Four Brothers
Title: Gone 12/?
Author: veiledndarkness
Pairing: Future Bobby/Jack
Rating: R for violence, swearing
Disclaimer: Characters not mine, no harm intended.
Summary: AU. Jack's been taken, a pawn of Victor Sweet's game.
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xx
Jack spent most of the first three days sleeping, grateful to be in his own bed again. Bobby spoke little to him, his shoulders hunched when he did so. He picked up Jack's prescriptions and made his meals, his cooking passable enough for them. Angel stayed for the first few days, his leave almost up by then. He stopped in to see Jack on the last day.
Jack sat on his bed, staring out the window with a look of longing clear on his face. He jumped a little when Angel came into the room, mumbling an apology.
"I'm clearin' on out now, Jackie," Angel said simply.
"Oh..." Jack said. He leaned against the wall, his long legs drawn up to his chest. He rested his head on them, his eyes dull.
"You gonna say bye to me?" Angel asked after a moment of silence.
Jack tilted his head to glance at him. "Bye," he whispered. "Be safe."
Angel smiled thinly and took two quick steps into the room. He ruffled Jack's hair affectionately. "Always, Jackie Boy. Ain't none faster than me," he declared. "You gonna be alright till Bobby's home?"
Jack nodded, avoiding Angel's eyes. "M'fine," he said. "Just gonna lie down for awhile."
"Jerry went with him for groceries," Angel said. "Make sure he buys the healthy stuff an' all."
Jack rested his head to his knees again. "Right," he said.
Angel sighed lowly. "You gonna start speakin' proper again sometime?"
Jack closed his eyes. "What's to say?" he murmured. "I don't wanna talk about it anyway."
"You don't hafta, Jack. I just...You and Bobby..." Angel rubbed his hand over his smooth scalp. "Somethin' has to give."
Jack let out a bitter chuckle. "There is no me and Bobby."
"There could be," he said. "You both...you're both so stubborn."
"Leave it alone, man," Jack said tiredly. "There's nothin'...and maybe its better that way."
Angel started to speak before shaking his head. "Don't do nothin' stupid while I'm gone, y'hear?"
Jack nodded slowly. "Yeah, I hear," he echoed. "Bye Angel."
Angel heard the unspoken words and nodded as well. "Bye Jackie." He walked out of the room, sighing again as he went down the stairs.
Jack moved to his side, his eyes closing. He tugged the blanket over his body, drifting off to sleep again.
xx
Bobby pushed the grocery cart, a small scowl fixed on his face. He nudged the cart with his foot, grabbing a random box, Jerry's voice too close to his ear. "Back off, for fuck's sake," he snapped, edging away from him.
"Watch your mouth, Bobby," Jerry chided him as a woman with a small child scurried past them. "Good God, it's a wonder Mom took you anywhere with that mouth."
"St. Jeremiah, patron saint of adopted brothers and official curse catcher," Bobby muttered under his breath.
Jerry chuckled and walked leisurely beside him. "Yeah, you gonna be sorry some day when you smart off to the wrong guy," he said. "Which cereal you want?"
Bobby scanned the shelf quickly. "That one," he pointed to the colorful box nearby.
Jerry raised one eyebrow slowly. "Captain Crunch?" he said.
Bobby glared at him. "Jack likes it," he said, grabbing the box as he pushed the cart faster. He tossed it into the shopping cart, the squealing of the wheels grating on his already frayed nerves.
Jerry smiled and kept up, accustomed to Bobby's agitation in crowded stores. "I'm stoppin' by later. I haven't seen him since he got home," he said.
"He's breathin'," Bobby said, "Ain't that what counts?"
"Still not talkin' to each other?" Jerry guessed as he added several cans of soup to the cart.
"Brilliant deduction," Bobby said. He bit the inside of his cheek. "No...It's...it's fucked up, ok?"
"Y'all need to stop this...whatever the hell you wanna call it," Jerry said. "We almost lost Jack. I'd think by now you'd appreciate havin' him alive and home with you."
Bobby rolled his eyes and grabbed a box of microwave popcorn. "Don't lay that guilt trip on me," he growled. "I got him home, didn't I? I did everything I possibly could; he's alive and home cause of what we did. I can't make him talk, alright?"
"You're so damn stubborn, Bobby. You're makin' it so much harder than it has to be," Jerry said. "Tell him the truth. Tell him what you feel."
"I feel like chokin' you, does that count?" Bobby snapped. "M'not some fuckin' weak ass pussy, cryin' over his 'feelings'," he said with exaggerated air quotes. He spun the cart into the next aisle, his face flushed.
"Talkin' about all this doesn't make you weak," Jerry persisted. "And lovin' Jack doesn't either."
Bobby flinched, his eyes dark and cold. "Enough, just...stop for five goddamn minutes."
"Talk to him," Jerry said. He rested his hand on Bobby's shoulder warily. "Try it."
Bobby looked away, blowing a soft breath out. "He clams up around me," he mumbled, "Every time; I can't get nothin' out of him, 'cept for a yes or no."
"You gotta keep tryin', Bobby," Jerry said. "You never give up on anything else, so don't give up on Jack."
Bobby nodded silently. He swallowed, his throat working over the lump that was forming. Jerry let the subject drop as they continued down the aisle.
xx
Bobby climbed the stairs once the groceries were put away, a small frown on his face when he felt the cold breeze coming down the hallway. "Damn it, Angel," he grumbled. He went into Angel's room and closed the window, the thud echoing. He looked around the surprisingly neat room, a moment of sadness that Angel had left. They'd said their goodbyes that morning, knowing that Angel would be leaving while he was out.
He touched the wooden dresser, his eyes wandering around the various posters and decorations. He smiled slightly until he saw the picture of Sofi. He glared at the photo and walked past it, grateful to have her out of the house again. Bobby left the room, shutting the door with a muted squeak.
He rested his hand on the doorknob to Jack's room, hesitating. After a moment's pause, he turned it, opening the door. Jack lay on his bed, the sheets tangled around his body. Bobby walked across the carpet quietly, checking on him. Jack snuffled in his sleep, his skin still too pale to Bobby's critical eye. The blankets were here and there, leaving his chest bare and exposed. Bobby felt his breath catch as he looked at him, the bandage visible on Jack's shoulder.
Bobby blinked, wishing he could pretend that the fabric covered a new tattoo, rather than a bullet wound. He reached his hand out, his fingers hovering over the edge of the sheets. Jack sighed in his sleep, one hand tucked under his chin like always, the other gripping his pillow, his hair as messy as ever, falling in waves and flips over his forehead and neck.
Bobby swallowed dryly, his desires, everything he'd tried so damn hard to suppress, the restraint faded when he allowed himself close contact with Jack. He backed away, his skin prickling all over. He grabbed the blanket from the foot of the bed and unfolded it, draping the material over Jack's body.
Jack mumbled in his sleep, snuggling into the thicker blanket. Bobby smiled widely, an unrestrained smile. "Sleep Jackie," he whispered, letting his thumb run over the curve of Jack's cheek, touching the smooth skin for one surreal moment.
Jack relaxed under the touch, his breathing evening out. Bobby backed away reluctantly, his heart beating far too fast. He fled the room, his hands shaking when he stood in the hallway.
xx
Jack yawned softly when he awoke, rubbing at his eyes with his palms. He made his way out of the bed carefully, ignoring the pain in his shoulder when he moved. He dry swallowed one of the painkillers and walked to the bathroom. He made his way downstairs not long after, following the sounds coming from the kitchen.
"Bobby?" he said, his voice thick with sleep.
Bobby glanced at him, surprised to see him up. "Hey..." he said.
Jack surveyed the messy clutter on the counters, somewhat amused. He hunched his shoulders a bit, chilled in the early evening air. "You cookin'?"
Bobby grunted. "Yeah," he said. He peeled the potatoes quickly, his hand moving over the skins with ease. He looked back at Jack, his mouth opening a little. "Jesus....Jack, put some clothes on!" he sputtered.
Jack looked down at his long johns, shrugging with his good shoulder. "I was sleepin'," he said. "I just got up."
"I can see that," Bobby said dryly, color in his cheeks. "Go get dressed."
Jack blushed when he looked down at his lap. "Oh...uh, sorry," he mumbled, hurrying to cover his groin.
Bobby put the knife down, sighing. "No, sit there," he said. He grabbed a sweater from the dryer and tossed it at Jack, avoiding looking at him just then.
Jack tugged the sweater on, hissing under his breath at the flare of pain in his arm. The sweater fit comfortably, well worn from many washes. "Thanks..." he mumbled as he sat down on the nearest chair.
Bobby nodded and returned to the potatoes, cutting the peeled ones up. He worked in silence, overwhelmingly aware of Jack's presence behind him. Jack yawned widely and stood up, walking slowly to the fridge. Bobby paused in filling the pot on the stove.
"Sit down already," he said. "Whatever you want, just ask, Jackie."
"I'm thirsty," Jack murmured. Bobby poured him some juice and handed him the plastic cup, their fingers touching for a moment. Bobby met Jack's gaze, his breath catching. He looked away and put the juice container back.
Jack sipped the juice, watching Bobby prepare a simple dinner of fried chicken and mashed potatoes. Jack tilted his head after some time, hearing faint snatches of a tune. He smiled, hearing Bobby hum under his breath. He rested his hand on the table, considering Angel's words. Perhaps he'd been too hard on Bobby, expecting him to open up too quickly.
He looked out the back door, letting his mind wander to Daniel...his guard. Jack sighed inwardly, rubbing his forehead. Why had he bothered to check on Jack? Did he check on everyone who lived through those ordeals? Or was he the only one to survive? Jack frowned, his stomach churning the more he thought about it. He pushed all thoughts of Daniel out of his mind for the moment.
Bobby set the plate of food down. "You up to eatin' heavy?" he asked.
Jack nodded. "Yeah," he said. He caught Bobby's hand with his, entwining their fingers.
Bobby froze immediately, his dark eyes on Jack's face. "Jack..."
Jack rubbed his thumb over Bobby's knuckle. "Say Grace with me?" he asked.
Bobby nodded and helped him stand, holding his hand properly. He spoke the words, reciting what Evelyn had taught him and as he did, he felt a sense of hope grow within him.
Jack gripped Bobby's hand, relaxing with his words. He closed his eyes, smiling.
xx
Author: veiledndarkness
Pairing: Future Bobby/Jack
Rating: R for violence, swearing
Disclaimer: Characters not mine, no harm intended.
Summary: AU. Jack's been taken, a pawn of Victor Sweet's game.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
xx
Jack spent most of the first three days sleeping, grateful to be in his own bed again. Bobby spoke little to him, his shoulders hunched when he did so. He picked up Jack's prescriptions and made his meals, his cooking passable enough for them. Angel stayed for the first few days, his leave almost up by then. He stopped in to see Jack on the last day.
Jack sat on his bed, staring out the window with a look of longing clear on his face. He jumped a little when Angel came into the room, mumbling an apology.
"I'm clearin' on out now, Jackie," Angel said simply.
"Oh..." Jack said. He leaned against the wall, his long legs drawn up to his chest. He rested his head on them, his eyes dull.
"You gonna say bye to me?" Angel asked after a moment of silence.
Jack tilted his head to glance at him. "Bye," he whispered. "Be safe."
Angel smiled thinly and took two quick steps into the room. He ruffled Jack's hair affectionately. "Always, Jackie Boy. Ain't none faster than me," he declared. "You gonna be alright till Bobby's home?"
Jack nodded, avoiding Angel's eyes. "M'fine," he said. "Just gonna lie down for awhile."
"Jerry went with him for groceries," Angel said. "Make sure he buys the healthy stuff an' all."
Jack rested his head to his knees again. "Right," he said.
Angel sighed lowly. "You gonna start speakin' proper again sometime?"
Jack closed his eyes. "What's to say?" he murmured. "I don't wanna talk about it anyway."
"You don't hafta, Jack. I just...You and Bobby..." Angel rubbed his hand over his smooth scalp. "Somethin' has to give."
Jack let out a bitter chuckle. "There is no me and Bobby."
"There could be," he said. "You both...you're both so stubborn."
"Leave it alone, man," Jack said tiredly. "There's nothin'...and maybe its better that way."
Angel started to speak before shaking his head. "Don't do nothin' stupid while I'm gone, y'hear?"
Jack nodded slowly. "Yeah, I hear," he echoed. "Bye Angel."
Angel heard the unspoken words and nodded as well. "Bye Jackie." He walked out of the room, sighing again as he went down the stairs.
Jack moved to his side, his eyes closing. He tugged the blanket over his body, drifting off to sleep again.
xx
Bobby pushed the grocery cart, a small scowl fixed on his face. He nudged the cart with his foot, grabbing a random box, Jerry's voice too close to his ear. "Back off, for fuck's sake," he snapped, edging away from him.
"Watch your mouth, Bobby," Jerry chided him as a woman with a small child scurried past them. "Good God, it's a wonder Mom took you anywhere with that mouth."
"St. Jeremiah, patron saint of adopted brothers and official curse catcher," Bobby muttered under his breath.
Jerry chuckled and walked leisurely beside him. "Yeah, you gonna be sorry some day when you smart off to the wrong guy," he said. "Which cereal you want?"
Bobby scanned the shelf quickly. "That one," he pointed to the colorful box nearby.
Jerry raised one eyebrow slowly. "Captain Crunch?" he said.
Bobby glared at him. "Jack likes it," he said, grabbing the box as he pushed the cart faster. He tossed it into the shopping cart, the squealing of the wheels grating on his already frayed nerves.
Jerry smiled and kept up, accustomed to Bobby's agitation in crowded stores. "I'm stoppin' by later. I haven't seen him since he got home," he said.
"He's breathin'," Bobby said, "Ain't that what counts?"
"Still not talkin' to each other?" Jerry guessed as he added several cans of soup to the cart.
"Brilliant deduction," Bobby said. He bit the inside of his cheek. "No...It's...it's fucked up, ok?"
"Y'all need to stop this...whatever the hell you wanna call it," Jerry said. "We almost lost Jack. I'd think by now you'd appreciate havin' him alive and home with you."
Bobby rolled his eyes and grabbed a box of microwave popcorn. "Don't lay that guilt trip on me," he growled. "I got him home, didn't I? I did everything I possibly could; he's alive and home cause of what we did. I can't make him talk, alright?"
"You're so damn stubborn, Bobby. You're makin' it so much harder than it has to be," Jerry said. "Tell him the truth. Tell him what you feel."
"I feel like chokin' you, does that count?" Bobby snapped. "M'not some fuckin' weak ass pussy, cryin' over his 'feelings'," he said with exaggerated air quotes. He spun the cart into the next aisle, his face flushed.
"Talkin' about all this doesn't make you weak," Jerry persisted. "And lovin' Jack doesn't either."
Bobby flinched, his eyes dark and cold. "Enough, just...stop for five goddamn minutes."
"Talk to him," Jerry said. He rested his hand on Bobby's shoulder warily. "Try it."
Bobby looked away, blowing a soft breath out. "He clams up around me," he mumbled, "Every time; I can't get nothin' out of him, 'cept for a yes or no."
"You gotta keep tryin', Bobby," Jerry said. "You never give up on anything else, so don't give up on Jack."
Bobby nodded silently. He swallowed, his throat working over the lump that was forming. Jerry let the subject drop as they continued down the aisle.
xx
Bobby climbed the stairs once the groceries were put away, a small frown on his face when he felt the cold breeze coming down the hallway. "Damn it, Angel," he grumbled. He went into Angel's room and closed the window, the thud echoing. He looked around the surprisingly neat room, a moment of sadness that Angel had left. They'd said their goodbyes that morning, knowing that Angel would be leaving while he was out.
He touched the wooden dresser, his eyes wandering around the various posters and decorations. He smiled slightly until he saw the picture of Sofi. He glared at the photo and walked past it, grateful to have her out of the house again. Bobby left the room, shutting the door with a muted squeak.
He rested his hand on the doorknob to Jack's room, hesitating. After a moment's pause, he turned it, opening the door. Jack lay on his bed, the sheets tangled around his body. Bobby walked across the carpet quietly, checking on him. Jack snuffled in his sleep, his skin still too pale to Bobby's critical eye. The blankets were here and there, leaving his chest bare and exposed. Bobby felt his breath catch as he looked at him, the bandage visible on Jack's shoulder.
Bobby blinked, wishing he could pretend that the fabric covered a new tattoo, rather than a bullet wound. He reached his hand out, his fingers hovering over the edge of the sheets. Jack sighed in his sleep, one hand tucked under his chin like always, the other gripping his pillow, his hair as messy as ever, falling in waves and flips over his forehead and neck.
Bobby swallowed dryly, his desires, everything he'd tried so damn hard to suppress, the restraint faded when he allowed himself close contact with Jack. He backed away, his skin prickling all over. He grabbed the blanket from the foot of the bed and unfolded it, draping the material over Jack's body.
Jack mumbled in his sleep, snuggling into the thicker blanket. Bobby smiled widely, an unrestrained smile. "Sleep Jackie," he whispered, letting his thumb run over the curve of Jack's cheek, touching the smooth skin for one surreal moment.
Jack relaxed under the touch, his breathing evening out. Bobby backed away reluctantly, his heart beating far too fast. He fled the room, his hands shaking when he stood in the hallway.
xx
Jack yawned softly when he awoke, rubbing at his eyes with his palms. He made his way out of the bed carefully, ignoring the pain in his shoulder when he moved. He dry swallowed one of the painkillers and walked to the bathroom. He made his way downstairs not long after, following the sounds coming from the kitchen.
"Bobby?" he said, his voice thick with sleep.
Bobby glanced at him, surprised to see him up. "Hey..." he said.
Jack surveyed the messy clutter on the counters, somewhat amused. He hunched his shoulders a bit, chilled in the early evening air. "You cookin'?"
Bobby grunted. "Yeah," he said. He peeled the potatoes quickly, his hand moving over the skins with ease. He looked back at Jack, his mouth opening a little. "Jesus....Jack, put some clothes on!" he sputtered.
Jack looked down at his long johns, shrugging with his good shoulder. "I was sleepin'," he said. "I just got up."
"I can see that," Bobby said dryly, color in his cheeks. "Go get dressed."
Jack blushed when he looked down at his lap. "Oh...uh, sorry," he mumbled, hurrying to cover his groin.
Bobby put the knife down, sighing. "No, sit there," he said. He grabbed a sweater from the dryer and tossed it at Jack, avoiding looking at him just then.
Jack tugged the sweater on, hissing under his breath at the flare of pain in his arm. The sweater fit comfortably, well worn from many washes. "Thanks..." he mumbled as he sat down on the nearest chair.
Bobby nodded and returned to the potatoes, cutting the peeled ones up. He worked in silence, overwhelmingly aware of Jack's presence behind him. Jack yawned widely and stood up, walking slowly to the fridge. Bobby paused in filling the pot on the stove.
"Sit down already," he said. "Whatever you want, just ask, Jackie."
"I'm thirsty," Jack murmured. Bobby poured him some juice and handed him the plastic cup, their fingers touching for a moment. Bobby met Jack's gaze, his breath catching. He looked away and put the juice container back.
Jack sipped the juice, watching Bobby prepare a simple dinner of fried chicken and mashed potatoes. Jack tilted his head after some time, hearing faint snatches of a tune. He smiled, hearing Bobby hum under his breath. He rested his hand on the table, considering Angel's words. Perhaps he'd been too hard on Bobby, expecting him to open up too quickly.
He looked out the back door, letting his mind wander to Daniel...his guard. Jack sighed inwardly, rubbing his forehead. Why had he bothered to check on Jack? Did he check on everyone who lived through those ordeals? Or was he the only one to survive? Jack frowned, his stomach churning the more he thought about it. He pushed all thoughts of Daniel out of his mind for the moment.
Bobby set the plate of food down. "You up to eatin' heavy?" he asked.
Jack nodded. "Yeah," he said. He caught Bobby's hand with his, entwining their fingers.
Bobby froze immediately, his dark eyes on Jack's face. "Jack..."
Jack rubbed his thumb over Bobby's knuckle. "Say Grace with me?" he asked.
Bobby nodded and helped him stand, holding his hand properly. He spoke the words, reciting what Evelyn had taught him and as he did, he felt a sense of hope grow within him.
Jack gripped Bobby's hand, relaxing with his words. He closed his eyes, smiling.
xx