Title: More Than Meets the Eye pt. 2
Rating: PG-13
Summary: "Every moment with Jacob was beyond perfect and he couldn't bare to face the fact that he had to leave later that day."
Pairing: Jacob Black/Joe Jonas
Warnings: Boy love, and kissing... and a melodramatic!Jacob makes an appearance.
Author Notes: Part two! Sorry it took so long, we (Kai and I) have been very busy and have had some trouble finding time to write this. And, sadly, it will be around another two weeks before we get, wait for it... part three! out. Yeah, part three, this part is short, and cute and we hope you guys like it! :D
Oh, and thank you to EVERYONE who read and reviewed part one <3
PART1 ------
Jacob traced his warm fingers along Joe's back. They were lying in the middle of a glad in the forest, soaking up the sun on one of La Push's rare sunny days. Joe had removed his shirt and was dozing on his stomach. Jacob gnawed on his lip softly, watching the boy's skin shift over his muscles as he breathed.
Joe's eyes had drifted closed from the heat and the tingles that were sent through his body from Jacob's fingers. His head rested on his tan arms as he laid close to Jacob. Even though it was sunny, it was still cold but Jacob's body heat kept him perfectly warm.
Jacob pressed a soft kiss in between Joe's shoulder blades, inhaling his scent again. They'd been damn near inseparable for two days and it still sent his head into a spin whenever he caught it.
Joe bit his lip and a small smile graced his features when he felt Jacob kiss his back. Every moment with Jacob was beyond perfect and he couldn't bare to face the fact that he had to leave later that day.
He slid warm hands along Joe's bare sides, smiling wolfishly when he shivered.
Joe's eyes opened and met Jacob's almost black ones. He smiled and squirmed a little at his touch, "...Jacob."
"Yes?" The boy grinned, raking his nails lightly along Joe's sides.
Joe rolled on his side and closer to Jacob, "Do you enjoy making me squirm?" He questioned, one of his eyebrows raised slightly.
"I do." Jacob chuckled softly, eyes glittering.
Joe laughed quietly, his face changed from one of happiness to one of sadness. He reached out and touched Jacob's hot face, "I don't want to leave..." he stated, his voice barely audible.
Jacob's smile dropped, face all seriousness and eyes filled with an anguish they'd never before known. "I know... I don't want you to."
Joe pouted and tried to scoot even closer to Jacob, he really wished the burning knot in his throat would go away. "Jacob, the way I feel about you ... I've never felt it around anyone else. I don't know what it means, but, I think it means something." The smaller man shut in eyes in an attempt to try and maybe regain some composure. Even now, with how amazingly close they had become, he refused to let his senstive, girly side show. At least not like that.
Jacob said nothing, sliding his arms around Joe's waist and pulling him closer. He knew exactly what was going on but he didn't know how to tell Joe. The news alone was shocking enough but Jacob couldn't begin to think of how they would (if they could) work it out.
He felt the way Jacob tensed up, and he had a feeling something was wrong. He started to panick but mentally chided himself for assuming that without the proper information. "What's wrong?"
"It's nothing, it's just... this may very well be the last time we see each other. I don't want to let you go but I have to..." Jacob mumbled into Joe's hair, running through his options. He couldn't go with Joe, LA was a city, a huge one with little to no forest for him to run in, he could leave his wolf from behind but a pain spiked through him at the thought, he couldn't just abandon his heritage and pack. Joe couldn't stay here, he had a family and a job, people would notice, people would ask questions.
Joe looked up at Jacob, his brown eyes filled with concern and skepticism, "It's not nothing, I can tell. Besides, I can handle it. If it's bad, maybe not very well, but I can." Joe announced, his face firm with certainty.
Jacob clenched his jaw, studying Joe carefully. "Joe... in the Quileute tribe there are others of my kind. We're not werewolves, but merely shape-shifters. Since we take the form of wolves, we invariably receive some of their traits. One of them is the tendency to mate for life." He went on quickly, trying not to scare the boy too bad. "But since that doesn't make any sense for humans, our life partner isn't defined by who we have sex with but who we imprint on."
Joe blinked, staring at Jacob. He belived him it's just that, well, it was a lot for him to take in. "What do you mean by, 'imprint on'? Is that like ..." he paused, unable to find the right words to describe what he was trying to say, "What's imprinting? Wait ..." Joe paused, going over what Jacob had said so far, the words "life partner" stuck out especially, "Are you trying to say what I think you're trying to say?"
Jacob averted his eyes carefully. "I'm not... sure... but I may have... imprinted on you."
Joe tensed up slightly, and sighed, "That's not necessarily, bad, is it?
"You have to think about it, Joseph!" He snapped, turning his head to face him again. "That means we can't be apart. Or we'll DIE."
The young man in question rolled onto his back, breathing out. His thoughts flew through his head at the speed of light. What are we going to do? I don't wanna die! What am I going to tell my family? 'Oh hey, I'm in love with a (lack of a better word) wolf-man and if we're not always around each other we'll die'. What will happen to Jacob? "...What are we going to do?"
"I don't know, that's what I'm trying to think of. I don't know how long we can stay apart without... causing damage of some sort. I can't go with you, you can't stay here... I'm all out of options." He let out a pained exhale, pulling his knees up and slinging his arms over them, dropping his head in defeat.
Joe sat up and turned to face him, his hand rubbing his back in a effort to at least try and make him feel a little better. He didn't know what to say so he didn't say anything, he just sat there next to Jacob. He reached for his phone on the ground next to him and looked at the time, 12:13. There were no missed calls or texts so he was good for now.
Jacob ran a hand through his hair, tugging at it in irritation. "I've got nothing. Unless you can pull out some sort of miracle, this is gonna turn out pretty damn bad."
Joe shook his head, "I can't think of anything. I hardly know to do .. or say, at this point." The thoughts of what was most likely going to happen poked and prodded at his mind and only made matters worse. The need and want to break down and cry grew stronger and stronger with every passing moment but he couldn't do that. He refused.
"Damn... if you just hadn't come here... None of this would've happened." He mumbled.
Joe bit his lip and hunched over on himself, pulling away from Jacob. He felt like his whole world was caving in, even though there was a tiny little voice in the back of his head saying, 'Don't feel bad, he's not upset at you! He's just stressed out!' His face was pulled into a deep frown and his hands were folded in his lap.
Jacob noticed the boy's mood and pulled him close, placing his chin on top of Joe's head. "I'm glad you came. But this is going to be harder on you than me. You have so much more to lose."
Joe exhaled and snuggled in close to Jacob, "Yeah." He agreed quietly, "As of right now, I wish none of this had ever happened. But I'm glad it did... in a weird way."
"I'm sorry." He said softly, looking at Joe meaningfully.
Joe managed to smile a little, just for Jacob, "Don't be sorry, it's not your fault." He sighed heavily and looked around at the long grass and the tall, dark trees when he thought he saw something move. "Did you see that?" He asked quietly, still staring at the trees.
Jacob's head snapped up, inhaling sharply. He shook his head. "Just another one of the pack, you're fine." He muttered, giving a low warning growl. An answering whine sounded from the brush, the noise was anxious, worried.
Joe stared warily at the trees for another moment before he turned his head back. He checked the time again, 12:36. His parents told him to be back by two so luckily they still had some time left. "Jacob, if I weren't so busy all the time, would I still not be able to stay here?"
"Of course you could. I just assumed you wouldn't want to... You have everything a guy your age wants. And you have your family to think about." He said softly.
Joe sighed, "Yeah ... but I mean," he mentally cringed at what he was about to say. It was so lame and cheesy to him, "I wanna be where ever you are, for sure."
"I'd never begrudge you that right." He smiled warmly. "But I can't force you to do anything."
Joe smiled in return, hoping that this last hour with Jacob would maybe help him when he, inevitably, left in a little bit. He hoped with all he had that this would work out but he had a feeling that it wasn't going to.
Jacob brushed his lips over Joe's gently, nuzzling him and pressing their foreheads together. He closed his eyes with a sigh. "I don't know what to do, Joe."
Joe swallowed, "Me neither... I can't hardly handle the thought of leaving you." His hands curled around Jacob's neck. The burning, ever growing knot in his throat grew but he was able to hold it back, just barely.
"I'm not gonna let you go." He murmured, pulling Joe tighter against him. "Even if I have to move to LA and never shift again."
Joe was taken aback, "You know I would never make you do that, and I know you don't want to. Don't go through that for me, it's not needed."
"If I have to, I will." Jacob repeated, catching Joe's eyes. His own burned.
Joe was stuck, he wanted to Jacob around him all the time but he knew how hard that would be for him and he could never do that to him. Joe pursed his lips, "You won't have to ... I hope." The last part was nearly silent as he continued to stare at the amazing person infront of him.
"We'll figure this out. I promise." Jacob said, kissing him again. It sounded a whole lot like he was trying to convince himself.
Joe scooted closer to Jacob as they kissed. He was trying so hard to not to lose it, he coudn't, not know. He prayed that this would work out for the best, that they would, in fact be able to get through this.
Jacob hooked an arm around Joe's neck, pulling them closer with a low growl.
Joe's whimper went unnoticed as the moment intensified. His hand rested on Jacob's stomach and he focused on the feeling of Jacob's hot mouth moving against his own. He never wanted to leave this spot; he never wanted to leave Jacob, ever.
He pulled back, gasping a little. "What do you want, Joe? Anything. Just tell me."
Joe whined and wrapped his arms around Jacob's waist, pressing his face against his chest, "I want to be with you forever... but as of right now, I just want, you."
"What do you want me to do." He murmured softly next to his ear.
Joe was about to answer when, just his luck, his phone started ringing. He paused and turned around to look down at it, "Nick" was printed across the screen and he sighed. Looking back at Jacob, his voice was almost cracking, "It's Nick... I have to leave."
Jacob nodded, pressing this lips together tightly. "I understand."
The smaller man bit his lip for a second before he pressed his mouth against Jacobs. He cupped his face and pressed his body against Jacobs awkardly, when he pulled away there were unshed tears present. He stood up, wiping at eyes, and gathered his things.
"Promise you'll come back." Jacob whispered, still on the ground.
Joe stared at him a long moment before saying, "I promise." He stood there, for a moment, looking around before saying, "Now how do you get back?"
Jacob chuckled, standing and taking his hand to lead the way.
When they reached the edge of the trees, Joe turned to look at Jacob, knowing he probably would want to stay in the woods. "I'm really going to miss you... and like I said before, I promise that I'll come back."
"I'll be waiting." He said softly, eyes torn with agony.
Joe nodded, nearly shaking with the effort to not cry. He grabbed a hold of Jacobs big, tan hand and squeezed it before he left to the inn where he knew his family was waiting. Luckily, he was able to compose himself during the short walk back.
---------------------------------
Two weeks, three days and seven hours had gone by since Joe left La Push--not that he was keeping track or anything. The first couple of days had been, tolerable. But it was getting to the point where he could hardly eat, be talkative, or sleep all through the night. Of course, he ate when he absolutely had to and luckily no one seemed to notice how he had gotten dark circles under his eyes. Most times, if he didn't need to go anywhere, he just sat around the house. Of course he had tried to distract himself, but that was proving to be much easier said than done.
Nick entered his older brother's room, sitting beside him. "Look man, I know something's wrong."
The brother in question merely glanced at Nick. "And...?"
"You're getting worse everyday. Tell me what's going on."
Joe sighed, he really didn't want to tell Nick but he knew that his brother had a right to know. "Well, you know the native I met, Jacob?"
"The really hot tan guy with the sweet ponytail?"
Joe was actually able to crack a smile and nodded before he continued. "Well, uh, it's just that I was spending a lot of time with him and I really, really, really liked him. And, you know I hate sounding like a pussy but... I miss him, so much. You have no idea."
"Well... I mean... I kinda met someone too-- I miss him but I think its different for you."
Joe chuckled, "You mean that Mike guy? But I know what you mean and I think it is. I mean, this really isn't normal... who gets so attached to someone after just a week?" He shook his head.
"Yeah it's not like you guys are wolves or anything." Nick laughed.
Joe snorted, 'You have no idea.' He sighed again, "Yeah.. it's just," he stopped to rub his face, "I don't know what to do."
"Well... go back." The younger boy shrugged.
Joe raised his eyebrows, "And I would tell mom and dad what, exactly? 'Oh hey, I'm going back to Washington because I really really miss this guy and I can't really stand being away from him mich longer.' Yeah because that would go over so well."
Nick just looked at him. "So?"
Joe stared at him, incredulity written across his face, "'So?' Nick, come on, that is so not realistic." Joe was exasperated, he was absolutely clueless as to what he was going to do. He could go back but... he knew his parents would be like, 'What? No, Joseph. Blah blah blah, why?' And he couldn't answer that question
"Just say you want to go back, you don't need a reason." He shrugged.
Joe considered that for a minute, "Okay. But I can't go alone, that'd just be ... too weird for mom and dad. You can come and, uh, reunite with.. whomever."
"Mmm Mike." Nick grinned.
Joe raised his eyebrows and nodded, smiling, "Okay, not even going to ask. So uh ... when do you wanna leave?"
"Whenever you want to." He smiled.
Joe stared at his wall, "Well, as soon as I talk to mom and dad I'll let you know. Probably in a few days. Good thing we're doing like, nothing for the next month."
So, of course, Joe talked to his parents and after much convincing that it was nothing, that he was going to be okay, they actually let him go. Of course, he had to call once he got there and every day following his landing. So now, two days later he and Nick were getting ready to leave.
"Are we gonna stay at the same inn?" Nick asked, slinging his bag over his shoulder.
Joe sniffed, "Yeah, probably. Why?" He lead the way downstairs to say bye to his parents, Frankie (who was jealous, although he would never be caught dead admitting it) and Kevin.
"Just wondering if you were gonna shack up with your boytoy." He murmured in Joe's ear, smirking.
Joe gaped and turned around, "Don't call him that," he wasn't really upset but he meant it, "And no, I'd leave that to you, Mr. I-fuck-random-guys," he teased.
"Whatever, he was hot."
So Joe and Nick said good-bye to everyone and four hours later they had arrived in the tiny city of La Push. The two brothers were currently in their room, Joe had just called their mom to reassure her that they were okay and that he would call again tomorrow, just like he promised. Neither of them really knew what to do except maybe go get some food and hope they ran into someone they knew on the way.
Nick sighed softly, shoving his hands into his pockets. "We should go to the Newton's store. I need some hiking boots." He said innocently.
Joe looked at Nick skeptically, "Hiking boots? Since when do you hike?" He asked, laughing a little since he guessed what the reason was... seeing as how Mike was Mr. Nature man and, according to Nick, went hiking all the time.
"I hike all the time. I love nature." He sniffed airily.
Joe just nodded, grabbing a sweatshirt, "Sure you do, Nick. Let's just go." He said, shaking his head and chuckling.
The young boy grinned widely, maneuvering gracefully to head towards the nature goods store. He slipped inside, immediately trailing over to the counter. As the boys were inside, the loud roar of a motorcycle engine sounded outside, crunching over the gravel.
Joe stopped, he drowned out every sound around him as he heard the motorcycle. He only hoped it was who he thought it was. But as he turned towards the door and saw nothing of importance, he sighed, looked at the ground and walked back over to Nick. He was disappointed that it was nothing, probably just some old, middle-aged biker dude. He felt awkward standing beside Nick, who was obviously flirting with Mike while they talked and, reunited. Lucky Nick...
Nick waved Joe off, leaning over and whispering in his ear. "Go ahead and wander around. He'll find you, I'm sure."
Joe bit his lip and smiled a quick smile of thanks to his brother before he nearly ran out the store. Once outside, in the cold, biting air he looked around. Not quite sure which direction to go.. he figured he'd just go wherever he feet took him. Before long he was walking along the road, looking around absently, mainly just absorbing his surroundings.
There were a few distant howls in the forest, members of the pack most likely.
Joe's ears, almost instinctively, picked up said howls and his stomach fluttered. The sounds were almost like a reminder that Jacob really is here... just where exactly was the question. He walked a fraction faster and shoved his hands deeper into his pockets.
A small grey wolf bounded out of the brush beside him, swishing her tail with an odd wolfy grin.
Joe almost jumped from the unexpected ineraction. But once he realized that the wolf meant no harm he calmed down. He knew it wasn't Jacob but probably one of his friends. He petted the animal gently, "Are you friends with Jacob?" He inquired.
The wolf winked, grasping at the hem of his shirt and tugging him a little. 'C'mon dude, we need you right now.'
Joe grinned, still stroking and petting the thick grey fur. "Good... maybe you can tel--er, show me where he is? Maybe...?"
Leah hunkered down a little, gesturing with her head for him to get on.
Joe's eyes widened a little, the wolf was big but ... he just shrugged and climbed on. Hoping he wasn't too heavy for her...
She bucked a little, forcing Joe to grasp her around her neck and tuck his head down in oder to stay put, before she took off like a rocket into the wood.
Joe clinged to her tighter, tucking his head down against her back. He relaxed into the big warm body and let his mind wander to... well, Jacob.
After a short time, they arrived in front of a small log house. Half demolished cars were tucked over to one side just outside of a make-shift garage with more automotive parts inside.
Joe lifted his head and slid off her body, staring at the small house. It must be where Jacob lives... where he is. He wrung his hands together and took a tentative step towards the house. He didn't know what to do ... does he just waltz up and say hi? Or what...
Leah nudged him with her head before her form shimmered. Soon a naked woman was standing brazenly next to him, hands folded over her breasts. "Go inside already." She huffed.
Joe sighed, extremely nervous at the reaction he may recieve. Even though he really, really wanted to see Jacob, he didn't want to go alone. He took a couple more steps toward the house, he was almost shaking with nerves. Finally he was infront of the door, he took a deep breath and knocked. His stomach was in knots and his breathing couldn't seem to stay even...
"He's all messed up since you left. He won't even leave his room." She sighed, nudging him with her shoulder.
Joe pursed his lips, he felt so bad for leaving Jacob, his Jacob. He sucked it up and opened the door, slowly walking inside. The tiny house was dark and a bit cluttered. No one was around at all, he assumed Jacob's dad was out.. doing whatever. He looked back at Leah, "Which way?"
"Back room." She murmured, pulling a shirt off the hook by the door and tugging it on to cover herself at Joe's terrified glance.
Joe, grateful that he didn't have to see her naked anymore, looked back down the short hallway, seeing the closed door at the end. He walked towards it, getting more and more anxious with each passing step before he was infront of it. He strained his ears to hear anything, and he heard nothing. Does he just open the door? Again, he's at a loss at what to do.
The door swung open. Jacob looked like hell, his eyes were ringed in dark circles and bags, it was clear he hadn't been able to sleep well. "Joe." He breathed, face relaxing almost immediately. "I thought- I mean I could smell you but... I thought I was imagining..."
The smaller man exhaled, overwhelmed with seeing him. "Jacob..." he clung to him, wrapping his arms around the big, hot body and inhaling deeply. Unaware of just how much he missed him until this very moment.
Jacob held him tightly, body relaxing and molding against Joe's. There was a soft click of the front door as Leah left them alone. "I missed you." The man breathed after a short time.
Joe breathed deeply, "I missed you too... so much." He looked up at Jacob, really, really hoping that this wasn't just another way too realistic dream of his.
"Don't ever go away for that long again. I thought I was going to die." He murmured softly, inhaling Joe's scent.
Joe reached up and tangled his fingers in Jacob's hair and shook his head, "I won't. I wouldn't be able to.."
Jacob sealed his mouth over Joe's desperately, giving a soft satisfied groan when they were pressed together again after so long.
Joe felt weak in the knees, he pressed his body against Jacob's and his fingers clung onto his biceps. Joe was desperate after such a long time, he needed to be around Jacob all the time now. There was no doubt in his mind, he couldn't be away from him.
Jacob tugged him into the room, sitting on his bed and just holding Joe. He brushed his fingers along the boy's high cheekbones and along his sharp jaw. Jacob's breathing was shallow and quiet, ghosting over Joe's skin lightly.
Joe clung to Jacob, his arms wrapped securely around his neck. "Shit, Jacob... You have no idea how much I missed you. I can't do that again.." he said quietly, fingers brushing against his hot, dark skin.
"I thought... It felt like you'd ripped a hole in me and it was never coming back." He breathed, looking up at Joe in his lap with a strange expression. Jacob looked torn, scared Joe was going to disappear again.
Joe cupped his face, concern printed across his face, "As long as it's up to me, I'm never, ever leaving you again. You hear?"
"Swear it. You can't just do that to me."
He shook his head feverently, "I won't. And if anyone tries to make me leave... well, it won't work. I can't be away from you. I wont."
He slid his arms around Joe's waist gently, just holding him. "Good. Because I can't be away from you."
He cuddled closer to Jacob, just letting a comfortable silence fill the room. His hands slowly running through thick, dark hair and his breath coming out in warm clouds against Jacob's neck.
Jacob pulled him back to lay on the bed, arms still wrapped tight around him. They lay like that for a while, just watching each other, touching their hair, arms, chests, faces in flights of fancy. Jacob slid into unconsciousness eventually, body curled around Joe's.
When Jacob fell asleep, Joe was watched him for a little. Thinking how peacful he looked, but it was not long before he could hardly keep his eyes open and finally let them close. The fear that he would wake up and be back home in sunny California the next day was prodding at his mind relentlessly.
Jacob slept deeply, arms clamped around Joe's waist as if he would fade like a dream or a memory if he didn't hold him with all his strength. When he woke, hours later, to find the boy still there, he almost cried with relief.
While he slept it was black and blank, but lasted for what seemed like seconds before he opened his eyes to see Jacob's shirt. He looked up and smiled, "Hi," his voice was rough and thick from sleep. He blinked a few times and rubbed at his face tiredly.
"You snore slightly." Jacob said softly with a smile.
Joe pursed his lips, "So? At least it's only a little..." He smiled, only slightly embarrased.
"It's cute." He leaned in, kissing Joe's lips again with the same satisfied sigh.
Joe bit his lip and kissed Jacob back before he pulled away and scooted closer to Jacob's body, "So, do you, er, we have any plans today? Or are we just going to laze around all day? Because if that's the case I am so okay with that. What time is it anyway?"
Jacob leaned over Joe's body to squint at the digital clock on the bedside table. "3:40am." He said, surprised.
Joe's eyes widened almost comically, "Holy shit... seriously?" Joe leaned up to look at the clock and .. saw nothing but a red blur seeing as how he didn't have his contacts in or his glasses.
"Yeah, we were out for a long time I guess." Jacob murmured, scratching his head and pushing his hair out of his eyes.
Joe sighed and pulled out his phone, having to squint to read what it said: "10 Missed Calls" and they were all from Nick... and what do you know, he left voicemails too. Still laying next to Jacob, the smaller man listened to them. They went from kind of worried to downright panicked, to smug and being a smartass. He rolled his eyes and mouthed, 'oh my god.'
"Nice brother you have there." Jacob chuckled, amused at the voicemails.
Joe laughed, "I know, right?" He shook his head, "I'll call him back later..." He put the phone back into his pocket and rolled back onto his side, impossibly close to Jacob.
He laughed softly, pressing a hot kiss to his neck. "He sounded worried."
Joe let his eyes slide closed, exhaling softly, "Yeah, he panicks. Bet he's fine now, probably passed out on a bed, still clutching his phone in one hand."
He nuzzled his neck softly. "Sweet boy. Keeping an eye on my heart for me."
Joe grinned, a quiet laugh escaping and he nodded. His hands curled around the back of Jacobs neck and slid down to the small of his back. His hands slid up under his shirt and stroked the soft, warm skin there.
Jacob pulled in a breath with a soft hiss, fingers tangling in the fabric of Joe's shirt suddenly at the sensation. Joe's fingers were slightly cooler than Jacob's skin, by about ten degrees if you were gonna get technical.
A small smile graced Joe's mouth and he pushed his hand further up Jacob's back, pressing his fingers into the skin, his nails slightly scratching the skin. His lip tucked in between his teeth and his eyes glued to Jacob's face the whole time.
Jacob's eyes closed with a soft shallow gasp. His breathing and heartbeat accelerating in equal measure. "Joe..."
The man in question smiled, "Yes, Jacob?" He continued to gently rub and scratch Jacob's back, enjoying his reaction. His other hand was rested against Jacob's firm chest innocently.
"Are you asking for something?" Jacob smirked, laughing a little breathlessly.
Joe smirked, looked around the room briefly before he looked back at Jacob, "Maybe, why? Are you asking for something?" Joe wasn't quite sure if he was making sense or not but he didn't really care right now.
"Possibly." He smiled, sliding his hand over Joe's hip.
Joe smiled and bit his lip lightly, gently sliding his leg against Jacobs, "Well, what is it?"
"Well I am feeling sort of hungry."
Joe exhaled, and stared at Jacob before he felt a hunger pain stab his stomach at the thought of food, "Uh, me too." He admitted, laughing.
"And I'm sure I'm going to need all the energy I can get. For later." Jacob smirked.
Joe threw his head back laughed, a hand going up and rubbing his face, "Oh, Jacob... don't you forget it."