeb fight earlier against the Longcoats. Jeb was able to take care of himself beyond a doubt; he would need to be in order to still be living after so long. Cain smiled again; his son was more dangerous than any myth. They’d missed many years as a family, but that didn’t mean he’d lost that spark of fatherly affection.
“Hey.”
The soft, tentative voice made Cain aware of his surroundings for the first time since they’d set out with the Longcoat prisoners and the other soldiers. Turning his head, he saw Glitch had left the safety of the others at the back of the group to start walking beside him, an uncertain look on his features. “Hey, Sweetheart,” Cain said in return, his low rumble bringing a smile to Glitch’s face as always.
That one endearment seemed to cause a flame of assurance to bloom deep inside of the other man. Seeming a bit more confident, Glitch placed a hand on his lower arm with a soft pressure meant to be comforting. “Uh, look, I know you seem to be deep in thought, but -”
“I’m fine, Glitch.” Cain interrupted, shrugging off the touch. “And yes, I’m sure.”
“Well, okay then. Guess I’ll leave you to your thoughts.” Glitch said awkwardly, waving around his discarded hand as he slowed down, dropping back to walk with Raw. Normally Cain would feel at least a twinge of guilt for blowing Glitch off like that, but he was too preoccupied by the concept of having his son back to really pay much mind to the Zipperhead.
Indeed, Cain found he was unable to concentrate on anything other than the last of his family. The walk was like a kind of torture, the man was left alone with his thoughts about Jeb, endless circles of questions running through his head. He couldn’t stop wondering what would happen now that he was back with his son; not even the hairs on the back of his neck distracted him. Maybe Glitch was staring at him, or maybe it was guilt because DG was gone, but it didn’t seem to matter. It was like an eternity of waiting before he was finally able to have a semi-private conversation with his son. Only partially private because they were in the middle of the camp with people milling about them, but they were standing by themselves, the intense prickling sensation of being under scrutiny diminished.
Wyatt might not have the brain the Queen’s Advisor once possessed, but he wasn’t a fool. He knew that he’d been paying more attention to his son than was strictly necessary, even with the allowance of having thought him dead while watching his mirror image being tortured. There was a twisted sort of comfort in the sensation of fatherly pride he felt when Jeb told him he was in charge of the group, he attempted to play it off, but he was so relieved to have a justifiable reason. He was proud of what his son had accomplished with his life.
Which is why he thought it acceptable to hug his child after so many years, embrace the little boy he’d never seen grow up to be this incredible enigma. Something like an electric shock sprang up the moment any part of Wyatt’s body connected with Jeb’s, warming his flesh until he was holding the younger man firmly in his arms. With their connection, Wyatt found his body remembering sensations he hadn’t felt in annuals.
There was such a feeling of contentedness and belonging in his heart, he didn’t notice immediately when Jeb stiffened. It slowly dawned on him that Jeb wasn’t responding, but he instantly feared that Jeb had sensed something was wrong in the way he was holding him, so with great reluctance he stepped away to arm’s length, trying to pretend he was okay.
Where Jeb went after that, he wasn’t sure, but he couldn’t stop the sinking feeling that he’d just lost whatever chance he might have had with his son.
Having his Father back was something Jeb only dreamed about - or more aptly, his Father having him was something he dreamed about.
Jeb could only vaguely recall the long commute from their home after he and his Mother were exiled from the central O.Z., Zero cutting the bonds around their wrists and telling them to go after weeks of dark hopelessness, but he could remember the months after they settled on the outskirts of a small town perfectly. Surprisingly, it wasn’t that his Mother finally began to talk and smile again, respond to the things happening around her, that he remembered best about that time, but the moans he heard at night.
Jeb didn’t know if his Mother suffered from a type of depression or shock after Zero took them away from Wyatt, but after their abandonment at the edge of the region, she didn’t say much. She gradually spoke less as they traveled until one day she quit talking at all; she became a mere shell, only doing the bare minimum to keep the two of them alive along their endless travels. There were days when it seemed that they would never cease looking for a place to call home, their hearts’ destination she’d told him before she lost the will to speak.
Jeb had given up almost all hope by the time they began to traverse the savage desert where food of any type was scarce. He knew that if wasn’t for his father having taught him to make traps they would have never made it as far as they had through the barren wasteland. Some might ask why they didn’t turn around when living things began to grow scarce, but one of the few things his Mother told him during the times of their travel was that they must go on despite hardships. There was nothing waiting behind them but a destroyed life, they had to enter the desert.
It was truly a blessing when, right as they reached the brink of dehydration, water having long vanished from their canteens, they found a small village that flourished due to a nearby oasis. The villagers allowed them to stay, placing them in an older hut that stood a small distance from the rest of the village, ending their nomadic life as long as they could contribute to the village’s livelihood.
Whether it was because she suddenly had a place in a structured environment or something else, Adora began to come to life again. Assorted plants that didn’t require much water thrived in a makeshift garden that ran along the house under Adora’s care, and there would always be breakfast ready when Jeb would wake up. She wasn’t the same person she’d been before the Longcoats came, but there was semblance enough that Jeb could indulge in the fantasy that he had his Mother back.
It wasn’t long after Jeb finally felt comfortable in his new surroundings that he began to hear the noises from his Mother’s bedroom. Fearing the sounds were pain induced, a young Jeb crawled out of his bed to investigate the sounds, only to reach the door to his Mother’s room and pause. The soft mumbling had previously been indistinguishable, but now he could make out his Father’s name among other sounds. Having been exposed to the harsh cruelty of the world, Jeb didn’t believe for a single moment that his Father was behind the door. It was impossible. If the Cain family patriarch had found them, surely he would have seen his son. It was inconceivable that he wouldn’t at least have checked in on him - Jeb knew he mattered to his Father.
Confused about why his Mother was talking to someone that Jeb knew wasn’t with her; he stayed outside the door and listened until silence fell, soaking in her every noise. He suffered the next day from lack of sleep and the one after that as well; any night he heard noises from his Mother’s room, he would listen to them outside her door and replay them inside his mind during the day until they formed a continuous loop in his conscious.
Jeb decided to ask about his Father after what had to be almost a month, curiosity overriding any fear he held. The answer he got wasn’t like anything he’d heard anyone speak of before. Instead of his Mother telling him with her usual fond smile of all the times Wyatt had carved figurines for her when she would get sick, he heard of the nights he held her in his arms and the way he would cover her entire body. Soon enough, his own moans of his Father’s name filled the house at night.
It was years before Jeb realized that was not the sort of thing Mothers usually told children about their Fathers, but it didn’t matter - it was too late. Perhaps those talks about Wyatt were proof that Adora had lost part of her mind as well as her husband, but Jeb was never anything but grateful for them. Over time, Jeb caught the eye of many and even indulged a few, but never was he satisfied. None of them ever matched what they should be in his mind, they were too different from the tales he’d grown up hearing of his Father. Jeb idolized his Father, the protector that upheld the rules and had the ability to make everything right. No one could ever compare with him, so Jeb desired no one other than Wyatt, the one person he knew he could never have.
Or so he thought, until the day he and a group of Resistance soldiers ambushed a bunch of Longcoats taking prisoners to the Sorceress.
Wyatt Cain looked precisely like his son remembered, breathing proof that he hadn’t imaged the perfection over years, nothing could compare to having the real man before him, his dreams weren’t able to replicate the full sense of his Father. Only habit made him give the orders to fall back to the camp; he wanted so much to talk to his Father, but he didn’t know how to handle himself. How are you supposed to reconnect with someone you’ve long thought dead and hold more fantasies of than memories?
Until he figured that particular little mystery out, Jeb could handle the interrogation of Zero, something he was sure his Father would be interested in. A brief wave of panic ran through Jeb as he wondered if his Father and the rest had allowed themselves to be purposely captured for some reason, but Jeb was having trouble understanding how Wyatt could allow himself to be captured in the first place. He didn’t have the slightest clue what his Father had been doing before, or where he and his traveling companions had been heading.
He was curious about the others with his Father, wanted to know why they were traveling together. The two were certainly ragtag, but Jeb knew what his own comrades looked like and did not fault them for it. The young man frowned a bit as he noticed someone in his Father’s group with gaunt skin and dressed in many tattered layers place his hand on Wyatt’s arm, looking at him with a gaze that carried far too much warmth for a mere traveling companion.
With something bordering on a growl, Jeb picked up his pace, torn between wanting to get away from his Father and the man throwing himself at him, or going with the more fulfilling option of pulling the bedraggled man off Wyatt. Tossing a furious glance back, his mood lightened when he saw his Father push the man away.
A victorious smirk spreading across his face, Jeb directed his attention back to the forefront and picked up the pace, calling back in satisfaction, “Not much farther now.”
Jeb felt a small thrill when his Father sought him out not long after they had returned to the camp, but the feeling was tempered by his knowledge that he had feelings for his Father that he shouldn’t. It was okay to entertain the idea of acting on his forbidden emotions, but that was before he found out that his Father was alive. Now, with the man that he constantly dreamed of standing a few aching feet from him, Jeb had to control the urge to fling himself into Wyatt’s arms or worse, drag him off to a tent. The two were estranged and he didn’t want to risk any chance he had for any sort of relationship with his Father just because reign in his impulses.
But… his father was looking at him in a way that was almost familiar. It wasn’t quite like the way he’d seen other parents looking at their children, and he knew it wasn’t the type of look ordinarily given to a soldier. It wasn’t until Wyatt asked if he was in charge that he finally saw a light he recognized as spark of parental pride in his Father’s eyes. That saddened him, in a way, as he brushed off his rank. He didn’t want his Father to be proud only because of a position he’d gained by accident. Jeb wanted to matter for who he was, not what he was.
The hug he received a moment later not only startled him, but also tested his resolve. When the arms around him didn’t loosen, but instead continued to tighten, then Jeb recognized the look. Mouth dropping open, Jeb held still as he began to puzzle out how much of the older man’s gaze had been parental love and how much was human lust.
Jeb wasn’t sure to be glad or not when he was saved from staying in his Father’s company - he needed time to think instead of reacting. There was a chance Wyatt returned his… unorthodox affections, but he still had a few things he needed to figure out. After all, just because his Father might possibly desire him didn’t mean he would act on those feelings since Jeb was his son, even though he definitely wanted him as well. Then there was that other man who seemed rather attached to his Father.
Jeb smirked in determination. He was a very convincing person when need be. He could handle the two of them. There had to be a way to convince Wyatt of his feelings, some method to make him realize they should be together. As for that odd man… Jeb would handle him once his Father understood how he felt.
But first thing first - there was someone in a tent waiting for him. The Resistance leader had waited a long time to get his hands on Zero and he intended to make getting every little bit of information require as much torture as necessary. The man that had not only caused his Father endless torment for years, but also separated Jeb from him, something he would have to pay for, and his Father was going to attend the little show.
Among Jeb’s grand visions of revenge and approval, he never expected Wyatt to rebuke him. The hot shame that flooded him as Zero spilled out secrets with a skill that only comes with being a top grade coward was even worse than after he first dreamed of Wyatt. The one responsible for the situation didn’t feel any pain, his Father was disapproving, and that man was still hovering near him.
Then Zero let something slip that caused his ears to perk up. Ambrose. The leader of the Longcoats had just addressed his Father’s frazzled friend by the codename used for the brain in charge of the Sun Seeder. That was an interesting little tidbit.
After that, Jeb went to his tent to stew a while. Now was not to the time to do anything rash, but it would be a good time get a bit of information. The Viewer would probably tell him what he could and he’d be able to tell he wasn’t asking for evil intentions. The only problem was that while Jeb knew that Viewers didn’t see connections the same way others did, he didn’t know how their complicated relationship would concern him. The one he really wanted to talk to was “Ambrose”.
“So who are you and what are you to my Dad?”
Jeb had intended to use a roundabout approach, but when he finally caught the pale man by himself, he couldn’t control his mouth. He bit the inside of his cheek and quickly calmed his face, making sure to pay as much attention as possible to every detail, reminding himself to keep his own replies short.
“Excuse me?” He asked, looking politely puzzled before he brightened. “Oh, you’re Cain’s son, right?”
Jeb gave the man a grim smile. “Yeah, now who are you?”
“Name’s Glitch. Sometimes my synapses don’t fire right, so…” Glitch gave that wide smile again and looked upwards as threw out his arms, “What can you do, huh?”
“My sympathies.”
“Yeah, your Dad calls me a headcase, actually, but I’m not a criminal of some sort, oh, no. I’m a real important person. Or was. You know, I just think I should tell you, Cain’s really happy he found you. I mean, I know he can come off as insensitive and all that, but really there’s a softie underneath that gruff exterior of his. He was so happy when he heard that someone had seen you and your Mother that - oh.” Glitch abruptly stopped his ranting, the smile falling from his face for the first time. “I’m really sorry about that, you know.”
Jeb plastered a smile onto his face; his Mother still wasn’t something he liked to talk about much. It wasn’t what he was here to talk about, either, he reminded himself. “You seem to be close to my Dad.” He said, glad he had a reason to change the topic. Adora wasn’t exactly someone he wanted to think about considering.
Glitch’s smile was back, but this time it was soft and understanding in a way that made Jeb’s blood boil.
A glazed look captured Glitch’s dark eyes and he raised a hand to his lips as he gazed to the side, mind bringing him back into his memories. “I think so, too, even though we haven’t known each other for very long. He calls me Sweetheart, but he only started doing that after we were caught in this wagon of rather questionable repute. I think it gave us a chance to really bond. It was nice and cozy.” He was nodding empathetically and Jeb could feel his control fraying, something that must have shown on his face as Glitch’s eyes widened comically. “I’m not sure if Cain wanted me to tell you that…”
“It’s okay.” Jeb assured him quickly. “Thanks, now at least I know something about him.”
“But I’m not sure if that came out the right way,” Glitch started to babble again, but Jeb left, raising a hand as he went.
He knew it was probably sick and twisted, but Jeb had hoped that his Father would remain faithful to his wife and maybe transfer that affection to him. Now he knew that it was too late for that, and de could only hope that Wyatt’s attachment to Glitch was for purely physical reasons. The elder Cain had spent untold annuals locked away in a Tin Suit, who could deny him the longing for intimacy? Such a long time spent in solitude, prevented from feeling even the simplest touch. Jeb shivered and accepted that Wyatt might have given in to carnal cravings and taken what he was being offered.
At least Glitch had given Jeb a few key bits of information. First, if they were as close as he made it sound they were, then Wyatt wasn’t opposed to the idea of being with another man. There was also the hopeful point that if the Tin Man really had so easily switched over from Adora to Glitch, then he shouldn’t have that much problem switching to Jeb. You couldn’t build much of an emotional relationship in just a few days.
There was more confidence in Jeb’s step as he walked back to the main tent - the one used for strategic meetings. Pushing aside the flap, he hesitated briefly when he saw his Father and a stranger waiting inside with a few of his soldiers, the stranger turning to gaze at him expectantly. The atmosphere of the room suggested that he’d just interrupted a conversation that hadn’t been going well.
The newcomer, a plump black man of short stature, looked at him anxiously, drawing deep breaths of air as he wiped the sweat from his brow, pleading, “We need to borrow horses immediately.”
Jeb stepped further into the tent, keeping an eye on the new guy as he checked how his Father seemed to be taking this. The older man seemed annoyed by the proceedings, as did the others, but that strange spark was back in his eyes at the sight of Jeb.
“What’s going on?” He asked. If they needed something the Resistance could offer, Jeb was sure they could work out some sort of bargain - particularly the kind that would let him get closer to Wyatt. Not that it would be that bad if his Father was to be in his debt, but it wouldn’t be what Jeb wanted.
Wyatt stepped closer. “We’re going on a rescue mission,” he said simply. Something about his voice made the corners of Jeb’s mouth want to curl upwards and caused a lifting sensation inside of him. Jeb didn’t even notice his mind slipping away to the sound of his Father’s words, completely zoning out despite the importance of what was being said. Shaking off the tingling warmth the he could feel crawling under his skin, Jeb tried to focus on what Wyatt was saying.
“- once we have her, we just need a clear entryway to the tower.”
Jeb nodded, pretending he’d been paying closer attention instead of only hearing a few occasional words. “I think we can arrange that.” He didn’t know everything Wyatt just said to him, but he knew that his Dad was planning to put an end to the Sorceress’s reign after he rescued some girl. That was the type of person he was - willing to risk his life to help another. He had what it would take to save the O.Z.
Cold dread was seeping into his body as his throat tightened. It seemed like an obligatory question, but he couldn’t help but feel there was an implication he wasn’t catching. Biting his lip, Jeb tried to keep the concern out of his voice, but he knew it leaked through. “Are you sure about this?”
Wyatt nodded, blue eyes shining like crystalline waters as he nodded. “I am.”
“Okay,” he said, voice soft. “We’ll do whatever you need.” He turned and left, knowing that he would lose control of his emotions if he stayed looking at his Father.
He had to walk. If he didn’t move and just go somewhere, he wouldn’t be able to deal with the fact he might very well lose his Father again, this time for good. He didn’t know why he was saving the girl and he didn’t care, honestly, it seemed the less important issue at hand. To go inside the Tower would be suicide, no matter what the plan was. It didn’t seem fair that after all this time of dreaming without hope that he should finally reconnect with his Father and there be a possibility of returned affection only to have him snatched away. Was it really asking too much to be allowed this one thing?
Jeb then made the decision to do something he never done before. Going straight to his private tent, Jeb flung himself onto his bed and began to cry. When he was young and first taken from Wyatt, he never cried, fearing to upset his Mother. By the time she had died, he was supposed to be a Resistance leader, strong enough to take a death. For the first time since Jeb had both of his parents to comfort him, he cried, choking on his suppressed emotions as his pillow grew damp from tears. He grieved for the years missed with his Father, for the death of his Mother, for the life he could never have, and for what could happen.
His sobs slowed gradually until he drifted off to sleep, the damp marks still on his cheeks revealing he’d been crying when someone entered the tent and observed the emotionally drained young man for a few silent moments before leaving.
Jeb awoke the next morning and instantly thought of Wyatt, but as despair spread over him, he resigned himself to the fact he couldn’t stop his Father. He would have to accept that. Clutching his sheet in his hand, Jeb pushed away his emotional connection to the other man, ignoring it. He could pretend it didn’t exist and if it didn’t exist, it wouldn’t hurt
Some part of Jeb wondered if he was going to end up becoming like his Mother, devastated to a state of composure beyond all emotion. That reminded him of Zero, and Jeb realized with a sadistic grin that realized he could unleash everything at the very source of his problem. Zero had locked up Wyatt, forced Adora and Jeb away from their home, ultimately caused Adora’s death, and now because of his cowardice he’d enabled Wyatt to go on a suicide mission. Now, with his Father asleep under a tree, there would be nothing to save Zero from the temper Jeb was working himself into. With an apologetic glance, Jeb passed over Wyatt and swallowed the urge to curl up in his arm as if he was five again, forcefully converting all his emotions to anger.
When the young man saw Zero missing, he knew there hadn’t been an escape. Hand curling into a fist, he slammed it on a table before returning to his Father. No one else would have messed with his prisoner and interfered with his revenge. Apparently he’d been wrong about Zero being protected. Countless emotions surged inside of him as he looked at the sleeping figure at the base of the tree, his breath coming in heavy, enraged pants, but he didn’t hesitate before kicking his Father, his anger too strong to be held in check. He was lashing out like a petulant child that wasn’t getting their way, emotions erratic and uncontrollable.
Jeb still wasn’t in control when Wyatt took him to Zero - if anything, he only came closer to losing it. His Father couldn’t be creating more internal havoc if he tried. Clenching his jaw, Jeb uttered some reply to a comment Wyatt made and tried to leave the clearing, wanting to avoid what was happening. He lowered his head to hide his face and kept his eyes on the ground, ignoring his Father until a warm and heavy hand landed on his chest.
There was something significant about that moment, standing there frozen in line with his Father, that rough voice directed solely at him, saying words meant for only him to hear. Swallowing hard, Jeb didn’t know what was worse, the urge to look at Wyatt, or his inability to follow through with that urge. His Father removed his hand and for a moment, Jeb stood there almost uncomprehendingly before he turned around and grabbed Wyatt’s arm, clinging to him more than physically.
“Wait,” Jeb said, an imploring note creeping into his voice. “We… need to talk.”
Wyatt sighed and turned back to him, a worn out expression on his face. “Smartest thing you’ve said yet.” He motioned away from the camp and Jeb followed without a word.
Anxiety growing with every step, he wondered if they were trying to get far enough away from the camp that no one would hear any screaming. Jeb was becoming unbearably jittery, imagination providing many unlikely situations that seemed more plausible the longer they walked. His Father finally quit walking and gave him another of those tired, almost hopeless expressions that did nothing but make Jeb’s confidence sink inside him.
“So, do you want to start?”
The abrupt question startled Jeb, leaving him unable to answer - he didn’t even know how to answer. He had so many things he wanted to tell Wyatt, but given the situation, he wasn’t sure if he was capable of it. Jeb licked his lips and thought desperately of something to say, but everything was blank inside his mind. The younger man didn’t even notice that he was slowly edging away, or the way Wyatt’s eyes hardened.
“Well, I guess if you don’t want to talk, I’ll just do it.” The Tin Man took a deep breath; he seemed to be preparing himself for something. “Whether you like it or not, you’re my son. I didn’t ask to be put in that Suit; lose you and your Mother. There’s nothing I can do about the time I lost, but I have learned that the time you do have doesn’t mean a thing you if don’t let yourself care about it. We’re going to destroy the Sun Seeder today, but I was to tell… no matter what stupid thing you do, you’re still my kid. And I love you.”
Jeb didn’t realize his lips had parted until they were moving wordlessly in shock, eyes wide and staring at his normally taciturn Father’s speech, trying to analyze the hitches in his words. He wanted to say something to him, anything, but he was pinned by that icy blue stare. It wasn’t until Wyatt turned his back on him - perhaps feeling rejected by his silence - that Jeb finally moved.
Jeb darted forward and flung his arms around the older man’s middle, squeezing his eyes closed as he tried to memorize how it felt. “Please don’t leave me.” He whispered in a feverish demand, not fully aware he’d done so and not caring as long it worked. Somehow, Wyatt had said everything he needed to hear, and everything it hurt to have between them. They could work this out as long as he could follow his Father’s lead.
Wyatt bowed his head and Jeb felt one of his hands cover his own, tightening his hold to a comfortable pressure. “Trust me, I don’t want to.” He said thickly. “Want to try again?”
Jeb nodded against his back, giving a soft, insecure smile. Now at least he’d hugged his Father. “Okay.”
Unlocking his hands from underneath Wyatt’s, Jeb moved to sit under a tree and pulled up one leg to rest his forehead against it. He licked his lips before taking a shuddering breath and started slowly, knowing he was taking a big risk. “After… we were taken, we didn’t know what had happened to you. We just kept moving on, finally finding a place to settle down again. We might have found a new home, but we never forgot about you. I was never happy to be just a farmer. I think I wanted to be out here, be part of the war, because I hoped that I would find you some day. But I was looking for you, not my Dad.” Jeb raised his eyes defiantly, wanting to make sure Wyatt got his point.
“Yeah, you are my Dad, but you’re more than that. Just like I’m more than just your son. We aren’t only father and son. I’m not that dumb.” He said bluntly. Jeb was tired of trying to control all of his emotions, reading Wyatt’s stoic face, pretending everything was okay when things had been screwed up ever since the raid. It wasn’t fair to either of them to keep going that way. Now he’d summed up everything that had happened on his side for the painfully past annuals, all that was left was their current situation. Wyatt could either accept it and they could work on that, or deny it and destroy Jeb.
Wyatt met his stare evenly; Jeb knew he was impressed that he wasn’t backing down. “Too sharp, you know that?” He asked rhetorically, moving to sit besides the younger man with their legs touching, the point of contact giving a sense of comfort, soothing Jeb’s frazzled nerves.
Jeb gave a mirthless smirk. They were finally going somewhere, and all it took was being honest. This would be Jeb’s best chance to tell Wyatt everything. It might not be the wisest thing he’d ever done, but part of living was taking chances even if you got hurt. Jeb knew that, and wasn’t afraid of physical pain, but he’d always shied away from anything that might cause emotional pain, but now he was in a place where he would be hurt regardless. He didn’t want to be hated, but he would regret it if he let his Father go off without ever knowing the truth of why he’d been acting so crazy - trying to keep secret his feelings while constantly second-guessing Wyatt’s was driving Jeb mad and driving them apart.
“I’m not good with -”
“What’s up with Glitch?”
The elder Cain raised an eyebrow at his son’s statement in mild amusement. Jeb’s eyebrows knit together in annoyance while the corners of his mouth tugged downwards in a frown as he clarified accusingly, “He said you called him Sweetheart.”
Jeb’s expression became a scowl as Wyatt dipped his head in guilt. “Glitch is…”
“Complicated?” Jeb filled in for him shrewishly, not about to let Wyatt pull him down that road.
“Now hold on,” Wyatt said, raising a hand to stop any further comments. “Before you start with accusations, listen to me for a minute. Glitch saved my life - no, listen - and I owe him. His brain was taken because he defied Azkadellia, he doesn’t remember much of who he was, and there is no harm in someone caring about him. Besides,” he added, glancing sideways at his son, “you can care for more than one person, can’t you?”
Jeb leaned back and examined Wyatt’s face, suspicious about the almost challenging light in his face. He carefully rolled that statement around his mind before internally bracing for defeat and a possible interrogation later. “Have you been talking to my soldiers?” He asked cautiously.
A small but undeniable smile appeared on the older man’s face, confirming that he knew Jeb wasn’t exactly a pure little boy that had waited faithfully for Daddy. “Gathering Intel can help you out. Not like you didn’t ask questions yourself, or else you wouldn’t know about me calling Glitch Sweetheart.” He reminded Jeb helpfully.
“Yeah, but he’s the only one I talked to!” Jeb said indignantly, pushing away from the tree to stare at his Father, becoming sheepish at the expression he saw. “I thought talking to the Viewer would be too risky.”
“If you want to keep something secret, you don’t involve Glitch. He’d probably be the biggest help, though.” Wyatt added thoughtfully, tilting his head back to look up at the bits of sky peeking between the trees.
Jeb sighed and slumped back against the tree, pulling his lower lip through his teeth before asking softly, “So what are you going to do about him?”
Wyatt mirrored the sigh, replying in a low tone, “I don’t know, but I can’t just abandon him. Don’t know how I’d explain this to him.”
“What is this, exactly?” Jeb asked in gently insistent voice as he waved a hand around, wanting to know what the older man actually thought so he’d no longer have to presume his feelings. Verbal conformation would be like a luxury by now, he’d be able to hear the words and they’d be real for the first time.
“Something that’s gone beyond father and son - just like you said.” For the first time since they sat down, Wyatt turned to look Jeb full on, blue eyes sparkling with things neither could say yet. But that was okay, because maybe just having a chance would be okay, it might be all he could handle until he came down from the sky. The force behind Wyatt gaze had sent him straight to the clouds, nestled in their softness, and he wasn’t afraid at all because he couldn’t fall, he had wings as long as he had Wyatt.
Jeb’s lips twitched once in a smile he didn’t know he wanted to make before he slung one leg over Wyatt’s, looking off to the side for a moment before looking ahead, biting his lip once.
“Don’t pout.” Wyatt told him, reaching for his hand and entwining their fingers. “When you were little, whatever you were doing with your mouth was a pretty good indicator of what you were thinking.”
Jeb almost scoffed, but he wasn’t completely sure Wyatt wouldn’t be able to tell something from such a small motion. “So what am I thinking?” He questioned as he twisted towards his Father, trying to keep his mouth from quirking into a smile as he tested exactly how closely Wyatt paid attention to his lips.
“You aren’t going to come second.”
Jeb’s grip on his hand loosened in shock at that while the rest of his body stiffened. Jeb wasn’t sure what he’d been expecting Wyatt to say, but he hadn’t been expecting that. Jeb made a mental note to start watching what he was doing with his mouth as he caught his lips pursing, forcing his pulse to calm down as he slowly leaned back against the tree and took deep, steady breaths. The former Tin Man waited until Jeb relaxed again before continuing. “It might take time, but you’re the most important.”
“But that won’t stop you from invading the Tower.” Jeb said, bringing them back to the harsh reality of the day, quickly raising a hand to keep Wyatt from answering. “Don’t worry, I know. Rhetorical question. Everything else can wait until you get back, right?” Jeb asked as he pushed himself up, swallowing hard and looking anywhere but at Wyatt as he waited for a reply to his request, feeling callow for asking.
“… Alright.” The older man finally said, accepting the plea to return safely, even if they both knew it was impossible to guarantee anything. “Let’s hurry back to camp. There’s a princess to rescue, then a kingdom to save.”
Jeb laughed, knowing this might be the last time he was ever alone with his Father alive. Maybe that was why he found it so hard to look away from Wyatt. When he hugged Wyatt goodbye, he held on just a bit tighter before he let go, his voice caught just so when he called him Dad - that was why he couldn’t help but whisper so softly before he let go.
“Please come back to me.”
In the short time that Wyatt was gone, Jeb started to fall apart inside, clinging to memories he wasn’t even sure were real of his Father never failing him, keeping all the promises he ever made to him. Jeb was worried just as much of what was to come as he was about Wyatt’s absence.
When Wyatt came back with DG, they were going to infiltrate the tower and face not only the Sorceress’s minions, but also the Sorceress herself. Maybe he couldn’t help his Father much, but at least he could make sure they got inside the Tower safely. He would do everything he could to ensure Wyatt’s safe return because was hard pressed to see a point in things if Wyatt didn’t come back. There wouldn’t be another trip across the desert.
Jeb lowered his binoculars and looked at the rocks he was using in cover, repeating a mantra in his head to repress the waves of anxiety rising inside of his body. A sharp call from one of his soldiers made him twist around and Jeb quickly smothered a grin as Wyatt stepped out of the woods, a young woman following behind him. The girl seemed peeved about something, and with a few quiet words from the former Tin Man, she threw her hands up in the air and began to walk along the edge of the trees, back and forth under Glitch’s curious gaze.
“Welcome back.” Jeb told them, the corners of his mouth still twitching.
Wyatt raised an eyebrow and sat down beside him, they were so close Jeb could feel the heat radiated off his body. Jeb finally let himself smile before filling Wyatt in on what they’d planned, only to be interrupted by Glitch, who’d finally quit watching DG pace to notice their proximity.
“Well you two are sitting awfully close.” He quipped.
“It’s a respectable distance. We’re trying to bond.” Jeb told him quickly in a perfectly logical tone, reaching out to stop Wyatt from moving away.
His reasoning apparently made sense to Glitch, who smiled at them indulgently. “Good, that’s nice.” He said pleasantly, taking a small step forward before taking the arm Jeb had grabbed and draping it around Jeb’s shoulders. Glitch looked at them, tilting his head inquisitively before grinning in satisfaction and moving to sit down a little further along the rocks.
Wyatt kept his arm around Jeb for a little while and Jeb felt like the soothing pressure was sinking into his body, making it unwind as any tension vanished. Jeb fought back a shiver as Wyatt used his thumb to stroke his shoulder blade, moving along the covered skin with a slight pressure, the touch making Jeb feel like he was coming undone, collapsing inside. He could imagine Wyatt pulling him into his lap, stroking him with more than just his thumb, moving slowly down his body. Jeb wasn’t sure if he should move away or even if he could.
Jeb felt a mix of disappointment and relief when the touch vanished, almost whimpering when the arm disappeared from around him. Perhaps Wyatt felt embarrassed by the small display of affection, or maybe it was the havoc Glitch’s tiny little smiles aimed at them were wreaking on his conscience, but Wyatt removed his arm from around Jeb, giving a light squeeze as he did so. DG gave up trying to make a ditch in the ground only moments later and asked where the Viewer was, Glitch answering in a sad tone with the two disappearing after that. Wyatt followed them a few minutes later, his absence leaving Jeb feeling off-balance, his shoulders caressed by a strange pulsing sensation that Jeb was sure only existed in his head.
“Okay, are we ready to do this?” The girl was back, having apparently finished with her own group and was now looking around his soldiers critically, hands stubbornly positioned on her hips. The other three gathered around her as well, a few of the Resistance soldiers approaching them to confirm their orders one last time. They only had one job that mattered. Create a distraction and try to stay alive; the others had the important task.
Jeb got up from his spying spot, wanting to talk once more with his Father before the raid started until he noticed Glitch absently wandering off to the side as if he were lost inside a dream world made up of half memories, carried away by images only he could see. Quickly checking that Wyatt was still busy talking to a few soldiers, Jeb decided he’d have a few minutes before the Zipperhead was missed and changed direction, grabbing a startled but nonresistant Glitch by the arm and dragging him off into the woods.
“Won’t we be needed? Aren’t we about to start?” Glitch asked, pointing back towards the others in confusion as he was taken deeper into the forest, but still cooperating with the younger man.
Jeb gave a bitter smile - his Father could be the nice guy all he wanted, but Jeb wanted to have his own little talk with Wyatt’s “Sweetheart”. Jeb didn’t really feel like waiting for Wyatt to gently explain everything, so he was going to take matters into his own hands and fill Glitch in on a few things with his own words. Something about the idea of Wyatt taking Glitch aside and talking things out with him so nicely didn’t settle well. Jeb could accept that was jealous of any past relationship they had, but he was scared of Glitch convincing Wyatt not to go. Jeb couldn’t lose Wyatt, not again when they’d only just found each other. He would just have a nice chat with a close friend of his Father’s, something any good son would do. Besides… as much as Jeb disliked the idea, he knew there might not be time for Wyatt to do this his way.
“Actually, Glitch,” Jeb told him coaxingly, conspiratorially flinging an arm around Glitch’s shoulder as he slowed down their pace. “I thought we’d continue our discussion from earlier.”
Glitch made a squeaking noise, blurting out “I didn’t get you in any trouble, did I?”
The arm he had around Glitch’s shoulder slipped as he stared in puzzlement, trying to understand how the man had made that leap of logic. “Trouble?” Confusion showed on his face before things clicked. “Oh, because you told Dad I’d talked to you?” Glitch nodded emphatically, genuine concern for his actions showing.
“No, that’s fine. I thought I should tell you, though,” Jeb stopped walking and leaned against a tree, his eyes hardening as his voice went from light and comradely to a sharp, warning tone. “If you’re looking for happily ever after with my Dad, don’t count on it.”
For a moment, all he got was a blank look until finally Glitch seemed to be almost sympathetic. “Jeb,” he started slowly, he seemed to be searching carefully for his next words, one hand moving tentatively to Jeb’s shoulder before falling. “I’m not trying to replace your Mother -”
That was the wrong thing to say. It brought back too many memories, images, and sounds that Jeb wanted to remain buried. Adora needed to stay in the past where she belonged, Jeb wasn’t going to lose Wyatt so soon after he’d found him again. Their family was back together and Jeb was going to keep it that way. She wasn’t going to have to worry anymore, Jeb was going to take care of everything for his Mother.
“I’m not talking about her!” Jeb spluttered, taking a step back before he managed to compose himself. The young man was starting to wonder if the reason Wyatt wanted to talk to Glitch was that he was so maddeningly oblivious. Rolling his eyes, Jeb scanned the woods behind Glitch to make sure no one was looking for them yet or had heard his voice. Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Jeb rubbed at his face and turned his attention back to Glitch and tried to make sure the Headcase got it this time. “I’m not worried about you replacing anyone because he’s already told me that he doesn’t care about you as much as he does me. And not in a paternal capacity.” He added, watching as realization dawned on the other’s face.
“You’re lying.” Glitch’s voice sounded tight as what little color he had faded away.
Jeb crossed his arms, proud of his progress if not how he gained it. “You don’t believe me?” He asked almost lazily, making sure to keep acting calm as he watched all Glitch’s grand visions of a picturesque life with Wyatt after the O.Z.’s long awaited restoration shatter into tiny, heartbreaking pieces.
“He’s found me again, he doesn’t need you.” He added conversationally.
“Well he seemed to be doing just fine before you came along.” Glitch shot back, the rancor in his words catching Jeb off-guard, but he would fight to keep his Father if it came to that.
The blond brushed it off, convincing himself it was denial on Glitch’s part, saying tauntingly. “You were just to help pass the time. You can try and change it, but it won’t do you any good.” Jeb knew that he was being cruel, but he didn’t care as long as Glitch understood that Wyatt wasn’t his and kept that fact in his head. Whatever it took to keep Wyatt, Jeb was willing to do it. By now, Glitch was shaking with restrained fury, hands balled into fists as he remained tight-lipped. Jeb decided to give him one last push, “Don’t you think you should run along now? You’ll need every chance if you want to get him.” He smiled as Glitch caved.
“It’s on!” Glitch declared vehemently, his face turning several colors as his self-control cracked. “He’s not going to choose you over me.” He insisted, but he followed Jeb’s advice and turned around, coat swirling around him as he stomped through the woods angrily, casting frequent glances back at Jeb as he went.
The Resistance leader’s expression didn’t change, his smug smile still perfectly intact as he waved. Glitch might think he and Wyatt had something, but Jeb was his son - there wouldn’t be any competition at all. Jeb sighed wistfully and looked around, wanting to sink to the ground. He’d never been able to do the supremely confident jerk act without feeling drained later on. He hadn’t needed to do that, but he’d wanted to, wanted the victory even if it wouldn’t mean much. It was pathetic that he felt to need to prove himself against someone that he might never see again. He might never see either of them again. Jeb ran a hand through his dirty blond hair and glanced around one last time before he set out to join the action of what might be the last battle.
Jeb was almost clear of the trees when he saw the others were leaving the hiding place among the rocks in neat files to move closer, Wyatt at the end of the group. “Dad!” He called out when he broke free of the woods, wanting at least one more hug before they separated for their tasks. Wyatt stopped at the sound of his voice and turned around to the others, motioning to a curious DG for them to continue while he moved back to his son.
“There you are. Wondered where you’d disappeared to - thought I wouldn’t be able to say goodbye.” Wyatt admitted, observing Jeb carefully, coming to stand only an arm’s length away.
“Had to take care of something. I was afraid I’d miss you leaving.” Jeb told him without thinking, wrapping his arms around him.
“Glitch disappeared, too. Seemed upset when he showed back up,” Wyatt informed him casually.
“Maybe he wandered off and got mad at his lack of brains.” Jeb stated helpfully and truthfully, in his opinion, waiting for Wyatt’s arms to come around him.
“Jeb…” The warning was evident and Jeb pulled back just enough to meet his eyes, still trained to pay attention to that tone. “What did you do?”
“If you want, you can spank me when you get back, Daddy.” Jeb answered glibly and dived back into the hug, avoiding the question as well as his Father’s face, grinning when he felt Wyatt’s face flush, the warmth a welcome sensation as a pair of arms held him tightly to the strong body of his Father.
“I love you kid, you know that?” Wyatt whispered in his ear, breath warm against his skin.
“Mmhm,” Jeb made a sound of satisfaction and agreement, almost purring as a hand began to move sensually along his back, but the hand stopped, the hold on him loosening as a loud explosion tore the air, drawing their attention to the Tower as the outside walls began to burst into flames.
Wyatt sighed and let him go, readjusting his hat. “Let’s go.”
The headache was going to be torture once Cain quit pushing it away, but he still had a job to do no matter how his body ached. They had taken care of the Sun Seeder without Raw and Glitch being seriously injured, but he had to find DG. Cain had let her go after Azkadellia alone even though he doubted if she’d be able to harm her sister. Her safety had been left in his hands and now the worry was eating him up inside.
Slowing down near an open doorway, Wyatt heaved a sigh of relieve when he saw all the Royals embracing one another in the middle of the sitting room. DG was there, and she had her sister back for the first time in annuals as well as both her parents. Cain’s face crinkling into a smile when he heard the other two stop behind him and they walking into the room together when DG noticed them, her blue eyes alight with joy. The sight of the Royal family hugging each other so tightly warmed something inside of him, even as they broke apart. The young princess came over to hug each of her friends individually before returning to stand beside her family where she belonged, her hand moving to Azkadellia’s without thought as they watched the O.Z. become bathed in golden light.
The blissfully content, floating sensation that had bubbled up among the weariness he felt diminished as he guiltily cut his eyes off to the side, finding Glitch’s unwaveringly kind and patient smile on him.
“Glitch…” Cain started softly.
“Go to him.” The other man interjected gently, dark eyes faintly twinkling.
For a moment, Cain stood there in wonder. It wasn’t a lie to say that he’d paid more attention to the former advisor than anyone else did, so he didn’t miss the signs that something was bothering headcase, ranging from the slightly creased brow to the shining eyes and diligently perfect posture. Wyatt wasn’t sure what Jeb had said and he didn’t know what he should say, but what made things worse was that Cain didn’t know if he wanted to say something to help Glitch or to ease his own guilt.
“It’s okay.” Glitch told him, soothing his unspoken feelings with kind words, the comfort and support making Cain feel like there had been a reversal of roles. Glitch was supposed to be the one that needed taken care of, yet now he was acting with a sort of self-confidence and assurance that Cain wasn’t used to seeing in him. The Glitch standing before him seemed perfectly capable of taking care of himself, he didn’t need the help that every instinct Cain had was screaming he did.
That observation made Cain wonder if part of him was using Glitch as a safety net, an excuse to not risk anything with Jeb. Here he was, the great defender, losing his sense of security for something that until this moment he wasn’t really sure if he could pursue. The clarity with which Wyatt realized that he’d only been able to consider going after Jeb because Glitch was there for him to fall back on hurt, but it looked like Glitch had known that simple truth all along and that hurt more than anything else.
“Glitch,” Cain tried again, wanting to do something to make things right, anything to make it easier. “You’re clever and -”
“I said it’s okay.” Glitch insisted, still using that same heartbreakingly soft tone, dark eyes seeming bigger than they ever had before. “I’m fine, but he’s waiting.” Glitch looked over his shoulder at the Royal family, all of them still standing out of the balcony and watching the suns, the princesses holding hands. Cain took the chance and looked around as well, noticing for the first time that Raw had vanished form the room, probably leaving before he was flooded with emotions. “Go on, I’ll tell them you’ve gone to check on him.”
Wyatt stared at Glitch, knowing this would be the deciding moment for his future and he wouldn’t be able to take it back. Wyatt Cain tipped his hat at the former Advisor, “Thank you.”
Wyatt took a single step backwards before turning around and fleeing the room, never looking back at Glitch as he ran along the hallway. He was moving through them blindly, not paying attention to the turns he made, driven by the overwhelming need to find Jeb, make sure he was safe. By the time Wyatt realized he wasn’t heading in the direction of the usual exit and entrance point, he’d ran too far to backtrack, having become hopelessly lost in the multitude of identical corridors. Slowing to a halt to catch his breath, Wyatt looked around the twisting passages before choosing a doorway further down the wall in front of him. It was just a plain doorway, but something drew him to it, making him push it open as silently as he could.
The room he found on the other side of the door was spacious with rich tapestries adorning the walls and multiple brilliant chandeliers glittering overhead. It wasn’t hard for Wyatt to imagine the room filled with people in brightly colored clothes, spinning together effortlessly across the floor, lost in a moment of instinctual motion. The room seemed so out of place in the Tower, but that didn't matter to Wyatt, none of the details of the room weren’t important because standing in the middle of the room looking small and lost was Jeb.
The saw each other at the same time, their eyes immediately checking for injuries as they began to move, making sure the other was okay. Jeb looked as worn as he felt and was covered in scrapes and bruises, but none of them seemed too serious as Wyatt swept his son up in his arms, infinitely relieved.
“What are doing here?” He demanded fiercely, clutching his son to him, using one hand to trace a cut along his cheek before slipping that arm back around him. “Supposed to stay safe.”
Jeb laughed and repeated his words from earlier that day. “You can spank me if you want.”
Wyatt pulled away and smiled at Jeb. “Keep saying that and I might.”
Jeb grinned.